Steering device

Abstract

According to the embodiments, a steering device comprises a tube, a mobile member, a drive device that makes the mobile member move in the axial direction, a first fixing member that is provided to a first member that is one of the tube and the mobile member and fixes the tube and the mobile member to each other, and a restriction part that is provided to a second member that is the other of the tube and the mobile member so as to be separated from the first fixing member in the axial direction and restricts the relative rotation of the tube and the mobile member around a rotational axis that intersects the shaft center of a steering shaft. When a prescribed load acts on the tube in a direction that makes the first member move relative to the second member in a first direction that is included in the axial direction, one of the first member and the second member makes a deformation part that is provided to the other of the first member and the second member plastically deform in association with the movement of the first member relative to the second member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a steering device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a steering device includes a telescopic mechanism that moves a steering wheel closer to or farther from a driver, and a tilt mechanism that adjusts the tilt angle of the steering wheel. Further, for example, a steering device including a collision energy absorption mechanism that absorbs collision energy and reduces the reaction force applied to the driver during a vehicle collision is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, two energy absorption members are arranged on both the left and right sides of a tube that rotatably holds a steering shaft. Each of the two energy absorption members has a folded-back portion formed in a U shape or an arc shape. During a vehicle collision, the energy absorption member deforms so as to displace the position of the folded-back portion forward with a mounting portion fixed to the vehicle body as a fixed base point, thereby absorbing the collision energy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional configuration, since two energy absorption members are arranged on both the left and right sides of the tube, the space of the vehicle is occupied more by the steering device. That is, there is a risk that the mountability of the steering device on the vehicle will decrease.

[0006] Furthermore, in a telescopic mechanism, a moving member is fixed to a tube by a fixed member, and the moving member is moved by a driving device. However, depending on the arrangement of the fixed member and the moving member, when the driving device moves the moving member, a rotational moment is generated in the tube and the moving member, which may prevent the smooth movement of the moving member, the tube, and the steering shaft.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a steering device that has good mountability on a vehicle and can smoothly move a steering shaft in the axial direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, as an example, a tube rotatably attached around the axis of the steering shaft, a housing that holds the tube movably in the axial direction along the axis of the steering shaft, a moving member, a driving device attached to the housing that moves the moving member in the axial direction, a first fixing member provided on one of the first members of the tube and the moving member that fixes the tube and the moving member to each other, and a second member of the other of the tube and the moving member that is provided on the second member and is spaced apart from the first fixing member in the axial direction, and restricts relative rotation of the tube and the moving member around a rotation center axis that intersects the axis of the steering shaft. When a predetermined load acts on the tube in a direction in which the first member is relatively moved in a first direction included in the axial direction with respect to the second member, one of the first member and the second member plastically deforms a deformation portion provided on the other of the first member and the second member as the first member moves with respect to the second member. Therefore, as an example, since the collision energy of the vehicle is absorbed by the plastic deformation of one deformation portion, the steering device can reduce the occupied space and improve the mountability on the vehicle. Further, due to the arrangement of the moving member moved by the driving device and the first fixing member that fixes the moving member and the tube, a force that rotates around the rotation center axis may be generated when the driving device moves the moving member in the axial direction. However, the first fixing member and the restricting portion are axially spaced apart from each other, and suppress relative rotation of the tube and the moving member due to the rotational force when the driving device moves the moving member in the axial direction. For this reason, the steering device can smoothly move the moving member, the tube, and the steering shaft in the axial direction regardless of the arrangement of the moving member and the first fixing member.

[0009] In the above-described steering device, as an example, the first fixing member fixes the tube and the moving member to each other through a first hole provided in the first member and a first notch provided in the second member and open in the first direction. The restricting portion restricts relative rotation of the tube and the moving member about the rotation center axis through a second notch provided in the first member and open in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the predetermined load acts on the tube in a direction in which the first member moves relative to the second member in the first direction, the first fixing member disengages from the first notch in the first direction, and the restricting portion disengages from the second notch in the second direction. Thus, as an example, since the first fixing member and the restricting portion are arranged through the first notch and the second notch, the steering device can suppress the first fixing member and the restricting portion from hindering the operation of absorbing the above-described collision energy.

[0010] In the above-described steering device, as an example, the drive device includes a screw extending in the axial direction and a drive mechanism that rotates the screw about the axis of the screw. The moving member has a nut attached to the screw and moving in the axial direction as the screw rotates. The nut and the first fixing member are spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction. Thus, as an example, when the nut and the first fixing member are arranged at that position, a rotational force is generated about the rotation center axis when the drive device moves the nut in the axial direction. However, the first fixing member and the restricting portion suppress relative rotation of the tube and the moving member due to the rotational force when the drive device moves the nut in the axial direction. Therefore, the steering device can smoothly move the moving member, the tube, and the steering shaft in the axial direction regardless of the arrangement of the nut and the first fixing member.

[0011] In the above-described steering device, as an example, the second member has a deformable protrusion that restricts the first fixing member passing through the first notch from moving in the first direction with respect to the second member. Thus, as an example, when a load that causes the first fixing member to plastically deform the deformable protrusion does not act on the tube under normal conditions, the deformable protrusion restricts the relative movement between the first member and the second member. Therefore, under normal conditions, the tube and the steering shaft can smoothly move in the axial direction as the moving member moves by the driving device. Further, the deformable protrusion can be plastically deformed by the first fixing member, thereby stabilizing the magnitude of the input load to the tube that starts the operation of absorbing the energy of the above-described collision as compared with the case where the deformable protrusion breaks.

[0012] In the above-described steering device, as an example, the restricting portion has a second fixing member that fixes the tube and the moving member to each other through the second notch and a second hole provided in the second member. Thus, as an example, under normal conditions, the tube and the moving member are fixed by two fixing members, namely, the first fixing member and the second fixing member. Therefore, the rigidity of the steering device under normal conditions is improved.

[0013] In the above-described steering device, as an example, the restricting portion has an engaging protrusion protruding from the second member so as to pass through the second notch. Thus, as an example, the steering device does not need to provide a restricting portion as a component different from the second member, and the number of components can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In this specification, the components according to the embodiment and the description of the components may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components may be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0016] Figure 1 is a side view showing the steering device 10 according to the first embodiment. The steering device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as an automobile. Note that the steering device 10 is not limited to this example.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the steering device 10 includes a steering shaft 11, a steering wheel 12, a tube 13, a housing 14, a moving member 15, a driving device 16, a first fixing member 17, and a restricting portion 18. Note that the steering device 10 is not limited to this example. In this embodiment, the tube 13 is an example of the second member, and the moving member 15 is an example of the first member.

[0018] The steering shaft 11 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. In this specification, for convenience, the direction along the axis Ax1 of the steering shaft 11 is defined as the axial direction, the direction orthogonal to the axis Ax1 is defined as the radial direction, and the direction of rotation around the axis Ax1 is defined as the circumferential direction.

[0019] Furthermore, in this specification, for convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is provided along the axis Ax1. The Y-axis is provided along the left-right direction of the vehicle 1.

[0020] Furthermore, in this specification, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction are defined. The X-direction is the direction along the X-axis, including the +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X-axis and the -X direction opposite to the arrow of the X-axis. The Y-direction is the direction along the Y-axis, including the +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y-axis and the -Y direction opposite to the arrow of the Y-axis. The Z-direction is the direction along the Z-axis, including the +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z-axis and the -Z direction opposite to the arrow of the Z-axis. The X-direction is equal to the axial direction. Also, the Y-direction and Z-direction are included in the radial direction.

[0021] The steering shaft 11 can swing by the tilt mechanism of the steering device 10. When the axis Ax1 is horizontal, the +X direction is the front direction of the vehicle 1, and the -X direction is the rear direction of the vehicle 1. Also, the +Z direction is the upward direction of the vehicle 1, and the -Z direction is the downward direction of the vehicle 1. Depending on the inclination of the steering shaft 11, the X-direction and Z-direction are inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and up-down direction of the vehicle 1.

[0022] The steering wheel 12 is attached to the end of the steering shaft 11 in the -X direction. The steering shaft 11 and the steering wheel 12 can rotate integrally around the axis Ax1.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the tube 13, the moving member 15, and the driving device 16 of the first embodiment disassembled. As shown in FIG. 2, the tube 13 has an inner tube 21 and a stay 22.

[0024] The inner tube 21 is made of, for example, metal and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the axial center Ax1. The steering shaft 11 is rotatably attached inside the inner tube 21 around the axial center Ax1. Both ends of the steering shaft 11 in the X direction protrude from both ends of the inner tube 21 in the X direction.

[0025] The inner tube 21 has an outer surface 21a. The outer surface 21a is a substantially cylindrical curved surface facing radially outward. In the vicinity of the end of the inner tube 21 in the +X direction, a groove 21b is provided on the outer surface 21a. The groove 21b is recessed radially inward from the outer surface 21a and extends substantially in the axial direction.

[0026] The stay 22 is attached to the outer surface 21a in the vicinity of the end of the inner tube 21 in the +X direction. The stay 22 is attached, for example, to the end of the outer surface 21a in the -Y direction. The stay 22 is made of, for example, metal and has an outer wall 25 and two side walls 26.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the tube 13, the moving member 15, and the driving device 16 of the first embodiment. The outer wall 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the axial direction. The outer wall 25 has an inner surface 25a, an outer surface 25b, a front edge 25c, and a rear edge 25d.

[0028] The inner surface 25a is formed substantially flat and faces radially inward. The inner surface 25a faces, for example, substantially in the +Y direction. The outer surface 25b is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 25a. The outer surface 25b is formed substantially flat and faces radially outward. The outer surface 25b faces, for example, substantially in the -Y direction. The front edge 25c is provided at the end of the outer wall 25 in the +X direction. The rear edge 25d is located on the opposite side of the front edge 25c.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the two side walls 26 extend substantially parallel from both ends of the outer wall 25 in the circumferential direction toward the inner tube 21. The ends of the side walls 26 on the radially inner side are fixed to the inner tube 21, for example, by welding. In the circumferential direction, the groove 21b of the inner tube 21 is located between the two side walls 26.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the stay 22 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a notch 27 and a hole 28 are provided in the outer wall 25. The notch 27 is an example of a first notch. The hole 28 is an example of a second hole.

[0031] The notch 27 and the hole 28 penetrate the outer wall 25 in a substantially radial direction (substantially the Y direction) and open to the inner surface 25a and the outer surface 25b. The notch 27 communicates with the trailing edge 25d and is open in the -X direction. In the present embodiment, the -X direction is an example of a first direction. The hole 28 is a so-called round hole and is axially spaced from the edge of the outer wall 25 and the notch 27.

[0032] The notch 27 and the hole 28 are linearly arranged at intervals in the X direction. In other words, the notch 27 and the hole 28 are arranged at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction. The hole 28 is spaced from the notch 27 in the +X direction.

[0033] The stay 22 further has two claws 29. The claws 29 are an example of deformable protrusions. The two claws 29 protrude from two opposite edges of the notch 27 in the vicinity of the trailing edge 25d. The notch 27 is narrowed at the portion where the claws 29 are provided.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 14 houses a part of the tube 13. Another part of the tube 13 protrudes from the end of the housing 14 in the -X direction. The housing 14 holds the tube 13 movably in the axial direction. The housing 14 exposes the stay 22 to the outside of the housing 14.

[0035] The housing 14 is attached to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1 via, for example, a tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism changes the tilt angles of the steering shaft 11, the steering wheel 12, and the tube 13 by swinging the housing 14.

[0036] The moving member 15 is attached to the tube 13 and can move axially integrally with the tube 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the moving member 15 has a nut 31, an attachment 32, and an EA plate 33.

[0037] The nut 31 is formed, for example, in a block shape with a substantially cylindrical diameter. Note that the nut 31 is not limited to this example. A screw hole 35 is provided in the nut 31. The screw hole 35 penetrates the nut 31 in the axial direction. A female screw is provided on the inner surface of the screw hole 35.

[0038] The attachment 32 is made of, for example, metal and has a plate portion 41, a cylindrical portion 42, and auxiliary claws 43. Note that the attachment 32 is not limited to this example. The plate portion 41 is formed in a plate shape substantially parallel to the outer wall 25 of the stay 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the plate portion 41 has an inner surface 41a, an outer surface 41b, a front edge 41c, and a rear edge 41d.

[0039] The inner surface 41a is formed substantially flat and faces radially inward (substantially the +Y direction). The inner surface 41a of the plate portion 41 and the outer surface 25b of the outer wall 25 face each other. The outer surface 41b is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 41a and faces radially outward (substantially the -Y direction). The front edge 41c is provided at the end of the plate portion 41 in the +X direction. The rear edge 41d is located on the opposite side of the front edge 41c.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, a notch 45 and a hole 46 are provided in the plate portion 41. The notch 45 is an example of a second notch. The hole 46 is an example of a first hole. The notch 45 and the hole 46 penetrate the plate portion 41 in a substantially radial direction (substantially Y direction) and open to the inner surface 41a and the outer surface 41b. The notch 45 communicates with the front edge 41c and is open in the +X direction. In the present embodiment, the +X direction is an example of a second direction. The hole 46 is a so-called round hole and is axially spaced from the edge of the plate portion 41 and the notch 45.

[0041] The notch 45 and the hole 46 are linearly arranged at intervals in the X direction. In other words, the notch 45 and the hole 46 are arranged at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction. The hole 46 is spaced in the -X direction from the notch 45.

[0042] The cylindrical portion 42 is connected to the plate portion 41 at a position spaced in a direction intersecting the axial direction from the notch 45 and the hole 46. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 42 is spaced approximately in the +Z direction (substantially circumferential direction) from the notch 45 and the hole 46.

[0043] The cylindrical portion 42 protrudes from the outer surface 41b of the plate portion 41. The cylindrical portion 42 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape substantially orthogonal to the outer surface 41b. Two openings 48 are provided in the cylindrical portion 42. The openings 48 are, for example, notches and communicate the inside and the outside of the cylindrical portion 42. The two openings 48 are provided at both ends of the cylindrical portion 42 in the axial direction.

[0044] The nut 31 is accommodated inside the cylindrical portion 42. Thereby, the cylindrical portion 42 holds the nut 31. The two openings 48 of the cylindrical portion 42 communicate with the screw holes 35 of the nut 31. In other words, the openings 48 expose the screw holes 35 of the nut 31 accommodated in the cylindrical portion 42 to the outside of the cylindrical portion 42.

[0045] The auxiliary claw 43 protrudes radially inward from one end of the plate portion 41 in the -Z direction, for example, in the vicinity of the front edge 41c. The auxiliary claw 43 is adjacent to one of the two side walls 26 of the stay 22. The auxiliary claw 43 is slightly spaced from the side wall 26.

[0046] The EA plate 33 is made of metal, for example, and has an intervening portion 51 and two deformed portions 52. The intervening portion 51 is formed in a plate shape substantially parallel to the outer wall 25 of the stay 22. The intervening portion 51 is located between the outer wall 25 and the plate portion 41. The intervening portion 51 has an inner surface 51a and an outer surface 51b shown in FIG. 3, and a front edge 51c and a rear edge 51d shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 51a is formed substantially flat and faces radially inward (substantially the +Y direction). The inner surface 51a of the intervening portion 51 and the outer surface 25b of the outer wall 25 are in contact with each other. The outer surface 51b is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 51a. The outer surface 51b is formed substantially flat and faces radially outward (substantially the -Y direction). The outer surface 51b of the intervening portion 51 and the inner surface 41a of the plate portion 41 are in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the front edge 51c is provided at the end of the intervening portion 51 in the +X direction. The rear edge 51d is located on the opposite side of the front edge 51c.

[0048] A notch 54 and a hole 55 are provided in the intervening portion 51. The notch 54 and the hole 55 penetrate the intervening portion 51 substantially in the radial direction (substantially the Y direction) and open to the inner surface 51a and the outer surface 51b. The notch 54 communicates with the front edge 51c and is open in the +X direction. The hole 55 is a so-called round hole and is spaced apart from the edge of the intervening portion 51 and the notch 54.

[0049] The notch 54 and the hole 55 are linearly arranged at intervals in the X direction. In other words, the notch 54 and the hole 55 are arranged at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction. The hole 55 is spaced apart from the notch 54 in the -X direction.

[0050] The notch 27 of the outer wall 25, the hole 46 of the plate portion 41, and the hole 55 of the intervening portion 51 communicate with each other. Further, the hole 28 of the outer wall 25, the notch 45 of the plate portion 41, and the notch 54 of the intervening portion 51 communicate with each other.

[0051] Each of the two deformable portions 52 has a first straight portion 57, a second straight portion 58, and a curved portion 59. The first straight portion 57 extends substantially in the +X direction from the front edge 51c of the intervening portion 51. The second straight portion 58 extends substantially in the axial direction through the space between the outer wall 25 and the outer surface 21a of the inner tube 21.

[0052] The curved portion 59 connects the first straight portion 57 in the +X direction and the end of the second straight portion 58 in the +X direction. The curved portion 59 extends substantially in an arc shape at a position spaced substantially in the +X direction from the front edge 25c of the outer wall 25. Note that the deformable portion 52 is not limited to this example.

[0053] The two deformable portions 52 are arranged substantially parallel to each other at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the circumferential direction, the notches 27, 45, 54 and the holes 28, 46, 55 of the outer wall 25, the plate portion 41, and the intervening portion 51 are arranged between the two deformable portions 52.

[0054] The drive device 16 has a screw 61 and a drive mechanism 62. The screw 61 extends substantially in the axial direction at a position spaced radially outward from the inner tube 21. A male screw, such as a trapezoidal screw, is provided on the outer surface of the screw 61. The screw 61 passes through the screw hole 35 of the nut 31, and the male screw of the screw 61 and the female screw of the screw hole 35 are fitted together. Thereby, the screw 61 is attached to the nut 31.

[0055] The drive mechanism 62 is attached to the housing 14. The drive mechanism 62 is connected to the end of the screw 61 in the +X direction. The drive mechanism 62 has, for example, a motor and a speed reducer. When the motor rotates the output shaft of the motor, the speed reducer transmits the rotation of the motor to the screw 61. Thereby, the drive mechanism 62 rotates the screw 61 around the axis Ax2 of the screw 61.

[0056] The first fixing member 17 is, for example, a rivet such as a blind rivet. Note that the first fixing member 17 may have other members, such as screws and nuts, for fixing a plurality of members to each other.

[0057] The first fixing member 17 fixes the stay 22, the attachment 32, and the EA plate 33 to each other through the notch 27 in the outer wall 25, the hole 46 in the plate portion 41, and the hole 55 in the intervening portion 51. In other words, the first fixing member 17 fixes the tube 13 and the moving member 15 to each other. The first fixing member 17 is provided on the moving member 15 by being disposed through the hole 46 in the plate portion 41.

[0058] The width of the notch 27 and the diameters of the holes 46 and 55 are each slightly longer than the diameter of the axis of the first fixing member 17 (rivet). The first fixing member 17 restricts the relative movement of the stay 22, the attachment 32, and the EA plate 33 in directions (X direction and Z direction) intersecting the direction in which the axis of the first fixing member 17 extends.

[0059] The restricting portion 18 has a second fixing member 18a. The second fixing member 18a is, for example, a rivet such as a blind rivet. Note that the second fixing member 18a may have other members such as screws and nuts for fixing a plurality of members to each other.

[0060] The second fixing member 18a fixes the stay 22, the attachment 32, and the EA plate 33 to each other through the hole 28 in the outer wall 25, the notch 45 in the plate portion 41, and the notch 54 in the intervening portion 51. In other words, the second fixing member 18a fixes the tube 13 and the moving member 15 to each other. The second fixing member 18a is axially spaced apart from the first fixing member 17.

[0061] The widths of the notches 45 and 54 and the diameter of the hole 28 are each slightly longer than the diameter of the axis of the second fixing member 18a (rivet). The second fixing member 18a restricts the relative movement of the stay 22, the attachment 32, and the EA plate 33 in the direction in which the axis of the second fixing member 18a extends.

[0062] The second fixing member 18a is provided through the hole 28 in the outer wall 25. For this reason, the second fixing member 18a can move axially integrally with the tube 13. That is, it can be said that the second fixing member 18a of the restricting portion 18 is attached to the tube 13 and provided on the tube 13.

[0063] Since the nut 31 is held in the cylindrical portion 42 of the attachment 32, it moves axially as the screw 61 rotates. Thereby, the attachment 32 holding the nut 31, the EA plate 33 fixed to the attachment 32 by the first fixing member 17 and the second fixing member 18a, and the tube 13 move axially. That is, the drive device 16 moves the moving member 15 axially. Note that the drive device 16 is not limited to the above-described mechanism using the nut 31 and the screw 61, and the moving member 15 may be moved axially by other mechanisms.

[0064] The drive device 16 moves the steering shaft 11, the steering wheel 12, the tube 13, and the moving member 15 integrally in the axial direction. That is, the steering device 10 includes, for example, the tube 13, the moving member 15, and the drive device 16, and has a telescopic mechanism that brings the steering wheel 12 closer to or farther from the driver.

[0065] The nut 31 and the first fixing member 17 are spaced apart from each other in a substantially Z direction (substantially circumferential direction) intersecting the axial direction. For this reason, when the drive device 16 moves the nut 31 axially, a rotational moment about a rotation center axis Ax3 that is located between the nut 31 and the first fixing member 17 in the Z direction, for example, and intersects the axial center Ax1 is generated in the tube 13 and the moving member 15. Note that the rotation center axis Ax3 shown in FIG. 2 is an example.

[0066] On the one hand, the second fixing member 18a of the restricting portion 18 fixes the tube 13 and the moving member 15 through the holes 28 and the notches 45, 54. The second fixing member 18a is spaced apart from the nut 31 in the substantially Z direction and is axially spaced apart from the first fixing member 17. For this reason, the second fixing member 18a restricts the relative rotation of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 about the rotation center axis Ax3.

[0067] In other words, since the nut 31 and the second fixing member 18a are spaced apart from each other in the substantially Z direction, a rotational moment about the rotation center axis Ax3 is generated in the tube 13 and the moving member 15. In this case, the first fixing member 17 restricts the relative rotation of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 about the rotation center axis Ax3.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the two claws 29 are provided between the first fixing member 17 passing through the notch 27 and the outside of the outer wall 25. Further, the width of the notch 27 between the two claws 29 is shorter than the diameter of the axis of the first fixing member 17 (rivet). For this reason, the two claws 29 restrict the movement of the first fixing member 17 passing through the notch 27 in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13.

[0069] The first fixing member 17 and the second fixing member 18a restrict the relative axial movement of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 by friction, for example, by sandwiching the outer wall 25, the plate portion 41, and the intervening portion 51 in the radial direction. Further, the claws 29 restrict the movement of the first fixing member 17, thereby restricting the relative axial movement of the tube 13 and the moving member 15. Thereby, the tube 13 and the moving member 15 can move integrally in the axial direction.

[0070] For example, due to a collision of the vehicle 1, a large load (collision load) in the +X direction may act on the steering wheel 12 from the driver. In this case, the collision load is input to the tube 13 via the steering wheel 12 and the steering shaft 11.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the tube 13, the moving member 15, and the drive device 16 at the time of a collision in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the collision load Lc is a load in a direction that relatively moves the tube 13 on which the collision load Lc acts and the moving member 15 held by the vehicle body of the vehicle 1 via the drive device 16 and the housing 14 in the axial direction. Specifically, the collision load Lc acting on the tube 13 is a load in a direction that moves the moving member 15 in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13.

[0072] For example, the collision load Lc acts on the tube 13 so as to move the tube 13 in the substantially +X direction. On the other hand, the drive device 16 is attached to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1 via the housing 14, and the nut 31 of the moving member 15 is attached to the screw 61 of the drive device 16. The screw 61 provided with a male screw which is a trapezoidal screw can hold the nut 31 when an axial load acts on the nut 31. Therefore, the moving member 15 including the nut 31, the attachment 32 that holds the nut 31, and the EA plate 33 fixed to the attachment 32 by the first fixing member 17 remains in its original position when the collision load Lc acts on the tube 13. Accordingly, the collision load Lc relatively moves the tube 13 and the moving member 15.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the stay 22 at the time of a collision in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, when the moving member 15 moves in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13, the first fixing member 17 passing through the holes 46 and 55 of the plate portion 41 and the intervening portion 51 moves in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13 together with the moving member 15.

[0074] The two claws 29 restrict the first fixing member 17 from moving in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13. However, when a collision load Lc exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the tube 13, the first fixing member 17 plastically deforms the two claws 29 and expands the width of the notch 27 between the two claws 29. When the width of the notch 27 between the two claws 29 becomes equal to or greater than the diameter of the axis of the first fixing member 17 (rivet), the first fixing member 17 disengages from the notch 27 in the -X direction.

[0075] On the other hand, when the moving member 15 moves in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13, the second fixing member 18a passing through the notches 45, 54 of the plate portion 41 and the intervening portion 51 moves in the +X direction with respect to the moving member 15 together with the tube 13. The second fixing member 18a disengages from the notches 45, 54 opened in the +X direction in the +X direction.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, when the moving member 15 moves in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13, the curved portion 59 of the deformed portion 52 abuts against the front edge 25c of the outer wall 25. When the moving member 15 further moves in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13, a part of the deformed portion 52 that was the curved portion 59 is stretched and moves in the -X direction, becoming a part of the first straight portion 57. On the other hand, a part of the deformed portion 52 that was the second straight portion 58 moves in the +X direction and is bent by the front edge 25c of the outer wall 25 to form a new curved portion 59.

[0077] As described above, as the moving member 15 moves with respect to the tube 13, the front edge 25c of the outer wall 25 handles the deformed portion 52 such that a part of the deformed portion 52 transitions from the second straight portion 58 through the curved portion 59 to the first straight portion 57. That is, as the moving member 15 moves with respect to the tube 13, the tube 13 plastically deforms the deformed portion 52 provided on the moving member 15.

[0078] The steering device 10 can move the tube 13 relative to the moving member 15 while absorbing the energy of a collision by means of plastic deformation of the deformation portion 52. As a result, the reaction force of the collision load Lc acting on the driver from the steering wheel 12 that moves together with the tube 13 is reduced.

[0079] As described above, the tube 13 and the moving member 15 are relatively movable, and the deformation portion 52 that is deformed as the tube 13 and the moving member 15 move relative to each other absorbs the collision energy. That is, the steering device 10 includes, for example, the tube 13 and the moving member 15, and has a collision energy absorption mechanism that absorbs the collision energy and reduces the reaction force on the driver.

[0080] As described above, at the time of a collision, the first fixing member 17 disengages from the notch 27, and the second fixing member 18a disengages from the notches 45 and 54. In this case, the auxiliary claw 43 can limit the relative rotation of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 about the rotation center axis Ax3 by abutting against the side wall 26 of the stay 22.

[0081] In the steering apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the drive device 16 moves the moving member 15 in the axial direction. The first fixing member 17 fixes the tube 13 and the moving member 15 to each other. The restricting portion 18 provided on the tube 13 is provided on the moving member 15, is axially spaced apart from the first fixing member 17, and restricts relative rotation of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 about the rotation center axis Ax3 that intersects the axis Ax1 of the steering shaft 11. Due to the arrangement of the moving member 15 that is moved by the drive device 16 and the first fixing member 17 that fixes the moving member 15 and the tube 13, a force (rotational moment) that rotates about the rotation center axis Ax3 may be generated when the drive device 16 moves the moving member 15 in the axial direction. However, the first fixing member 17 and the restricting portion 18 are axially spaced apart from each other, and suppress relative rotation of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 due to the rotational force when the drive device 16 moves the moving member 15 in the axial direction. For this reason, the steering apparatus 10 can smoothly move the moving member 15, the tube 13, and the steering shaft 11 in the axial direction regardless of the arrangement of the moving member 15 and the first fixing member 17. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the components in the steering apparatus 10 is also improved.

[0082] For example, as described above, if the nut 31 and the first fixing member 17 are spaced apart in the substantially Z direction (substantially circumferential direction), a rotational moment is generated. However, in the steering apparatus 10, by providing the restricting portion 18, rotation of the moving member 15 relative to the tube 13 due to the rotational moment is suppressed, and the force with which the drive device 16 moves the moving member 15 in the axial direction can be smoothly transmitted to the tube 13. Therefore, the steering apparatus 10 does not need to arrange the nut 31 and the first fixing member 17 coaxially, and can be arranged at a position where the nut 31 is spaced apart (offset) from the first fixing member 17 in the substantially +Z direction as in the present embodiment.

[0083] Further, for example, due to a collision of the vehicle 1, a predetermined load may act on the tube 13 in a direction to relatively move the moving member 15 in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13. As the moving member 15 moves relative to the tube 13, the stay 22 of the tube 13 plastically deforms the deformation portion 52 provided on the EA plate 33 of the moving member 15. Since the energy of the collision is absorbed by the plastic deformation of the deformation portion 52, the reaction force received by the driver from the steering wheel 12 is reduced. The deformation portion 52 is provided on one EA plate 33. That is, the number of deformation portions 52 that absorb the collision energy of the vehicle 1 by plastic deformation is only one, and the mountability of the steering device 10 to the vehicle 1 is improved. Further, since the tube 13 and the moving member 15 are fixed by at least the first fixing member 17, the tube 13 and the moving member 15 can be fixed to each other without passing through other components, and the steering device 10 can reduce the number of components.

[0084] The first fixing member 17 is disposed through a hole 46 provided in the moving member 15 and a notch 27 provided in the tube 13 and opened in the -X direction. The restricting portion 18 is disposed through a notch 45 provided in the moving member 15 and opened in the +X direction. For example, when a predetermined load acts on the tube 13 due to a collision of the vehicle 1, the first fixing member 17 detaches in the -X direction from the notch 27, and the restricting portion 18 detaches in the +X direction from the notch 45. Thereby, the steering device 10 can suppress the first fixing member 17 and the restricting portion 18 from hindering the operation of absorbing the above-described collision energy.

[0085] The drive device 16 has a screw 61 extending in the axial direction and a drive mechanism 62 that rotates the screw 61 around the axis Ax2 of the screw 61. The moving member 15 has a nut 31. The nut 31 is attached to the screw 61 and moves in the axial direction as the screw 61 rotates. The nut 31 and the first fixing member 17 are spaced apart from each other in a substantially Z direction (substantially circumferential direction) intersecting the axial direction. When the nut 31 and the first fixing member 17 are arranged at this position, a rotating force is generated around the rotation center axis Ax3 when the drive device 16 moves the nut 31 in the axial direction. However, the first fixing member 17 and the restricting portion 18 suppress relative rotation between the tube 13 and the moving member 15 due to the rotating force when the drive device 16 moves the nut 31 in the axial direction. For this reason, the steering device 10 can smoothly move the moving member 15, the tube 13, and the steering shaft 11 in the axial direction regardless of the arrangement of the nut 31 and the first fixing member 17.

[0086] The tube 13 has a claw 29 that restricts the first fixing member 17 passing through the notch 27 from moving in the -X direction with respect to the tube 13. For this reason, in a normal state where a load that causes the first fixing member 17 to plastically deform the claw 29 does not act on the tube 13, the tube 13 and the steering shaft 11 can smoothly move in the axial direction as the moving member 15 is moved by the drive device 16. Furthermore, by being plastically deformed by the first fixing member 17, the claw 29 can stabilize the magnitude of the input load to the tube 13 that starts an operation of absorbing the energy of the above-described collision compared to the case where the claw 29 breaks.

[0087] The restricting portion 18 has a second fixing member 18a that fixes the tube 13 and the moving member 15 to each other through the notch 45 and the hole 28 provided in the tube 13. Thereby, the tube 13 and the moving member 15 are fixed by two fixing members, the first fixing member 17 and the second fixing member 18a, in a normal state. Therefore, the rigidity of the steering device 10 in a normal state is improved.

[0088] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. In the description of the following plurality of embodiments, components having the same functions as the already described components may be given the same reference numerals as those of the already described components, and the description may be omitted. Further, a plurality of components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all functions and properties in common, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the tube 13, the moving member 15, and the driving device 16 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the restricting portion 18 of the second embodiment has an engaging protrusion 18b instead of the second fixing member 18a. Further, the stay 22 of the second embodiment omits the hole 28.

[0090] The engaging protrusion 18b protrudes from the outer surface 25b of the outer wall 25 so as to pass through the notches 45 and 54 of the plate portion 41 and the intervening portion 51. The engaging protrusion 18b, like the second fixing member 18a of the first embodiment, restricts the relative rotation of the tube 13 and the moving member 15 about the rotation center axis Ax3. When a collision load Lc exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the tube 13, the second fixing member 18a disengages in the +X direction from the notches 45 and 54 that are open in the +X direction.

[0091] In the steering apparatus 10 of the second embodiment described above, the restricting portion 18 has an engaging protrusion 18b that protrudes from the stay 22 of the tube 13 so as to pass through the notch 45. Thereby, the steering apparatus 10 does not need to provide the restricting portion 18 as a component different from the tube 13, the number of components can be reduced, and the assembly work of the steering apparatus 10 can be facilitated.

[0092] (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the tube 13, the moving member 15, and the driving device 16 according to the third embodiment disassembled.

[0093] In the third embodiment, the tube 13 is an example of the first member, the moving member 15 is an example of the second member, the first fixing member 17 is an example of the restricting portion and the second fixing member, and the second fixing member 18a is an example of the first fixing member. Further, in the third embodiment, the notch 27 is an example of the second notch, the hole 28 is an example of the first hole, the notch 45 is an example of the first notch, and the hole 46 is an example of the second hole.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the plate portion 41 has two claws 329. The claws 329 are an example of deformable protrusions. Further, the outer wall 25 of the third embodiment omits the claws 29. The two claws 329 protrude from two opposing edges of the notch 45 in the vicinity of the front edge 41c. The notch 45 is narrowed at the portion where the claws 329 are provided.

[0095] The two claws 329 are provided between the second fixing member 18a passing through the notch 45 and the outside of the attachment 32. Further, the width of the notch 45 between the two claws 329 is shorter than the diameter of the axis of the second fixing member 18a (rivet). For this reason, the two claws 329 restrict the second fixing member 18a passing through the notch 45 from moving in the +X direction with respect to the moving member 15.

[0096] The collision load Lc acting on the tube 13 is a load in the direction of moving the tube 13 in the +X direction with respect to the moving member 15. That is, in the third embodiment, the +X direction is an example of the first direction, and the -X direction is an example of the second direction.

[0097] When a collision load Lc exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the tube 13, the second fixing member 18a plastically deforms the two claws 329 and disengages from the notches 45, 54 in the +X direction. On the other hand, the first fixing member 17 disengages from the notch 27 in the -X direction.

[0098] As in the third embodiment described above, the claws 29 and 329 may be provided on at least one of the tube 13 and the moving member 15. That is, the claw 29 may be provided on the tube 13 and the claw 329 may be provided on the moving member 15.

[0099] In the above-described plurality of embodiments, the stay 22 of the tube 13 plastically deforms the deformed portion 52 of the EA plate 33. However, the deformed portion may be provided on the tube, and the moving member may plastically deform the deformed portion.

[0100] In the above description, suppression is defined, for example, as preventing the occurrence of an event, action, or influence, or reducing the degree of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the above description, restriction is defined, for example, as preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation exceeding the predetermined range.

[0101] The embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above. However, the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Also, the configurations and shapes of each embodiment and each modification can be partially interchanged and implemented.

Claims

1. a tube in which a steering shaft is rotatably attached about the axis of the steering shaft; a housing that holds the tube movably in the axial direction along the axis of the steering shaft; a moving member; a driving device that is attached to the housing and moves the moving member in the axial direction; a first fixing member provided on one of the first members of the tube and the moving member, and fixing the tube and the moving member to each other; a restricting portion provided on the other second member of the tube and the moving member, spaced apart from the first fixing member in the axial direction, and restricting relative rotation of the tube and the moving member about a rotation center axis intersecting the axis of the steering shaft; comprising; when a predetermined load acts on the tube in a direction in which the first member is relatively moved in a first direction included in the axial direction with respect to the second member, one of the first member and the second member is plastically deformed with respect to a deformation portion provided on the other of the first member and the second member as the first member moves with respect to the second member; a steering device.

2. The first fixing member fixes the tube and the moving member to each other through a first hole provided in the first member and a first notch provided in the second member and opened in the first direction; The restricting portion restricts relative rotation of the tube and the moving member about the rotation center axis through a second notch provided in the first member and opened in a second direction opposite to the first direction; when the predetermined load acts on the tube in a direction in which the first member is relatively moved in the first direction with respect to the second member, the first fixing member disengages from the first notch in the first direction, and the restricting portion disengages from the second notch in the second direction; The steering device according to Claim 1.

3. The driving device has a screw extending in the axial direction and a driving mechanism that rotates the screw about the axis of the screw; The moving member has a nut attached to the screw and moving in the axial direction as the screw rotates; The nut and the first fixing member are spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The steering device according to claim 2.

4. The second member has a deformable protrusion that restricts the first fixing member passing through the first notch from moving in the first direction with respect to the second member. The steering device according to claim 3.

5. The restricting portion has a second fixing member that fixes the tube and the moving member to each other through the second notch and a second hole provided in the second member. The steering device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The restricting portion has an engaging protrusion protruding from the second member so as to pass through the second notch. The steering device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

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