Steering device

Abstract

A steering device according to the present invention comprises: a steering shaft that extends along the center axis and to which a steering wheel is connected on one side in the axial direction; a cylindrical steering column that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the steering shaft and extends in the axial direction; and a gear box that is disposed on the other side of the steering column in the axial direction and is secured to the steering column. The steering column includes a fixing member that is provided at the end on the other side in the axial direction and is fixed to the gear box, and the outer peripheral surface on the one side in the axial direction of the fixing member increases in outer diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The steering device of Patent Document 1 includes a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel and extending in the axial direction, and a steering column supported on the outer periphery of the steering shaft via a bearing. The end of the steering column is connected to a gearbox via a sensor housing. Specifically, the end of the steering column has a flange extending in a radial direction intersecting the axial direction, and the flange is connected to the sensor housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6402617 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a vehicle is turning a corner, the driver may apply force to the steering wheel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this case, the force is transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering column via the steering shaft. For this reason, further improvement in the rigidity of the steering column is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a steering device that can further improve the rigidity of the steering column. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a steering shaft extending along a central axis and having a steering wheel connected to one axial side thereof, a cylindrical steering column arranged on the outer periphery of the steering shaft and extending in the axial direction, and a gearbox arranged on the other axial side of the steering column and fixed to the steering column, wherein the steering column includes a fixing member provided at the end on the other axial side and fixed to the gearbox, and the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface on one axial side of the fixing member increases as it approaches the other axial side.

[0007] When a vehicle is turning a corner, the driver may apply a force to the steering wheel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this case, for example, a bending or twisting force is applied from the steering wheel to the fixed member of the steering column via the steering shaft. Here, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface on one axial side of the fixed member increases toward the other axial side, so that the rigidity is higher than that of a flat surface extending in the radial direction, and deformation is suppressed. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a steering device that can further improve the rigidity of the steering column.

[0008] In a preferred aspect of the steering device, the outer peripheral surface of one axial side of the fixing member is a straight line that extends obliquely toward the other axial side in a cross section including the central axis, thereby further suppressing deformation of the fixing member when a twisting or bending force is applied to the fixing member, and enabling a further improvement in the rigidity of the steering column.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the steering device described above, the fixing member includes a flange for attachment to the gearbox, and a first rib extending radially outward from the central axis on the radially inner side of the flange and on the other axial side of the fixing member. Bending and twisting forces are applied to the fixing member. Therefore, providing the first rib increases the rigidity of the fixing member, thereby enabling further improvement in the rigidity of the steering column.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the steering device, a second rib that intersects with the first rib is provided on the radially inner side of the flange and on the other axial side of the fixing member. Therefore, by providing the second rib, it is possible to further improve the rigidity of the steering column.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the above steering device, the steering column includes an upper column, a lower column that is arranged on the other axial side of the upper column and has a portion that is fitted into the upper column, and the fixing member that is provided on the other axial side of the lower column and fixed to the gearbox, and the fixing member has a reinforcing rib that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface on one axial side of the fixing member toward one axial side and radially outward, and has a protruding portion at the end of the other axial side of the upper column that can accommodate the reinforcing rib.

[0012] The reinforcing rib further improves the rigidity of the steering column, including the disc portion. In addition, the lower column has a protrusion at the other axial end that can accommodate the reinforcing rib. Therefore, when the upper column moves to the other axial side relative to the lower column during a secondary collision, interference between the upper column and the reinforcing rib can be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a steering device that further improves the rigidity of the steering column. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a steering device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a front view of the lower column and the fixed member of FIG. 2 as viewed from the −X direction toward the +X direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the fixing member as viewed from the −X direction toward the +X direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the fixing member according to the second embodiment, viewed from the +X direction toward the −X direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the periphery of the fixed member according to the third embodiment, viewed from the -Z direction toward the +Z direction, showing a state in which the upper column has moved in the +X direction during a secondary collision. [Figure 12] 12 is a front view of the lower column, upper column, and fixed member in the state of FIG. 11, viewed from the -X direction toward the +X direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as the embodiment). Furthermore, the components in the following embodiment include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the following embodiment can be combined as appropriate. Note that the following description uses an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X axis is parallel to the axis of the steering shaft. The Y axis is parallel to the width direction of the vehicle in which the steering device is installed. The Z axis is perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis. The direction parallel to the X axis is referred to as the X direction, the direction parallel to the Y axis is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is referred to as the Z direction. Within the X direction, the direction toward the front of the vehicle is referred to as the +X direction, and the direction toward the rear is referred to as the -X direction. When the operator faces the +X direction, the right direction is referred to as the +Y direction, and the left direction is referred to as the -Y direction. Within the Z direction, the upward direction is referred to as the +Z direction, and the downward direction is referred to as the -Z direction. Moreover, the X direction is referred to as the "axial direction", the -X direction side is referred to as "one side in the axial direction", and the +X direction side is referred to as "the other side in the axial direction".

[0016] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a steering device according to a first embodiment.

[0017] First, we will explain the basic configuration of the steering device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the steering device 1 includes a steering wheel 2, a steering shaft 3, a steering column 4, a gear box 5, a tilt bracket 6, a tightening mechanism 7, and a motor 50.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the steering wheel 2 is connected to the -X direction end of the steering shaft 3. When the driver operates the steering wheel 2, the steering shaft 3 rotates around the central axis Ax, and an operating torque is applied to the steering shaft 3.

[0019] A gearbox 5 is provided at the end of the steering column 4 in the +X direction (the other axial side). A motor 50 is attached to the gearbox 5. The motor 50 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) integrated motor. Therefore, the steering device 1 according to this embodiment is an electric power steering device that uses the motor 50 to assist the driver in steering.

[0020] The steering shaft 3 includes an upper shaft 31 and a lower shaft 32. The upper shaft 31 and the lower shaft 32 are cylindrical shafts. The steering wheel 2 is attached to the −X direction end of the upper shaft 31. In other words, the steering wheel 2 is connected to one axial side of the steering shaft 3. The +X direction end of the upper shaft 31 is fitted onto the lower shaft 32. Furthermore, the +X direction end of the upper shaft 31 and the −X direction end of the lower shaft 32 are spline-fitted. Therefore, the upper shaft 31 is slidable in the X direction relative to the lower shaft 32.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the steering column 4 is an outer cylinder that extends in the X direction (axial direction) and is arranged on the outer periphery of the steering shaft 3. The steering column 4 includes an upper column 41, a lower column 42, and a fixing member 8. The upper column 41 is a column that is arranged closer to the steering wheel 2. The lower column 42 is a column that is arranged in the +X direction with respect to the upper column 41 and is spaced apart from the steering wheel 2. The upper column 41 and the lower column 42 are cylindrical, and the +X direction end of the upper column 41 is fitted into the -X direction end of the lower column 42. In the event of a secondary collision, the upper column 41 is movable in the +X direction relative to the lower column 42. The +X direction end of the lower column 42 is fixed to the gearbox 5 via the fixing member 8. The fixing member 8 will be described in detail later.

[0022] A tilt bracket 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the steering column 4. A tightening mechanism 7 is provided on the tilt bracket 6. The tightening mechanism 7 includes an operating lever 71 and a tightening shaft 72 that supports the end of the operating lever 71. Operation of the operating lever 71 allows or restricts movement of the upper column 41 in the Z direction, and fixes the position of the steering wheel 2 in the Z direction. In this way, the steering device 1 according to this embodiment has a tilt function. The tilt bracket 6 is fixed to a vehicle body member 70. The tilt spring 61 is, for example, a torsion coil spring. The tilt spring 61 applies an upward force (+Z direction) to the steering column 4. This makes it difficult for the steering column 4 to fall downward (-Z direction) even if the fixed tilt position is released by rotating the operating lever 71. The pivot bracket 62 is fixed to a vehicle body member and supports the steering column 4 so that it can swing around the swing center axis 300. As a result, the steering column 4 is supported so as to be swingable in the tilt direction.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the gearbox 5 includes a plate 51, a main body 52, and legs 53. The main body 52 houses a plurality of gears therein. The legs 53 are provided on the outer side (lateral side) of the main body 52 in the Y direction and extend in the +X direction. The plate 51 seals the opening of the main body 52 in the -X direction. That is, the plate 51 is fixed to the fixing member 8 and the main body 52 while being sandwiched between them via three bolts 54 arranged in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a front view of the lower column and fixing member of Fig. 2 as viewed from the -X direction toward the +X direction. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a front view of the fixing member as viewed from the -X direction toward the +X direction. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5.

[0025] 2, 3, and 4, the lower column 42 is a cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape that extends in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. An end 42a of the lower column 42 in the +X direction is fitted onto the outer circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 81 of the fixed member 8.

[0026] 2 to 6, the fixing member 8 includes a cylindrical portion 81, a disk portion 82, and a flange 83. The fixing member 8 has an annular shape that extends in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax.

[0027] The cylindrical portion 81 has a small diameter portion 811, an inclined portion 812, and a large diameter portion 813. The small diameter portion 811 is located in the -X direction of the cylindrical portion 81. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the inclined portion 812 increases toward the +X direction. The large diameter portion 813 is located in the +X direction of the cylindrical portion 81. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 813 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 811. The lower column 42 is fitted into the small diameter portion 811.

[0028] The disc portion 82 has an annular shape extending radially outward around the central axis Ax. Specifically, the -X direction surface of the disc portion 82 has an inclined surface 822 extending radially outward from an end 814 of the tubular portion 81 in the +X direction to an end 821, and a cylindrical surface 824 extending from the end 821 to an end 823. The inclined surface 822 has a shape of a part of a cone. As described above, the inclined surface 822, which is the outer peripheral surface on one side of the axial direction of the fixing member 8, has an outer diameter that increases toward the other side in the axial direction. In other words, the inclined surface 822 of the fixing member 8 is a straight line that extends obliquely toward the other side in the axial direction in a cross section including the central axis Ax. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the +X direction surface of the disc portion 82 has an orthogonal surface 825 opposite the inclined surface 822 and a cylindrical surface 826 opposite the cylindrical surface 824.

[0029] The flange 83 extends annularly in the direction around the central axis Ax. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the flange 83 has protrusions 831, 832, and 833 that protrude radially outward. The protrusions 831, 832, and 833 are provided at three locations equidistantly in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The protrusions 831, 832, and 833 are provided with through holes 831H, 832H, and 833H. As described above, the bolts 54 shown in FIG. 2 can be inserted into the through holes 831H, 832H, and 833H. The protrusions 831, 832, and 833 are fixed to the plate 51 of the gearbox 5 shown in FIG. 1 via the bolts 54. That is, the flange 83 is attached to the gearbox 5.

[0030] As described above, the steering device 1 according to the first embodiment includes the cylindrical steering column 4 that is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the steering shaft 3 and extends in the axial direction, and the gearbox 5 that is disposed on the other axial side of the steering column 4 and fixed to the steering column 4. The steering column 4 includes the fixed member 8 that is provided at the end on the other axial side and fixed to the gearbox 5, and the inclined surface 822 that is the outer circumferential surface on one axial side of the fixed member 8 has an outer diameter that increases toward the other axial side.

[0031] When the vehicle is turning a corner, the driver may apply a force to the steering wheel 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this case, for example, a bending or twisting force is applied from the steering wheel 2 to the fixed member 8 of the steering column 4 via the steering shaft 3. Here, the inclined surface 822, which is the outer peripheral surface on one axial side of the fixed member 8, has an outer diameter that increases toward the other axial side, and therefore has higher rigidity than a flat surface extending in the radial direction. Therefore, when a twisting or bending force is applied to the fixed member 8, deformation of the fixed member 8 is suppressed, and ultimately, the rigidity of the entire steering column 4 can be improved.

[0032] The inclined surface 822 of the fixing member 8 is a straight line that extends obliquely toward the other side in the axial direction in a cross section including the central axis Ax. That is, the inclined surface 822 has the shape of a side surface of a truncated cone. This increases the rigidity of the fixing member 8, and further suppresses deformation of the fixing member 8 when a twisting or bending force is applied to the fixing member 8.

[0033] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that parts having the same structure as in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a rear view of the fixing member according to the second embodiment as viewed from the +X direction toward the -X direction.

[0034] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a rib is provided on the rear surface side of the fixing member, as will be described in detail below.

[0035] 7 and 8, the -X direction surface (surface on the front side) of the fixing member 8A according to the second embodiment has a conical surface, similar to that of the fixing member 8 according to the first embodiment. However, as shown in Fig. 9, a plurality of ribs 100 are provided on the +X direction side (back side) of the fixing member 8A according to the second embodiment. The ribs 100 are provided radially inward of the flange 83 and on the other axial side of the fixing member 8A.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, the rib 100 includes an annular rib 110, first ribs 120, 130, and 140, second ribs 150, 160, and 170, and an annular rib 180.

[0037] The annular rib 110 is provided in the central portion and is an annular rib centered on the central axis Ax. The annular rib 180 is provided on the outer circumferential edge and is an annular rib centered on the central axis Ax. The first ribs 120, 130, and 140 extend radially outward from the annular rib 110 to the annular rib 180. The first ribs 120, 130, and 140 are linear ribs connecting the annular rib 110 and the annular rib 180. The first rib 120 extends along a straight line connecting the central axis Ax and the through hole 831H. The first rib 130 extends along a straight line connecting the central axis Ax and the through hole 833H. The first rib 140 extends along a straight line connecting the central axis Ax and the through hole 832H. In other words, the first rib 120 extends from a portion 111 in the +Z direction of the annular rib 110 to a portion 181 of the annular rib 180. The first rib 130 extends from a portion 112 in the +Y direction and the -Z direction of the annular rib 110 to a portion 182 of the annular rib 180. The first rib 140 extends from a portion 113 in the -Y direction and the -Z direction of the annular rib 110 to a portion 183 of the annular rib 180.

[0038] The second ribs 150, 160, and 170 extend perpendicular to (intersect with) the first ribs 120, 130, and 140, respectively. Note that in the embodiment, the first ribs and the second ribs are perpendicular to each other, but in the present disclosure, they may intersect. The second rib 150 is perpendicular to (intersects with) the first rib 120. The second rib 160 is perpendicular to (intersects with) the first rib 130. The second rib 170 is perpendicular to (intersects with) the first rib 140. In other words, the second rib 150 extends along a straight line connecting the portion 184 and the portion 185 of the annular rib 180, and is perpendicular to (intersects with) the first rib 120. The second rib 160 extends along a straight line connecting the portion 186 and the portion 187 of the annular rib 180, and is perpendicular to (intersects with) the first rib 130. The second rib 170 extends along a straight line connecting the portion 188 and the portion 189 of the annular rib 180, and intersects with the first rib 140 at right angles (intersects with the first rib 140).

[0039] 7 is a force applied to the protrusion 833 in the circumferential direction when the driver rotates the steering wheel 2 clockwise. The force Q is a force applied to the intermediate portion of the flange 83 between the protrusions 831 and 832, with the protrusion 833 as the fulcrum. The force Q is applied to the fixing member 8A is oriented in the −X direction away from the gearbox 5. The force R acts in the direction of rotation about the two-dot chain line connecting the intermediate portions of the protrusions 831 and 832 with the protrusion 833 as the central axis 400.

[0040] As described above, the fixing member 8A according to the second embodiment has a flange 83 for mounting to the gearbox 5, and has first ribs 120, 130, 140 extending radially outward from the central axis Ax on the radially inner side of the flange 83 and on the other axial side (rear side) of the fixing member 8A.

[0041] As described in the first embodiment, bending and twisting forces are applied to the fixing member 8A. Therefore, providing the first ribs 120, 130, and 140 increases the rigidity of the fixing member 8A. For example, when force P or Q shown in FIG. 7 is applied to the fixing member 8A, deformation is further suppressed by the first ribs 120, 130, and 140. In this way, deformation of the fixing member 8A when a twisting or bending force is applied to the fixing member 8A is further suppressed.

[0042] The fixing member 8A has the second ribs 150, 160, and 170 in addition to the first ribs 120, 130, and 140, and therefore has further improved rigidity compared to a case where only the first ribs 120, 130, and 140 are provided. For example, when the force R shown in FIG. 7 is applied to the fixing member 8A, deformation is further suppressed by the second ribs 150, 160, and 170. In this way, deformation of the fixing member 8A is further suppressed when a twisting or bending force is applied to the fixing member 8A.

[0043] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that parts having the same structure as in the first or second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the periphery of the fixing member according to the third embodiment, looking up from the -Z direction toward the +Z direction, and shows a state in which the upper column has moved in the +X direction during a secondary collision. Fig. 12 is a front view of the lower column, upper column, and fixing member in the state of Fig. 11, looking from the -X direction toward the +X direction. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13.

[0044] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a reinforcing rib is provided on the surface side (the side in the -X direction) of the fixing member, as will be described in detail below.

[0045] The fixing member 8B according to the third embodiment has a reinforcing rib 200 on the surface side (one axial side, the -X direction side). The reinforcing rib 200 has a triangular shape when viewed from the side. The reinforcing rib 200 protrudes in the -X direction from the inclined surface 822. The reinforcing rib 200 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 81. The height of the reinforcing rib 200 is highest at the end 201 on the large diameter portion 813 side of the cylindrical portion 81 and lowest at the radially outer end 202. Therefore, the upper surface 210 of the reinforcing rib 200 becomes lower from the end 201 on the large diameter portion 813 side toward the radially outer side.

[0046] 11 to 14 show a state in which the upper column 41 has moved in the +X direction to the fixed member 8B during a secondary collision. That is, during a secondary collision of the vehicle, the driver applies force to the steering wheel 2 toward the front of the vehicle. In this case, the force is transmitted from the steering wheel 2 to the upper column 41 via the steering shaft 3. Normally, the upper column 41 is fitted into the lower column 42, but when the force transmitted to the upper column 41 becomes greater than the fitting force with the lower column 42, the upper column 41 slides along the outer periphery of the lower column 42. In this way, during a secondary collision of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 13, there are cases in which the front end of the upper column 41 is located near the fixed member 8B. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, a protruding portion 410 that protrudes downward is provided on the lower side (-Z direction) of the upper column 41. The protruding portion 410 has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The protruding portion 410 includes a pair of left and right plates, a first plate portion 411 and a second plate portion 412, extending in the Z direction, and a connecting plate 413 that connects the lower end of the first plate portion 411 to the lower end of the second plate portion 412. A recess 414 surrounded by the first plate portion 411, the second plate portion 412, and the connecting plate 413 has a height that is greater than the maximum height of the reinforcing rib 200 (i.e., the height at the end 201 of the tubular portion 81 on the large diameter portion 813 side).

[0047] 12 and 13, three protrusions 415 that protrude radially outward are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion in the −X direction of the upper column 41. Each protrusion 415 has a through-hole 415H that penetrates in the plate thickness direction.

[0048] As described above, the fixing member 8B according to the third embodiment has a reinforcing rib 200 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface on one axial side of the fixing member 8B toward one axial side and radially outward, and has a protruding portion 410 at the end on the other axial side of the upper column 41 that can accommodate the reinforcing rib 200.

[0049] The reinforcing rib 200 improves the rigidity of the disc portion 82. Furthermore, the upper column 41 has a protrusion 410 at the other axial end thereof that can accommodate the reinforcing rib 200. Therefore, when the upper column 41 moves forward relative to the lower column 42 during a secondary collision, it is possible to suppress interference between the upper column 41 and the reinforcing rib 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Steering device 2 steering wheels 3 Steering shaft 4 Steering column 5 Gearbox 6 Tilt bracket 7. Clamping mechanism 8, 8A, 8B Fixing members 31 Upper shaft 32 Lower shaft 41 Upper Column 42 Roar Column 42a end 50 motor 51 Plate 52 Main body 53 Legs 54 volts 61 Tilt spring 62 Pivot bracket 70 Body parts 71 Operating lever 72 Fastening shaft 81 Cylindrical part 82 Disc 83 flange 100 Ribs 110 Annular rib 120, 130, 140 First Rib 150, 160, 170 Second Rib 180 Circular Rib 200 Reinforcing rib 201, 202 ends 210 Top 300 Swing central axis 400 center axis 410 Protrusion 411 1st plate part 412 2nd plate part 413 Connecting plate 414 recess 415H Through hole 811 Small diameter section 812 Slope 813 Large diameter section 814 edge 821 edge 822 Slope 823 edge 824 Cylindrical Surface 825 Orthogonal Surface 826 Cylindrical Surface 831, 832, 833 protrusion 831H, 832H, 833H through hole Ax center axis

Claims

1. a steering shaft extending along a central axis and having a steering wheel connected to one side in the axial direction; a cylindrical steering column disposed on the outer circumferential side of the steering shaft and extending in the axial direction; a gear box disposed on the other axial side of the steering column and fixed to the steering column, The steering column Upper column and a lower column that is disposed on the other axial side of the upper column and has a portion that is fitted into the upper column; a fixing member provided on the other axial side of the lower column and fixed to the gear box, the fixing member has a cylindrical portion that fits into the lower column, a circular plate portion that is provided on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion and extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion, and a flange that is provided on the other axial side of the circular plate portion and is attached to a gearbox, The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the disk portion on one side in the axial direction increases toward the other side in the axial direction. Steering device.

2. an outer peripheral surface of the disk portion on one side in the axial direction is a straight line extending obliquely toward the other side in the axial direction in a cross section including the central axis; The steering device according to claim 1 .

3. A first rib extending radially outward from the central axis is provided on the radially inner side of the flange and on the other axial side of the fixing member.

3. A steering device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a second rib that intersects with the first rib and is located radially inside the flange and on the other side of the fixing member in the axial direction; The steering device according to claim 3.

5. The fixing member has a reinforcing rib that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of one side of the disk portion in the axial direction toward one side in the axial direction and radially outward, a protrusion capable of receiving the reinforcing rib is provided at the other axial end of the upper column; A steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images