Steering operation input device

Abstract

To provide a steering operation input device capable of obtaining a prescribed neutral position regardless of an assembling direction of a nut.SOLUTION: In a mechanical stopper mechanism 18 according to an embodiment 1, in a state where a steering wheel 2 is in a neutral state, a central position C in an axial direction of a nut 21 coincides with a central position of a summit 35 in a male screw part 20 and a central position of a valley bottom 36, in a cross section vertical to a rotation axial line O1 at the central position C of the nut 21, when a first virtual line L1 which extends in a direction vertical to the rotation axial line O1 and passes through the summit 35 and the valley bottom 36, and a second virtual line L2 perpendicular to the first virtual line L1 on the rotation axial line O1 are set, a pin 23 is symmetric to the first virtual line L1 and is asymmetric to the second virtual line L2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering operation input device that includes a mechanical stopper mechanism that restricts the amount of steering wheel rotation. The mechanical stopper mechanism has a nut that moves axially in conjunction with the rotation of the steering wheel. When the amount of steering wheel rotation reaches a preset limit, the nut comes into contact with an upper or lower stopper, restricting the amount of steering wheel rotation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4876739 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To make the left and right limit tire turning angles the same, the limit operating rotation amount must be the same on both sides. To achieve this, the mechanical stopper mechanism must be assembled so that the nut is in a neutral position relative to the upper and lower stoppers when the steering wheel is in the neutral position. However, because nuts have a front and back, there is a risk that the neutral position will shift during assembly depending on the orientation of the nut. An object of the present invention is to provide a steering operation input device that can obtain a predetermined neutral position regardless of the orientation of the nut. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment of the steering operation input device, when the rotational position of the steering operation input member is neutral and the movable member is viewed in a cross section along the axial direction, the central position in the axial direction of the movable member overlaps with the maximum diameter portion and the minimum diameter portion of the uneven portion, and in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the central position, when a first virtual line extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through the maximum diameter portion and the minimum diameter portion and a second virtual line perpendicular to the first virtual line on the line of the rotation axis are set, the regulating means is symmetrical with respect to the first virtual line and asymmetrical with respect to the second virtual line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] Therefore, in the steering operation input device of the present invention, a predetermined neutral position can be obtained regardless of the orientation of the nut. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering device 1 of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of a column 13 showing a mechanical stopper mechanism 18 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical stopper mechanism 18 according to the first embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a view of the nut 21 of the first embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional mechanical stopper mechanism 018 viewed from a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis O01 of a column shaft 019. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a nut 021 is rear-assembled in a conventional mechanical stopper mechanism 018. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical stopper mechanism 37 according to a second embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis 01. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a view of the nut 21 of the second embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 9]10 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical stopper mechanism 40 according to a third embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis 01. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a view of the nut 21 of the third embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a view of the nut 21 of the fourth embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a view of the nut 21 of the fifth embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a view of the nut 21 of the sixth embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. [Figure 14] 11 is a view of the nut 21 of the seventh embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering device 1 according to the first embodiment. Steering device 1 is a so-called steer-by-wire type steering device in which a steering wheel 2, which is a steering operation input member, and a steering device 4, which steers front wheels 3, which are steered wheels, are mechanically separated, and is attached to a vehicle. Steering device 1 includes a steering device 4, a steering operation input device 5, a steering control device 6, and a steering reaction force control device 7.

[0009] Steering device 4 has rack bar 8, tie rod 9, rack bar position sensor 10, and steering motor 11. Rack bar 8 is movable in the vehicle width direction and steers front wheels 3 via tie rod 9 in accordance with the amount of movement. Rack bar position sensor 10 detects the position of rack bar 8 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected position to steering control device 6. Because the steering angle of front wheels 3 is uniquely determined by the position of rack bar 8, steering control device 6 can determine the steering angle of front wheels 3 from the signal corresponding to the position of rack bar 8. In addition, steering control device 6 receives signals related to the steering amount of steering wheel 2 via steering reaction force control device 7 and various detection signals from external sensors 12 including a vehicle speed sensor. Steering control device 6 generates a steering command such that the steering angle of front wheels 3 becomes a steering angle corresponding to the steering amount of steering wheel 2 and outputs the command to steering motor 11. The steering command is corrected in accordance with the various detection signals from external sensor 12. The steering motor 11 generates a force for steering the front wheels 3 via the rack bar 8 based on a steering command from the steering control device 6 .

[0010] Steering operation input device 5 has a steering wheel 2, a column 13, a steering angle sensor 14, a reaction force motor (reaction force actuator) 16, a motor rotation sensor 17, and a mechanical stopper mechanism 18. Steering wheel 2 is connected to a column shaft 19 and rotates the column shaft 19 in response to an operation input from the driver. Column 13 rotatably supports column shaft 19. Steering angle sensor 14 is provided within column 13 and detects the amount of rotation of column shaft 19 and outputs the detected amount to steering reaction force control device 7. Steering reaction force control device 7 receives the steering angle of front wheels 3 and various detection signals from external sensor 12 via steering control device 6. Steering reaction force control device 7 generates a steering reaction force command such that the driver's steering torque, estimated from the current value of reaction force motor 16, becomes a value corresponding to the steering angle of front wheels 3, and outputs the generated steering reaction force command to reaction force motor 16. The steering reaction force command is corrected in response to various detection signals from external sensor 12. The reaction force motor 16 applies a steering reaction force to the column shaft 19 based on a steering reaction force command from the steering reaction force control device 7.

[0011] The mechanical stopper mechanism 18 is provided inside the column 13 and restricts the amount of rotation of the column shaft 19 to a predetermined amount (about two rotations to the left and right). Figure 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the column 13 showing the mechanical stopper mechanism 18 of the first embodiment. The mechanical stopper mechanism 18 includes a column shaft 19, a male thread portion (concave and recessed portion) 20, a nut (movable member) 21, a stopper portion 22, a pin (regulating means) 23, and a housing chamber 24. As described above, rotational force is transmitted to the column shaft 19 from the steering wheel 2. When the direction around the rotation axis O1 is defined as the circumferential direction, the column shaft 19 rotates in the circumferential direction. The male thread portion 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the column shaft 19. When the direction along the rotation axis O1 is defined as the axial direction, the nut 21 is formed in an annular shape as viewed from the axial direction and is located on the outer peripheral side of the column shaft 19. The nut 21 has no front or back. That is, both end portions 31, 32 have the same shape, and no chamfering or R is provided at the corners. A female thread portion (machined portion) 25 that engages (meshes with) the male thread portion 20 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the nut 21. A through-hole (regulating means and pin clearance portion) 26 that penetrates the nut 21 in the axial direction is formed in the nut 21. The stopper portion 22 has a pair of wall surfaces (first stopper portion, second stopper portion) 27, 28 arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first wall surface 27 and the second wall surface 28 are a pair of wall surfaces arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first wall surface 27 is located on one axial side of the nut 21 (the upper side of the paper in FIG. 2), and the second wall surface 28 is located on the other axial side of the nut 21 (the lower side of the paper in FIG. 2).

[0012] The pin 23 extends axially and passes through the through-hole 26. An axis O2 of the pin 23 is parallel to the rotation axis O1. The accommodation chamber 24 is provided in the column housing 29 and is a substantially cylindrical space surrounded by a first wall surface 27, a second wall surface 28, and a side wall 30. The column housing 29 is, for example, an aluminum casting. The accommodation chamber 24 accommodates a portion of the column shaft 19, the nut 21, the stopper portion 22, and the pin 23. Both axial ends of the pin 23 are supported by the column housing 29. The pin 23 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 26, thereby restricting circumferential rotation of the nut 21 and allowing axial movement of the nut 21. The nut 21 is axially movable within a range between the first wall surface 27 and the second wall surface 28.

[0013] 2 shows a state in which the first end 31 of the nut 21 abuts against the first wall surface 27. At this time, the steering wheel 2 has reached the limit of rotation in the clockwise direction (two rotations in the clockwise direction from the neutral position). When the steering wheel 2 rotates counterclockwise from this state, the nut 21 moves toward the other axial side until the second end 32 abuts against the second wall surface 28. When the second end 32 abuts against the second wall surface 28, the steering wheel 2 has reached the limit of rotation in the counterclockwise direction (two rotations in the counterclockwise direction from the neutral position). In the column housing 29, the steering angle sensor 14 is disposed on the other axial side of the accommodation chamber 24. In addition, in the column housing 29, bearings 33 and 34 that rotatably support the column shaft 19 are disposed on one axial side of the accommodation chamber 24 and the other axial side of the steering angle sensor 14. In the column housing 29, a reaction force motor 16 (not shown) is disposed on the other axial side of the bearing 34.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical stopper mechanism 18 of embodiment 1 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O1, and Figure 4 is a diagram of the nut 21 of embodiment 1 viewed from the side of the first wall surface 27 in a direction along the rotation axis O1. Fig. 3 shows the position of the nut 21 when the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position. In Fig. 3, the distance from the first end 31 of the nut 21 to the first wall surface 27, i.e., the stroke amount st1 of the nut 21 until the steering wheel 2 reaches the limit of clockwise rotation from the neutral position, is equal to the distance from the second end 32 of the nut 21 to the second wall surface 28, i.e., the stroke amount st2 of the nut 21 until the steering wheel 2 reaches the limit of counterclockwise rotation from the neutral position (st1 = st2). When the steering wheel 2 is in a neutral position, the axial center position C of the nut 21 overlaps with the crest (largest diameter portion) 35 and the root (smallest diameter portion) 36 of the male thread portion 20. Furthermore, the center position C coincides with the center position of the crest 35 in the direction of the rotation axis O1 and the center position of the root 36 in the direction of the rotation axis O1.

[0015] In a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 at the center position C of the nut 21, a first imaginary line L1 extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 and passing through the crest 35 and the root 36, and a second imaginary line L2 perpendicular to the first imaginary line L1 on the line of the rotation axis O1, are set. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the pin 23 is symmetrical with respect to the first imaginary line L1 and asymmetrical with respect to the second imaginary line L2. The first imaginary line L1 passes through the center position of the pin 23, i.e., on the axis O2 of the pin 23. The nut 21 is tapped so that the threading start position (machining start position), which is the start position of the female thread portion 25, is always a constant position with respect to the pin 23. For example, in Fig. 4, the threading start position starts from the position of point S, that is, a position on the first imaginary line L1 that is closer to the pin 23 than the second imaginary line L2. Within the accommodating chamber 24, grease (lubricant) not shown is held on the surface of the male threaded portion 20, the surface of the female threaded portion 25, the first end 31 and second end 32 of the nut 21, the first wall surface 27 and the second wall surface 28.

[0016] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conventional mechanical stopper mechanism 018 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O01 of the column shaft 019. The nut 021 has a front and a back, and is designed so that when the front surface 031 faces the first wall surface 027 and the back surface 032 faces the second wall surface 028 (front assembly), the distance st01 between the first wall surface 027 and the front surface 031 and the distance st02 between the second wall surface 028 and the back surface 032 are equal. FIG. 6 shows the nut 021 in a reverse-assembled state in a conventional mechanical stopper mechanism 018. If the nut 021 has a front and back sides, and the worker assembles it in a reverse-assembled state, i.e., with the back surface 032 of the nut 021 facing the first wall surface 027 and the front surface 031 facing the second wall surface 028, the rotational phase of the female thread portion 025 will be different from that of the front-assembled state. Therefore, when the nut 021 is assembled to the column shaft 019 by aligning the position of the through hole 026 with the position of the pin 023, the center position C of the nut 021 will not be the midpoint between the first wall surface 27 and the second wall surface 28, resulting in a difference between the left and right stroke amounts st01 and st02 of the nut 021 (st01 ≠ st02). This results in different tire turning limits on the left and right.

[0017] In contrast, in the mechanical stopper mechanism 18 of embodiment 1, when the steering wheel 2 is in a neutral position, the central position C of the nut 21 in the axial direction coincides with the central position of the crest 35 and the central position of the valley bottom 36 of the male thread portion 20, and when a first imaginary line L1 extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 and passing through the crest 35 and the valley bottom 36 and a second imaginary line L2 perpendicular to the first imaginary line L1 on the line of the rotation axis O1 are set in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 at the central position C of the nut 21, the pin 23 is symmetrical with respect to the first imaginary line L1 and asymmetrical with respect to the second imaginary line L2.

[0018] Therefore, even if an operator turns the nut 21 upside down, i.e., assembles the nut 21 to the column shaft 019 with the first end 31 facing the second wall surface 28 and the second end 32 facing the first wall surface 27 in the direction along the rotation axis O1, the center position C of the nut 21 in the axial direction coincides with the center position of the crest 35 and the center position of the root 36, and the pin 23 is symmetrical with respect to the first imaginary line L1 and asymmetrical with respect to the second imaginary line L2. In other words, even when the nut 21 is assembled from the back, the rotational phase of the female thread portion 25 is the same as when it is assembled from the front. Therefore, regardless of whether the nut 21 is assembled from the front or back, the center position C of the nut 21 is the midpoint between the first wall surface 27 and the second wall surface 28, and the left and right stroke amounts st1 and st2 of the nut 21 are the same (st1 = st2). As a result, the mechanical stopper mechanism 18 of the first embodiment is in a predetermined neutral position regardless of the orientation of the nut 21, and the same limit tire turning angle can be obtained on both the left and right sides. Furthermore, when assembling the nut 21 to the column shaft 19, the worker does not need to be concerned about the front and back sides of the nut 21, which improves the ease of assembly compared to when a conventional nut with a front and back is used.

[0019] The threading start position of the female thread portion 25 of the nut 21 is always constant relative to the pin 23. This allows nuts with a different threading start position of the female thread portion 25, i.e., nuts in which the phase of the female thread portion is shifted when the nut is assembled upside down, resulting in a difference in the left and right stroke amounts st1 and st2, to be removed as defective, thereby preventing incorrect assembly. Grease is held in the accommodation chamber 24. By holding the grease on the first wall surface 27 and the second wall surface 28, a damping effect is obtained by the grease before the nut 21 abuts against the first wall surface 27 or the second wall surface 28. The mechanical stopper mechanism 18 is installed for the purpose of functional safety, such as preventing the airbag harness from being cut when the steering wheel 2 is rotated excessively, that is, when the steering wheel 2 is rotated beyond the normal range of use. For this reason, it is rare for the nut 21 to abut against the first wall surface 27 or the second wall surface 28 during normal use. Therefore, it is sufficient for the damping effect to function only once.

[0020] The restricting means for restricting circumferential rotation of the nut 21 while allowing axial movement includes a pin 23 extending in the axial direction and a through hole 26 formed in the nut 21, and the first imaginary line L1 passes through the axis O2 of the pin 23. By using the pin 23 and the through hole 26 as the restricting means, high component precision can be achieved. This reduces sliding resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the pin 23 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 26 during steering. This sliding resistance is transmitted to the driver as a reaction force, and therefore, reducing the sliding resistance improves the controllability of reaction force control by the steering reaction force control device 7. Furthermore, by using only one pin 23, the number of parts can be reduced, leading to increased cost savings. Furthermore, by forming the pin clearance portion as the through hole 26 through which the pin 23 passes, the precision of the part can be further improved, and the controllability of the reaction force control by the steering reaction force control device 7 can be further improved.

[0021] [Embodiment 2] The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical stopper mechanism 37 of embodiment 2 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O1, and Figure 8 is a diagram of the nut 21 of embodiment 2 viewed from the side of the first wall surface 27 in a direction along the rotation axis O1. The mechanical stopper mechanism 37 of the second embodiment has two pins 38a, 38b and two through holes 39a, 39b as restricting means. The first pin 38a passes through the first through hole 39a, and the second pin 38b passes through the second through hole 39b. The first pin 38a has a larger diameter than the second through hole 39b. The axis O2 of the first pin 38a and the axis O3 of the second pin 38b are both located on the first imaginary line L1 and are symmetrical with respect to the second imaginary line L2.

[0022] In the first embodiment, a single pin 23 is used to restrict the rotation of the nut 21, thereby allowing for backlash in the threads. In contrast, in the second embodiment, multiple pins 38a, 38b are used to restrict the rotation of the nut 21, which makes it possible to suppress tilting of the nut 21 compared to when a single pin is used, thereby facilitating thread machining. In addition, in the second embodiment, the two pins 38a, 38b have different diameters, and the corresponding two through holes 39a, 39b also have different diameters. Since the first pin 38a cannot be inserted into the second through hole 39b, it is possible to reliably prevent the nut 21 from being erroneously assembled to the column shaft 19 when the rotation phase of the female thread portion 25 is shifted by 180 degrees.

[0023] [Embodiment 3] The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical stopper mechanism 40 of embodiment 3 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O1, and Figure 10 is a diagram of the nut 21 of embodiment 3 viewed from the side of the first wall surface 27 in a direction along the rotation axis O1. The mechanical stopper mechanism 40 of the third embodiment has two pins 41a, 41b and two through holes 42a, 42b as restricting means. The first pin 41a passes through the first through hole 42a, and the second pin 41b passes through the second through hole 42b. The first pin 41a and the second pin 41b have the same diameter. The first through hole 42a and the second through hole 42b also have the same diameter. The axis O2 of the first pin 41a and the axis O3 of the second pin 41b are both located on a first imaginary line L1. When the radial direction is defined as the radial direction of the rotation axis O1, the axis O2 of the first pin 41a is located outside the axis O3 of the second pin 41b in the radial direction. In the third embodiment, the two pins 41a and 41b have the same shape, and therefore the manufacturing costs can be reduced by using common parts. Furthermore, in embodiment 3, the radial positions of the first through hole 42a and the second through hole 42b are different from each other, which reliably prevents the nut 21 from being incorrectly assembled to the column shaft 19 when the rotational phase of the female thread portion 25 is shifted by 180 degrees.

[0024] [Embodiment 4] The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 11 is a view of the nut 21 of the fourth embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. In the fourth embodiment, the restricting means includes a pin 43 and a notch (pin recess) 44. The pin 43 extends in the axial direction and is parallel to the rotation axis O1. The notch 44 is a recess formed on the periphery of the nut 21, and its end face is formed in a substantially arc shape when viewed from the axial direction. The radius of the arc is larger than the radius of the pin 43. The pin 43 restricts the circumferential rotation of the nut 21 by abutting against the periphery of the notch 44. In the fourth embodiment, the pin relief portion is formed as the notch 44, and therefore the notch 44 can be forged when processing the nut 21. Furthermore, since a separate step of forming the notch 44 after processing the nut 21 is not required, processing costs can be reduced compared to when the pin relief portion is formed as a through hole.

[0025] [Embodiment 5] The basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, so only the differences from the fourth embodiment will be explained. FIG. 12 is a view of the nut 21 of the fifth embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. In the fifth embodiment, the nut 21 includes two ridges 45a, 45b and two notches 46a, 46b as the restricting means. The two ridges 45a, 45b protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 29 toward the rotation axis O1 and extend in the axial direction. The tips of the two ridges 45a, 45b are formed in a substantially arc shape when viewed in the axial direction. The two ridges 45a, 45b are disposed in opposing positions across the second imaginary line L2. The two notches 46a, 46b are recesses formed in the periphery of the nut 21, with the first notch 46a corresponding to the first ridge 45a and the second notch 46b corresponding to the second ridge 45b. In the fifth embodiment, part of the restriction means is formed in the column housing 29, which reduces the number of parts compared to when a separate part such as a pin is added. Also, the two protrusions 45a, 45b can be formed when the column housing 29 is cast, which reduces processing costs compared to when pins are used.

[0026] [Embodiment 6] The basic configuration of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, so only the differences from the fourth embodiment will be explained. FIG. 13 is a view of the nut 21 of the sixth embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. In the sixth embodiment, the restricting means includes three ridges 47a, 47b, and 47c and three notches 48a, 48b, and 48c. The center of the first ridge 47a is located on a first imaginary line L1 in the circumferential direction. The second ridge 47b is located 120 degrees counterclockwise from the first ridge 47a, and the third ridge 47c is located 120 degrees clockwise from the first ridge 47a in the circumferential direction. The second ridge 47b and the third ridge 47c are symmetrical with respect to the second imaginary line L2. The three notches 48a to 48c are recesses formed on the periphery of the nut 21. The first notch 48a corresponds to the first ridge 47a, the second notch 48b corresponds to the second ridge 47b, and the third notch 48c corresponds to the third ridge 47c. In the sixth embodiment, the rotation of the nut 21 is restricted by using three ridges 47a to 47c, which makes it possible to suppress tilting of the nut 21 and facilitates thread machining compared to when there is one or two ridges.

[0027] [Embodiment 7] The basic configuration of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, so only the differences from the fourth embodiment will be explained. FIG. 14 is a view of the nut 21 of the seventh embodiment, seen from the first wall surface 27 side in the direction along the rotation axis O1. In the seventh embodiment, the restricting means includes two restricting surfaces 49a, 49b and two flat portions 50a, 50b. The two restricting surfaces 49a, 49b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the column housing 29, and the shortest distances d1, d2 (d1 = d2) from the rotation axis O1 to the abutment surfaces 49a, 49b are shorter than the outermost diameter d3 of the nut 21. The two restricting surfaces 49a, 49b are symmetrical with respect to the first imaginary line L1. The two flat portions 50a, 50b are formed on the periphery of the nut 21. When the first flat portion 50a abuts against the first restricting surface 49a or when the second flat portion 50b abuts against the second restricting surface 49b, the circumferential rotation of the nut 21 is restricted. In the seventh embodiment, the rotation of the nut 21 is restricted using two restriction surfaces 49a, 49b formed on the column housing 29, which is advantageous in terms of durability compared to when a pin or a protrusion is used.

[0028] Other Embodiments The above describes an embodiment for carrying out the present invention, but the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the invention are also included in the present invention. The spiral concave and convex portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft may be a ball screw. In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the center position of the movable member in the axial direction coincides with the center position of the maximum diameter portion and the center position of the minimum diameter portion, but as long as the center position of the movable member overlaps the maximum diameter portion and the minimum diameter portion, the predetermined center position can be obtained regardless of the assembly orientation of the movable member. The overlap range is an allowable value, and in the case of embodiment 1, for example, it is within the diameter range of the pin 23. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] C central position, 01 rotation axis, L1 first imaginary line, L2 second imaginary line, 1 steering device, 2 steering wheel (steering operation input member), 16 reaction force motor (reaction force actuator), 18 mechanical stopper mechanism, 19 column shaft (shaft), 20 male thread portion (concave and convex portion), 21 nut (movable member), 22 stopper portion, 23 pin (regulating means), 26 through hole (regulating means, pin relief portion), 27 first wall surface (first stopper portion), 28 second wall surface (second stopper portion), 35 crest (maximum diameter portion), 36 root (minimum diameter portion)

Claims

1. A steering operation input device including: a steering operation input member attached to a vehicle; a reaction force actuator that applies a steering reaction force to the steering operation input member; and a mechanical stopper mechanism that restricts an operation rotation amount of the steering operation input member, The mechanical stopper mechanism includes: a shaft to which a rotational force is transmitted from the steering operation input member, and which rotates in a circumferential direction when a direction around a rotation axis is defined as a circumferential direction; a spiral concave-convex portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft; a movable member that engages with the concave-convex portion and is movable in the axial direction in response to a rotational operation of the steering operation input member, when a direction along the rotation axis is defined as an axial direction; a stopper portion having a first stopper portion against which the first end abuts and a second stopper portion against which the second end abuts, of a first end and a second end that are both ends of the movable member in the axial direction when the movable member moves in the axial direction; a restricting means for restricting rotation of the movable member in the circumferential direction and allowing movement in the axial direction; and the concave-convex portion has a maximum diameter portion and a minimum diameter portion that engage with the movable member when the shaft is viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, when the movable member is viewed in a cross section along the axial direction with the rotational position of the steering operation input member at a neutral position, a central position of the movable member in the axial direction overlaps with the maximum diameter portion and the minimum diameter portion of the concave-convex portion, When a first imaginary line extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through the maximum diameter portion and the minimum diameter portion, and a second imaginary line perpendicular to the first imaginary line on a line of the rotation axis are set in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction at the central position, the restriction means is symmetrical with respect to the first imaginary line and asymmetrical with respect to the second imaginary line; Steering operation input device.

2. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, the central position coincides with a central position of the maximum diameter portion in the axial direction and a central position of the minimum diameter portion in the axial direction; Steering operation input device.

3. The steering operation input device according to claim 2, When the movable member is viewed from the axial direction, a processing start position of a processed portion processed in the movable member to engage with the concave-convex portion starts from a fixed position with respect to the restricting means. Steering operation input device.

4. The steering operation input device according to claim 3, the mechanical stopper mechanism has an accommodation chamber that accommodates a portion of the shaft, the movable member, the stopper portion, and the regulating means, A lubricant is held in the chamber. Steering operation input device.

5. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, the restricting means has a pin extending in the axial direction and a pin relief portion formed in the movable member, the first imaginary line passes through the axis of the pin; Steering operation input device.

6. The steering operation input device according to claim 5, The pin is one. Steering operation input device.

7. The steering operation input device according to claim 6, The pin relief portion is a through hole through which the pin passes. Steering operation input device.

8. The steering operation input device according to claim 6, The pin relief portion is a notch. Steering operation input device.

9. The steering operation input device according to claim 5, The pins are plural. Steering operation input device.

10. The steering operation input device according to claim 9, The plurality of pins have the same shape. Steering operation input device.

11. The steering operation input device according to claim 9, The plurality of pins have different shapes. Steering operation input device.

12. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, the mechanical stopper mechanism has an accommodation chamber that accommodates a portion of the shaft, the movable member, the stopper portion, and the regulating means, the restricting means includes a first restricting means that is a protrusion that is provided on a wall portion of the accommodation chamber, protrudes toward the shaft, and extends along the axial direction, and a second restricting means that is formed on the movable member and that escapes from the first restricting means, the first imaginary line passes through a center position of the first restricting means when the shaft is viewed in the axial direction; Steering operation input device.

Images