Steering device

Abstract

To provide a steering device that is easily fitted and has high rigidity.SOLUTION: A steering device S includes: a column housing C incorporating a steering shaft and capable of changing a posture; a bracket B disposed close to the column housing C; and a tensioner mechanism T provided between the column housing C and the bracket B and that presses the column housing C and the bracket B. The tensioner mechanism T includes: a casing 1 provided on the column housing C or the bracket B; a tensioner body 2 provided on the casing 1 and movable in a direction crossing a direction along which the column housing C and the bracket B face each other; and an urging member 3 that urges the tensioner body 2. The tensioner body 2 has: a first surface facing the column housing C; and a second surface facing the bracket B. The first surface and the second surface are tapered such that an interspace therebetween becomes narrower toward a lower side in an urging direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The steering device according to the present invention includes a steering shaft for steering a vehicle. The column housing is supported by both axles and is position-adjustable, and the axles on the vehicle are different. a bracket disposed adjacent to the column housing at a position This relates to a device equipped with a tensioner mechanism that applies a pressing force between brackets. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, such a steering device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 ([0 See paragraphs

[011] and

[0016] and Figures 2, 5, and 6).

[0003] In this conventional steering device, the steering column is fixed to the vehicle side. The tensioner mechanism is supported by the main bracket and the pressure member is connected to the The pressure member is made up of a leaf spring or a coil spring, and this pressure The pressure member applies pressure unilaterally from the main bracket to the steering column. This increases the rigidity of the steering column in the lateral direction and allows it to be attached to the steering wheel. This is intended to suppress transmitted vibrations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-7956 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned conventional steering device uses a pushing load from a spring to move the steering column. Therefore, the steering column is spring-loaded against the main bracket. Therefore, the steering control is affected by the vibration of the vehicle. There is always some vibration in the ram, and the steering feel lacks rigidity. If vibration is applied for a long period of time, there is a risk that the pressure member will be damaged by fatigue.

[0006] When the steering device is assembled to the vehicle, the pressure member is compressed while the steering wheel is attached. The mounting column must be inserted into the main bracket, making the assembly process extremely complicated. On the other hand, to improve the ease of assembly, the spring load of the pressure member must be limited. This leads to a deterioration in the holding rigidity of the steering column.

[0007] As described above, the steering devices according to the conventional art have various problems to be solved. Therefore, there is a demand for a steering device that is easy to assemble and has high rigidity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (Features and configuration) The steering device according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration: The steering shaft for steering the vehicle is contained therein, and is supported by a support part of the vehicle. A changeable column housing; A brake is disposed adjacent to the column housing at a position different from the bearing portion on the vehicle side. With a racket, A column housing and a bracket are provided between the column housing and the bracket. and a tensioner mechanism that generates a pressing force against the bracket, The tensioner mechanism is a casing provided on the column housing or the bracket; a coupling member provided in the casing, the coupling member intersecting the column housing and the bracket in the opposing direction; a tensioner body that can move in the insertion direction; a biasing member that biases the tensioner body in the intersecting direction; of Preparation, The tensioner body is Abutting against the receiving surface of the casing The first page and The opposite side of the receiving surface and a second surface facing The first surface is configured as a surface parallel to the intersecting direction, and the second surface is The more downstream the biasing direction of the biasing member, The first surface and The intervals are narrow Sloping surface It is composed of And, The casing is provided with an intermediate member that is pressed in the opposing direction by contact with the second surface and that contacts the bracket or the column housing on the side where the casing is not provided. It's at the point.

[0009] (effect) In the tensioner mechanism of this configuration, the tensioner body is provided with a tapered shape. The first and second surfaces always contact the column housing or bracket and casing. Therefore, there is no elastic relative displacement between the column housing and the bracket. Therefore, the column housing has extremely high holding rigidity.

[0010] In addition, the wedge effect created by the tapered first and second surfaces is used to secure the column housing and brake A biasing member that biases the tensioner body toward the axis to determine its relative position with the racket. Therefore, the tensioner mechanism is compact and easy to install. A tearing device can be obtained.

[0011]

[0012] (effect) In this configuration, such an intermediate member is provided in the casing, and the intermediate member is By changing the amount of extrusion, the thickness of the tensioner mechanism itself can be changed. Even if there is a manufacturing error in the gap dimension between the bracket and the column housing, Dimensional errors can be absorbed by adjusting the position.

[0013] In addition, in a configuration in which the intermediate member abuts against the bracket or the column housing, When the housing is tilted, the intermediate member slides against the bracket, etc. There are concerns about durability due to wear on the bracket and column housing. The structure can be made relatively simple, and by selecting the material of the intermediate member appropriately, the bracket Therefore, it is possible to obtain a steering device with excellent durability. It is possible.

[0014] (Features and configuration) In the steering device according to the present invention, the intermediate member has a bulging portion at a tip end thereof. The case is provided with a protruding anti-slip portion that is elastically deformable, and a fixing hole into which the anti-slip portion is fitted is provided. It is convenient if the sensor is provided on the ring.

[0015] (effect) As in this configuration, if the elastically deformable convex retaining portion is fitted into the fixing hole, This makes it easier to assemble the intermediate member to the casing.

[0016] In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to temporarily fasten the intermediate member to the casing, for example, When installing the column housing with the mechanism in place on the bracket, the intermediate member This prevents the column housing from accidentally falling off, making the assembly work of the column housing extremely easy.

[0017] (Features and configuration) In the steering device according to the present invention, the tensioner body is arranged in a direction opposite to the biasing direction. The locking portion and the locked portion engage with each other when the tensioner body and the locking portion are moved in the direction of the arrow. The casing may be formed separately.

[0018] (effect) By providing the locking portion and the locked portion of this configuration, for example, a column incorporating a tensioner mechanism can be When installing the housing in the specified position relative to the bracket, ensure that the tensioner body functions properly. In other words, the first or second surface of the tensioner body can be fastened during assembly. The surface does not come into contact with the other components such as brackets, making it easy to assemble the column housing. After that, after the column housing assembly work is completed, the locking portion and the locked portion are The tensioner mechanism can be operated by releasing the engagement with the steering device. The installation process is expedited.

[0019] (Features and configuration) In the steering device according to the present invention, the tensioner body is a rod-shaped member extending in the biasing direction. The locking portion is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped portion and is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the biasing direction. a claw portion provided in a state where the engagement portion is provided on the casing, and the claw portion is provided in a state where the engagement portion is capable of engaging with the casing. It is preferable that the portion has a recess that can be locked and a hole that can receive the end of the rod-shaped portion. be.

[0020] (effect) By providing the locking portion and the locked portion of this configuration, the rod-shaped portion of the tensioner body is fixed to the casing. The tensioner body can be easily fixed in position by pushing it into the hole in the The presence of the tensioner mechanism does not hinder the installation of the column housing, making it possible to perform the work smoothly. become.

[0021] Furthermore, by providing the tensioner body with a rod-shaped portion, it is possible to use, for example, a coil spring as the biasing member. Therefore, the tensioner body can be secured to the rod-shaped portion. This allows for a rational configuration of the tensioner mechanism, which also has a locking function.

[0022] (Features and configuration) In the steering device according to the present invention, the tensioner body is provided with a tensioner spring in a direction perpendicular to the biasing direction. The case has a leg portion protruding in the direction of the arrow and a flange portion provided at the tip of the leg portion. The housing is provided with a groove for guiding the leg and flange so as to prevent them from slipping off. The configuration can be as follows.

[0023] (effect) With this configuration, when attaching the tensioner body to the casing or When installing the column housing with the main body attached to the bracket, make sure the tensioner main body is not in the cable. This can prevent the device from falling off the housing.

[0024] In addition, the legs and grooves stabilize the movement trajectory of the tensioner body, The pressure function of the body is reliably exerted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a steering device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a tensioner mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation mode of a tensioner mechanism according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a tensioner mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a tensioner mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a tensioner mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] (overview) The steering device S according to the present invention includes a steering shaft for steering a vehicle. The column housing C, which is supported by the axle support of the vehicle and can change its position, is different from the axle support of the vehicle. and a bracket B disposed adjacent to the column housing C at a position where the column housing The tensioner mechanism T applies a pressing force between the bracket C and the bracket B. Hereinafter, each embodiment of the steering device S of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. .

[0027] [First embodiment] An example of a steering device S according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The tensioner mechanism T allows the column housing C to tilt while To prevent bearing C from accidentally moving relative to the vehicle, bracket B is used to secure the column housing. The tensioner mechanism T of this configuration prevents the movement of the lug C during use of the vehicle. It reliably prevents the column housing C from moving and makes it easy to install on the vehicle. The present invention has the following configuration:

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tensioner mechanism T comprises a column housing C and a bracket B The main components are a casing 1 and a A tensioner is provided which is movable in a direction crossing the opposing direction of the column housing C and the bracket B. The tensioner includes a tensioner body 2 and a biasing member 3 that biases the tensioner body 2 in the intersecting direction. are.

[0029] The tensioner body 2 has a first surface F1 facing the column housing C and a bracket The first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are configured non-parallel. That is, the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are located downstream of the biasing direction of the biasing member 3. The distance between the electrodes is tapered as the electrodes are positioned closer to each other. By biasing the tensioner body 2 in this way, the column housing C and the bracket are pressed together by a wedge effect. A and B can be pressed against each other.

[0030] [Tensioner mechanism] The detailed structure of the tensioner mechanism T is shown below. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, The tensioner mechanism T in the figure consists of a casing 1 and a tensioner attached to the casing 1. a tensioner body 2; a biasing member 3 that biases the tensioner body 2; and an intermediate member 4 that abuts against the tensioner body 2. Casing 1 is attached to column housing C, but is attached to bracket B. It may be provided.

[0031] The casing 1 is a long member, and in this embodiment, it is It is integrally formed by lumi-die casting. Of course, it is made separately from the column housing C. It may be possible to attach the column housing C to the column housing C with screws or the like. A groove 11 is formed in the center of the ring 1 to slidably hold the tensioner body 2.

[0032] The tensioner body 2 includes, for example, a head portion 21 and a rod-shaped portion 22. is the part that presses the column housing C and bracket B in the direction away from each other, a first surface F1 that abuts against a long receiving surface 12 formed on both sides of the groove portion 11 of the casing 1; , and a second surface F2 that abuts against the member on the bracket B side. is parallel to the axis X of the column housing C, and the second surface F2 is inclined with respect to the axis X. do.

[0033] From the center position of the first surface F1 of the head portion 21 of the tensioner body 2, The leg 23 projects in the direction of the casing 1. A flange portion 24 is formed at the tip of the leg portion 23. 4 is inserted into the groove 11 of the casing 1, and a part of the flange 24 abuts against the back surface of the groove 11. As a result, the leg portion 23 and the flange portion 24 are held inside the groove portion 11.

[0034] A wide portion 13 is provided in a part of the groove 11 so that the flange portion 24 can be inserted therethrough. The wide portion 13 is used only when the tensioner body 2 is attached to the casing 1. When the shock absorber body 2 is in an operating state, the leg portion 23 and the flange portion 24 are It never comes into position.

[0035] With this configuration, when attaching the tensioner body 2 to the casing 1 or When installing the column housing C with the tensioner body 2 attached to the bracket B, This prevents the main body 2 from falling off the casing 1. In addition, the legs 23 and the groove 1 1 stabilizes the movement trajectory of the tensioner body 2, so the pressure The function is definitely performed.

[0036] A rod-shaped portion 22 extends from the head portion 21 of the tensioner body 2 in the direction along the axis X. A biasing member 3 made of, for example, a coil spring 31 is fitted onto the rod-shaped portion 22. In other words, the extending direction of the rod-shaped portion 22 is also the biasing direction of the biasing member 3. The tip is provided with a locking portion 25. Specifically, the locking portion 25 is a claw portion 251. The claw portion 251 is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the biasing direction. The tip of each arm 252 is formed in a fork shape with a pair of arms 252. The claws 251 are formed so as to face in opposite directions.

[0037] One casing 1 has a locking portion 14 formed thereon to which the locking portion 25 can be locked. Specifically, a hole 141 capable of receiving the end of the rod-shaped portion 22 is formed, and a hole 14 1 has a recess 142 formed on the inner surface thereof, into which the claw 251 can be engaged. The recess 142 is the edge of the hole 141 .

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3(a), with the locking portion 25 and the locked portion 14 of this configuration, tension By pushing the rod-shaped portion 22 of the main body 2 into the hole 141 of the casing 1, the biasing member 3 is compressed. In this state, the tensioner body 2 can be temporarily fixed to the casing 1. Tensioner mechanism T when installing column housing C equipped with tensioner mechanism T on bracket B This makes it easier to maintain the functions.

[0039] When the tensioner body 2 is in a temporarily fixed state, the first surface F1 of the tensioner body 2 or The second surface F2 does not act on the other component such as the bracket B, and the column housing C After that, after the assembly of the column housing C is completed, The engagement between the locking portion 25 and the locked portion 14 is released (FIG. 3(b)). A work tool is brought into contact with the pair of arms 252 from a direction perpendicular to the arm 252, and the distance between the pair of arms 252 is shortened. As a result, the claw portion 251 can be easily released from the recess 142. By providing the locked portion 14, the installation work of the steering device S becomes easy, and normal operation The tensioner mechanism T is rationally constructed to reliably prevent vibration of the column housing C during operation. will be done.

[0040] [Intermediate member] As shown in FIG. 2, the tensioner mechanism T has a tensioner body 2 pressed against a bracket B. To apply the force, an intermediate member 4 is provided which abuts against the head portion 21. The bracket has a third surface F3 that contacts the second surface F2 of the head portion 21, and The second surface F2 of the head portion 21 is in contact with the third surface F3 of the intermediate member 4. In the state where the first surface F1 abuts against the surface F3, the first surface F1 and the fourth surface F4 are parallel to each other.

[0041] In the case of such an intermediate member 4, by appropriately setting the thickness of the intermediate member 4, the casing Regardless of the gap between the tensioner body 1 and the bracket B, the position of the tensioner body 2 is constant. It is easy to apply an appropriate pressure to the racket B. Even if there is a manufacturing error in the clearance dimension between the tensioner and the housing C, the dimensional error is absorbed and the tensioner mechanism This allows the structure to function properly.

[0042] In addition, when the intermediate member 4 abuts against the bracket B, the column housing C tilts. At this time, the fourth surface F4 of the intermediate member 4 slides against the bracket B. There are concerns about the durability of the tensioner mechanism T, such as wear of the racket B. However, the intermediate member 4 By appropriately setting the material and contact area with bracket B, wear damage to bracket B etc. can be reduced. This can prevent this, and a steering device S with excellent durability can be obtained.

[0043] The intermediate member 4 is provided with a bulge 41 to facilitate attachment to the casing 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the bulging portion 41 protrudes from a part of the intermediate member 4 toward the casing 1. The hook is provided at the tip of the protruding retaining portion 42 and is configured to be elastically open and deformable. On the other hand, the casing 1 has a bulging portion 41 and a retaining portion 42 that are slightly elastically deformed. A locking hole 15 is provided for insertion.

[0044] In addition, with the retaining portion 42 engaged with the fixing hole 15, the intermediate member 4 can be removed from the casing 1. It will not fall, but it can move a certain distance in the direction from casing 1 to bracket B. It is Noh.

[0045] In this configuration, for example, the column housing C to which the tensioner mechanism T is attached is mounted on a bracket. When assembling the intermediate member 4 to the column housing C, the intermediate member 4 will not accidentally fall off. The assembly work is easy. In addition, the structure in which the elastically deformable retaining portion 42 is engaged with the fixing hole 15 is also advantageous. Therefore, the work of assembling the intermediate member 4 to the casing 1 is extremely easy.

[0046] In the tensioner mechanism T having this configuration, the head portion 21 is biased in the direction of the axis X by the biasing member 3. By using the wedge effect, the intermediate member 4 can be pressed against the bracket B. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the biasing force of the biasing member 3 to be large, and a compact biasing member 3 can be used. This allows the tensioner mechanism T to be space-saving. In the attached state, the head portion 21 and the intermediate member 4 are located between the casing 1 and the bracket B. Therefore, the column housing C moves relative to the bracket B. There is no room for movement and the position is firmly held.

[0047] Second Embodiment FIG. 4 shows an example in which the intermediate member 4 is omitted and the tensioner mechanism T is simplified. In this configuration, The first surface F1 of the head portion 21 and the receiving surface 12 of the casing 1 are inclined surfaces, and the side of the bracket B The second surface F2 is a plane parallel to the axis X. In this case, various steering devices S There is no need to perform any special processing on bracket B, which can be used as a common component, and the tensioner mechanism The pressing function can be achieved with just T, making it easy to apply to various steering devices S. become.

[0048] Even in this case, the variation in the gap dimension between the column housing C and the bracket B is absorbed. In order to do so, the head part 21 and the column housing C or the head part 21 and the bracket An intermediate member 4 can be provided between the first and second plates B. In this case, for example, a simple planar sheet It is advisable to attach the support member to one of the opposing members.

[0049] Third Embodiment 5 also omits the intermediate member 4 as in the example of FIG. 4. However, the head portion 21 The configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, with the second surface F2 facing the bracket B being an inclined surface.

[0050] In this case, it is necessary to form an inclined surface B1 on the bracket B. However, 21 moves along the axis X and does not move in a direction intersecting the axis X. The pressure function is stable.

[0051] In this configuration, a flat shim member is attached to the head portion 21 or the bracket B. This fills the gap between the head part 21 and the bracket B, The functional position of the head portion 21 along the center X can be adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0052] [Fourth embodiment] 6(a) and 6(b) show a state in which the tensioner body 2 and other components are temporarily assembled with the biasing member 3 compressed in advance. An example of attaching this to the casing 1 is shown below.

[0053] In this configuration, the tensioner body 2 also has a head portion 21 and a rod-shaped portion 22. However, the shape of the locking portion 25 at the end is different. It has one arm 253 extending along the center X, and a claw 254 is formed at the end of the arm 253. The claw portion 254 is swingable in a direction intersecting the axis X.

[0054] In this embodiment, one of the locked portions 14 is configured to be separated from the casing 1. The locking portion 14 is provided on the block-shaped receiving member 5, and the hole 1 into which the rod-shaped portion 22 can be inserted is provided. 43 and a recess 144 in which the claw 254 inserted into the hole 143 is engaged. The recess 144 is a notch formed through the wall of the receiving member 5 along the radial direction relative to the axis X. be.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6(b), when attaching the tensioner body 2 etc. to the casing 1, The urging member 3 is inserted into the rod-shaped portion 22, and the rod-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the hole portion 143 of the receiving member 5. By compressing and pushing the member 3, the claws 254 are engaged with the recesses 144, and the biasing member 3 is compressed. In this state, the tensioner body 2 and the locked portion 14 are integrated.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion 51 is formed on the back surface of the receiving member 5, and the wide portion 1 of the groove 11 3 and can be engaged with the rear surface of the groove portion 11. The tensioner body 2 in a compressed state is attached to the casing 1. The main body 2 can be compressed and attached to the receiving member 5 while being separated from the casing 1. This makes the assembly work extremely easy.

[0057] After the tensioner body 2 is fixed to the casing 1, the column housing C is attached to the bracket. B, and release the engagement of the claw portion 254. The locked state can be easily released by simply pushing it toward the axis center X. By providing the structure T, it is possible to obtain a steering device S that is extremely easy to assemble. . [Industrial Applicability]

[0058] The steering device of the present invention is, for example, a column bracket that is tiltable relative to the bracket. It can be widely used in steering devices equipped with housings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 casing 11 Groove 14 Locked part 141 Hole 142 recess 144 recess 15 Fixing hole 2 Tensioner body 22 Rod-shaped part 23 Legs 24 Locking part 251 Claw 24 Flange 3. Pressurizing member 4 Intermediate parts 41 Bulge 42 Stopper B Bracket C column housing F1 front page F2 2nd side S Steering device T tensioner mechanism

Claims

1. a column housing that houses a steering shaft for steering a vehicle and is supported by a pivotal support of the vehicle so as to be positionally changeable; a bracket disposed adjacent to the column housing at a position different from the pivot support portion on the vehicle side; a tensioner mechanism provided between the column housing and the bracket, which generates a pressing force against the column housing and the bracket, The tensioner mechanism is a casing provided on the column housing or the bracket; a tensioner body provided in the casing and movable in a direction intersecting the opposing direction of the column housing and the bracket; a biasing member that biases the tensioner body in the intersecting direction, the tensioner body has a first surface that abuts against the receiving surface of the casing and a second surface facing the opposite side to the receiving surface, the first surface being configured as a surface parallel to the intersecting direction, and the second surface being configured as an inclined surface whose distance from the first surface becomes narrower as it is positioned downstream in the biasing direction of the biasing member, a steering device provided with an intermediate member on the casing, the intermediate member being pressed in the opposing direction by contact with the second surface and contacting the bracket or the column housing on the side where the casing is not provided.

2. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate member is provided with a protruding, elastically deformable retaining portion having a bulge at a tip thereof, and the casing is provided with a fixing hole into which the retaining portion is fitted.

3. 3. A steering device according to claim 1, wherein a locking portion and a locked portion that engage with each other when the tensioner body is moved in the direction opposite to the biasing direction are formed separately on the tensioner body and the casing.

4. 4. The steering device according to claim 3, wherein the tensioner body includes a rod-shaped portion extending in the biasing direction, the locking portion is a pawl portion provided at the tip of the rod-shaped portion in a state capable of elastically deforming in a direction perpendicular to the biasing direction, and the locked portion is a hole portion provided in the casing, having a recess in which the pawl portion can be locked and capable of receiving the end of the rod-shaped portion.

5. 5. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the tensioner body is formed with legs that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the biasing direction and flanges that are provided at the tips of the legs, and the casing is provided with grooves that guide the legs and flanges so as to prevent them from coming off.

Images