Steering system

Abstract

To provide a steering device that can more surely prevent a steering colum from falling off without increasing the entire length of a screw shaft.SOLUTION: A steering device includes: a first steering column disposed on the outer side of a steering shaft; and a second steering column disposed on the outer side of the first steering column and movable relative to the first steering column in a first direction. The first steering column has a pin extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The second steering column is disposed on one side in the first direction of the pin, and has a protrusion configured to come into contact with the pin so as to be able to prevent the movement of the first steering column.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A retractable steering device shown in Patent Document 1 is known. In the retractable steering device, a telescopic steering column is axially contracted to store the steering wheel, for example, in the dashboard. The steering column is formed by connecting a plurality of steering columns so as to be telescopic in the axial direction. The retractable steering device includes, for example, a first steering column provided outside a steering shaft to which the steering wheel is connected, a second steering column provided outside the first steering column, and an actuator device that changes an axial distance between the first steering column and the second steering column.

[0003] The actuator device includes a ball screw having a screw shaft and a nut, and a motor. One axial side of the screw shaft is provided on the first steering column, and the nut meshes with the other axial side of the screw shaft and is provided on the second steering column. When the motor operates and rotates, the screw shaft rotates and the nut moves axially relative to the screw shaft. As a result, the second steering column moves axially with respect to the first steering column.

[0004] Here, when the axial position of the second steering column with respect to the first steering column reaches a predetermined position, the motor stops and the movement of the second steering column stops. However, for example, if the motor fails and the second steering column does not stop at the predetermined position, the second steering column may drop off from the first steering column.

[0005] To prevent this detachment, Patent Document 1 provides a projection at the tip of the screw shaft that is larger in diameter than the male thread portion of the screw shaft and capable of contacting a nut. When the nut comes into contact with this projection, the rotation of the nut stops, preventing the nut from coming off the tip of the screw shaft, thereby suppressing the detachment of the second steering column from the first steering column. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10882548 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, a projection is provided at the tip of the screw shaft to restrict the movement of the nut, which increases the overall length of the screw shaft. To shorten the length of the screw shaft, the axial length of the projection needs to be shortened (thinned), but if the projection is thinned, when the nut and the projection come into contact, the projection may deform, failing to restrict the movement of the nut, and there is a risk that the steering column will fall off. In other words, there is a need for a steering device that can more reliably prevent the steering column from falling off without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a steering device that can more reliably suppress the detachment of the steering column without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, a steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a steering shaft extending in a first direction and to which a steering wheel is connected at one end in the first direction; a first steering column disposed on the outside of the steering shaft; and a second steering column disposed on the outside of the first steering column and capable of relative movement in the first direction with respect to the first steering column via a first actuator device, wherein the first steering column has a pin extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second steering column has a protrusion disposed on one side of the pin in the first direction and capable of contacting the pin.

[0010] As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 provides a projection at the tip of the screw shaft to restrict the movement of the nut, which increases the overall length of the screw shaft. Therefore, a steering device is desired that can more reliably prevent the steering column from falling off without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft.

[0011] In contrast, the present disclosure provides a first steering column with a pin extending in a second direction. The pin contacts a protrusion on the second steering column, thereby preventing the second steering column from falling out of the first steering column. Thus, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a steering device that can more reliably prevent the steering column from falling out without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft.

[0012] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion projects in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, making it easier for the pin to contact the protrusion and thus more reliably preventing the steering column from falling out.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, the protrusion is provided with a notch on the other side in the first direction, and the pin can contact the notch. In this way, because the pin contacts the notch, the position of the pin is less likely to shift from the notch, and the detachment of the second steering column from the first steering column can be more reliably suppressed.

[0014] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the protrusion is a plate-like member having a rectangular shape when viewed from a second direction, and the notch is provided at the corner between the other side in the first direction and the one side in the third direction of the plate-like member. In other words, since the protrusion is a plate-like member extending in the first direction, the rigidity of the protrusion against forces in the first direction is increased, and the detachment of the second steering column from the first steering column can be more reliably suppressed.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a third steering column is provided between the steering shaft and the first steering column, extending in a first direction, and the third steering column is movable relative to the first steering column in the first direction via a second actuator device, the second actuator device being attached to the first steering column via a pin. In other words, the pin is attached to the second actuator device and the first steering column, thereby improving the mounting rigidity of the pin. As a result, the pin is less susceptible to damage and the detachment of the second steering column from the first steering column can be more reliably prevented.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, the mounting portion of the second actuator device to the first steering column is provided with a through hole extending in a second direction, the first steering column has a flange protruding to one side in a third direction, the flange is provided with a through hole extending in a second direction, and the pin passes through the through hole of the mounting portion and the through hole of the flange, thereby attaching the second actuator device to the first steering column. As a result, the mounting rigidity of the pin is further improved, making the pin less susceptible to damage and more reliably preventing the second steering column from falling off the first steering column.

[0017] A steering device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a steering shaft extending in a first direction and having a steering wheel connected to one end in the first direction; a first steering column disposed on the outside of the steering shaft; a second steering column disposed on the outside of the first steering column and movable relative to the first steering column in the first direction; and a third steering column disposed between the steering shaft and the first steering column and extending along the first direction, wherein the third steering column is movable relative to the first steering column in the first direction via a first actuator device including a motor and a gearbox, and the second steering column is disposed on one side in the first direction relative to the motor and the gearbox and has a frame portion that can contact the motor or the gearbox.

[0018] Therefore, the frame and the motor or gearbox of the first actuator device can come into contact with each other. The frame and the motor or gearbox can be made more rigid than the pins and plate-like members mentioned above. Therefore, damage to the frame and the motor or gearbox is reduced, and the detachment of the second steering column from the first steering column can be more reliably suppressed. Furthermore, this makes it possible to provide a steering device that can more reliably suppress the detachment of the steering column without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The steering device of this disclosure makes it possible to provide a steering device that can more reliably suppress the detachment of the steering column without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment, showing a state where the pin and the convex portion are separated from each other. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment, showing a state where the second actuator device is assembled. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment, showing a state where the pin and the convex portion are in contact with each other. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the steering device in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the steering device in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the following mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as the embodiment). In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, substantially identical ones, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the constituent elements disclosed in the following embodiments can be combined as appropriate. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and the description thereof is omitted. In the XYZ orthogonal coordinates, the Y direction is orthogonal (intersects) to the X direction. The Z direction is orthogonal (intersects) to the X direction and the Y direction. The X1 side is the opposite side of the X2 side, the Y1 side is the opposite side of the Y2 side, and the Z1 side is the opposite side of the Z2 side. In the following description, the X direction corresponds to the first direction, the Z direction corresponds to the second direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the third direction. The X2 side is one side of the first direction, the X1 side is the other side of the first direction, the Z1 side is one side of the second direction, the Z2 side is the other side of the second direction, the Y1 side is one side of the third direction, and the Y2 side is the other side of the third direction.

[0022] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment, showing the state in which the pin and the protrusion are separated. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment, showing the state in which the second actuator device is assembled.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the steering device 100 is, for example, a retractable steering device. In a retractable steering device, when the vehicle is not being driven, the extendable steering column can be retracted axially to store the steering wheel, for example, inside the dashboard. When the vehicle is being driven, the steering column can be extended axially to make the steering wheel protrude, for example, from inside the dashboard into the passenger compartment. This will be described in detail below.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the steering device 100 comprises a steering shaft 1, an inner column 2 (third steering column), an intermediate column 3 (first steering column), an outer column 4 (second steering column), a first actuator unit 113, and a second actuator unit 5.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the steering wheel 105 is connected to the X2-side end of the steering shaft 1. The X2-side end is also referred to as the rear end or one end in the first direction. When the driver operates the steering wheel 105, the steering shaft 1 rotates around the first central axis AX1, and an operating torque is applied to the steering shaft 1. In this way, the steering shaft 1 is connected to the steering wheel 105 and extends in the X direction (first direction, axial direction).

[0026] The steering shaft 1 is inserted into the inner circumference of the inner column 2. In other words, the cylindrical inner column 2 is positioned outside the steering shaft 1. The inner column 2 is also called the third steering column. The inner column 2 is connected to the steering shaft 1 via a torsion bar (not shown).

[0027] The inner column 2 is inserted inside the intermediate column 3. In other words, the cylindrical intermediate column 3 is positioned outside the inner column 2. The intermediate column 3 is also called the first steering column. The inner column 2 and the intermediate column 3 can move relative to each other along the X direction via the second actuator unit 5. The second actuator unit 5 extends in the X direction (first direction), which is the axial direction of the second central axis AX2. The second actuator unit 5 connects the inner column 2 and the intermediate column 3 and changes the axial distance between the inner column 2 and the intermediate column 3.

[0028] The cylindrical intermediate column 3 is positioned outside the inner column 2 and has an opening 33 on its side. The intermediate column 3 has a flat section 31 and a curved section 32. The flat section 31 is a plane extending in the X and Z directions. The opening 33 is rectangular when viewed from the Y direction. Specifically, the inner circumferential wall section 34 facing the opening 33 is a long rectangle along the X direction.

[0029] A flange 35 is provided at the X1 end of the flat portion 31, projecting toward the Y1 side. One flange 35 is provided on both the Z1 side and the Z2 side. Through holes 351 are provided in the two flanges 35. A pin 36 is inserted into the through hole 351. The pin 36 extends in the Z direction.

[0030] The bracket 60 is fixed to the outer circumference of the inner column 2. The bracket 60 is provided with a notch 61. The notch 61 is open on the Y1 side. The bracket 60 can move along the X direction inside the opening 33. When the bracket 60 abuts against the X2 side end of the inner circumferential wall 34, the movement of the inner column 2 on the X2 side relative to the intermediate column 3 is prevented, thereby preventing the inner column 2 from coming out of the intermediate column 3.

[0031] The second actuator unit 5 also includes a second actuator device 50, a bracket 60, and a flange 35. The second actuator device 50 includes a motor 51, a gearbox 52, a screw shaft 53, and a nut 62.

[0032] In the second actuator device 50, a male thread is formed on the outer circumference of the screw shaft 53. The screw shaft 53 extends in the X direction (first direction), which is the axial direction of the second central axis AX2. A female thread is formed on the inner circumference of the nut 62, and this female thread engages with the male thread of the screw shaft 53. The nut 62 has a projection 63 that protrudes in the Z direction. The projection 63 of the nut 62 fits into the notch 61 of the bracket 60. In this way, the X2 side of the second actuator device 50 is fixed to the inner column 2 via the nut 62 and the bracket 60.

[0033] The X1 side of the screw shaft 53 is attached to the intermediate column 3 via a gearbox 52, a pin 36, and a flange 35. This will be explained in detail below. The gearbox 52 is attached to the X1 side of the screw shaft 53. Inside the gearbox 52 are the worm shaft (not shown) of the motor 51 and the worm wheel (not shown) attached to the screw shaft 53, and these worm shaft and worm wheel mesh together. That is, the gearbox 52 houses a worm gear mechanism in which the worm shaft provided on the output shaft of the motor 51 and the worm wheel provided on the screw shaft 53 mesh together. When the motor 51 rotates due to this worm gear mechanism, the screw shaft 53 rotates via the worm shaft and worm wheel. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the gearbox 52 is attached to the X1 side of the screw shaft 53. The gearbox 52 has a protruding portion 521 (mounting portion). The protruding portion 521 is provided with a through hole 522 that penetrates in the Z direction. The pin 36 passes through the through hole 351 in the flange 35 and the through hole 522 in the protruding portion 521. Thus, the protruding portion 521 in the second actuator device 50 is a mounting portion for attaching the second actuator device 50 to the intermediate column 3. As shown in Figure 2, the tip portion 36a of the pin 36 protrudes Z1 side further than the flange 35. A snap ring 37 is fitted onto the tip portion 36a of the pin 36. The snap ring 37 has the effect of preventing the pin 36 from coming off. In this way, the protruding portion 521 (mounting portion) of the second actuator device 50 is attached to the flange 35 via the pin 36.

[0034] With the second actuator unit 5 having the above configuration, when the motor 51 operates and rotates, the worm shaft rotates inside the gearbox 52, causing the worm wheel to rotate as well. As a result, the screw shaft 53 also rotates along with the worm wheel, causing the nut 62, which is engaged with the screw shaft 53, to move axially (X direction, first direction) relative to the screw shaft 53. This changes the relative distance between the nut 62 and the gearbox 52 along the X direction. Therefore, the inner column 2 can move relative to the intermediate column 3 in the X direction via the second actuator unit 5.

[0035] An intermediate column 3 is positioned inside the outer column 4. In other words, the outer column 4 is positioned outside the intermediate column 3. The outer column 4 is also called the second steering column. The outer column 4 comprises a main body portion 41 and a protrusion portion 7. In this embodiment, a plate-shaped member 70 is used as an example of the protrusion portion 7.

[0036] The side of the main body 41 on the Y1 side is open. That is, the main body 41 extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction around the axis of the first central axis AX1, and has a cross-section that is approximately U-shaped. In the main body 41, one end in the circumferential direction is the first circumferential end 411, and the other end in the circumferential direction is the second circumferential end 412. There is an opening 42 between the first circumferential end 411 and the second circumferential end 412. That is, the cross-section of the main body 41, which is open on the Y1 side, is approximately U-shaped. In addition, an annular member 43 is attached to the end of the main body 41 on the X1 side. The first circumferential end 411 and the second circumferential end 412 each extend linearly along the X direction. The first circumferential end 411 and the second circumferential end 412 are approximately parallel. The first circumferential end 411 and the second circumferential end 412 are separated in the Z direction. The first circumferential end 411 is located on the Z1 side, and the second circumferential end 412 is located on the Z2 side. A plate-shaped member 70 is provided on the X2 side portion of the second circumferential end 412. The plate-shaped member 70 protrudes on the Y1 side. The plate-shaped member 70 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z direction and has an end face (edge) 72 on the Y1 side, an end face (edge) 73 on the X1 side, and an end face (edge) 74 on the X2 side. End faces (edges) 73 and 74 extend substantially parallel to each other along the Y direction. An arc-shaped notch 71 is provided at the corner between end faces (edges) 72 and 73 when viewed from the Z direction. The notch 71 is recessed toward end face (edge) 74. The pin 36 can contact the notch 71.

[0037] The intermediate column 3 and the outer column 4 can move relative to each other along the X direction via the first actuator unit 113. The first actuator unit 113 extends in the X direction (first direction), which is the axial direction of the third central axis AX3. The first actuator unit 113 comprises a first actuator device 112, a bracket 64, and a flange 114. The first actuator device 112 comprises a motor 106, a gearbox 107, a screw shaft 108, and a nut 67. The gearbox 107 is mounted on the outer column 4. The gearbox 107 houses a worm gear mechanism in which a worm shaft provided on the output shaft of the motor 106 meshes with a worm wheel provided on the screw shaft 108. Due to the worm gear mechanism, when the motor 106 rotates, the screw shaft 108 rotates via the worm shaft and worm wheel. The gearbox 107 is mounted on the X1 side of the screw shaft 108. The nut 67 is attached to the X2 side of the screw shaft 108. The nut 67 has a projection 68 that protrudes in the Y direction. The bracket 64 is fixed to the outer circumference of the intermediate column 3. The bracket 64 is provided with a notch 66. The notch 66 is open on the Z2 side. The projection 68 of the nut 67 fits into the notch 66 of the bracket 64.

[0038] With the first actuator unit 113 having the above configuration, when the motor 106 operates and the worm shaft rotates, the worm wheel also rotates. As a result, the screw shaft 108 also rotates together with the worm wheel, and the nut 67 that engages with the screw shaft 108 moves in the axial direction (X direction, first direction). This changes the relative distance between the nut 67 and the gearbox 107 along the X direction. Therefore, the intermediate column 3 can move relative to the outer column 4 in the X direction via the first actuator unit 113.

[0039] The outer column 4 is equipped with a gearbox 101, an electric motor 102, and an ECU 104. The gearbox 101 houses the worm shaft and worm wheel of the electric motor 102, and these worm shaft and worm wheel mesh together. The ECU 104 controls the operation of the electric motor 102. The ECU 104 and the electric motor 102 provide auxiliary torque to the steering shaft 1. In other words, the steering device 100 of this embodiment is an electric power steering device that assists the driver's steering with the electric motor 102.

[0040] Furthermore, a mounting member 110 is provided on the Z1 side of the outer column 4. The mounting member 110 has four mounting parts 111, and the mounting member 110 is attached to the vehicle body via these four mounting parts 111.

[0041] Next, the movement of the pin 36 when the intermediate column 3 moves in the X direction relative to the outer column 4 will be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the steering device in the first embodiment, showing the state in which the pin and the protrusion are in contact.

[0042] As described above, the steering device 100 is a retractable steering device, and the retractable steering column is retracted axially to store the steering wheel 105, for example, in the dashboard. When the steering column is extended and the steering wheel 105 is brought out from the dashboard toward the rear of the vehicle (X2 side), the first actuator unit 113 and the second actuator unit 5 are operated to move the inner column 2 and the intermediate column 3 toward the X2 side. For example, as described above, the inner column 2 can move relative to the intermediate column 3 in the X direction via the second actuator unit 5. Also, the intermediate column 3 can move relative to the outer column 4 in the X direction via the first actuator unit 113.

[0043] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the motor 51 of the second actuator unit 5 stops rotating when the X-direction position of the intermediate column 3 relative to the outer column 4 reaches a predetermined position. However, if the motor 51 does not stop rotating at the predetermined position due to some abnormality, the intermediate column 3 moves further towards the X2 side relative to the outer column 4 than in the state shown in Figure 2.

[0044] In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the pin 36 abuts against the notch 71 of the plate-shaped member 70. This prevents the intermediate column 3 from moving in the X direction relative to the outer column 4, and suppresses the outer column 4 from falling off the intermediate column 3.

[0045] As described above, the steering device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a steering shaft 1 extending in the X direction and to which a steering wheel 105 is connected at the X2 end, an intermediate column 3 (first steering column) disposed on the outside of the steering shaft 1, and an outer column 4 (second steering column) disposed on the outside of the intermediate column 3 (first steering column) and capable of relative movement in the X direction with respect to the intermediate column 3 (first steering column) via a first actuator unit 113. The intermediate column 3 (first steering column) has a pin 36 extending in the Z direction, and the outer column 4 (second steering column) has a protrusion 7 disposed on the X2 side relative to the pin 36 and capable of contacting the pin 36.

[0046] As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 provides a projection at the tip of the screw shaft to restrict the movement of the nut, which increases the overall length of the screw shaft. Therefore, a steering device is desired that can more reliably prevent the steering column from falling off without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft.

[0047] In contrast, this embodiment has a pin 36 provided on the intermediate column 3 (first steering column) that extends in the Z direction. The pin 36 abuts against the protrusion 7 of the outer column 4, thereby preventing the outer column 4 (second steering column) from falling out of the intermediate column 3 (first steering column). Thus, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a steering device 100 that can more reliably prevent the outer column 4 (second steering column) from falling out without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft 53.

[0048] Furthermore, the protruding portion 7 has a notch 71 on the X1 side, and the pin 36 can contact the notch 71. In this way, the pin 36 contacts the notch 71, making it less likely for the position of the pin 36 to shift from the notch 71.

[0049] The protrusion 7 is a plate-shaped member 70 having a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction, and a notch 71 is provided at the corner between the Y1 side end face (edge) 72 and the X1 side end face (edge) 73 of the plate-shaped member 70. In other words, since the protrusion 7 is a plate-shaped member extending in the X direction, the rigidity of the protrusion 7 against forces in the X direction is increased, and the detachment of the outer column 4 from the intermediate column 3 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0050] Furthermore, an inner column 2 (third steering column) extending along the X direction is provided between the steering shaft 1 and the intermediate column 3 (first steering column). The inner column 2 is capable of relative movement in the first direction with respect to the intermediate column via a second actuator device, and the second actuator device 50 is attached to the intermediate column 3 via a pin 36. In other words, since the pin 36 is attached to the second actuator device 50 and the intermediate column 3, the mounting rigidity of the pin 36 is further improved. Therefore, the pin 36 becomes less susceptible to damage, and the detachment of the outer column 4 from the intermediate column 3 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0051] The intermediate column 3 (first steering column) has a flange 35 that protrudes toward the Y1 side, and the flange 35 is provided with a through hole 351 that penetrates in the Z direction. The protruding portion 521 (mounting portion) of the second actuator device 50 is provided with a through hole 522 that penetrates in the Z direction. The pin 36 passes through the through hole 522 of the protruding portion 521 and the through hole 351 of the flange 35, thereby attaching the second actuator device 50 to the intermediate column 3.

[0052] In this manner, the pin 36 is attached to the flange 35 and the protruding portion 521 (mounting portion) of the second actuator device 50. Therefore, the mounting rigidity of the pin 36 is improved, making it less likely for the pin 36 to be damaged and more reliably preventing the outer column 4 from falling off the intermediate column 3.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the steering device in the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a side view of the steering device in the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 6.

[0054] In the steering device 100A according to the second embodiment, a first frame (frame portion) 7A and a second frame 8A are provided on the outer column 4A. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the outer column 4A comprises a main body 41A, a first frame 7A (frame portion), and a second frame 8A.

[0056] The main body portion 41A is provided on the Z1 side and the Z2 side. The main body portion 41A extends along the X direction. As shown in Figure 7, the main body portion 41A on the Z1 side has a V-shaped cross-section that is convex toward the Z1 side.

[0057] The first frame 7A is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the X direction. Specifically, the first frame 7A has a pair of legs 71A and a connecting portion 72A. The pair of legs 71A are spaced apart in the Z direction. That is, the leg 71A on the Z1 side and the leg 71A on the Z2 side are connected via the connecting portion 72A. When viewed from the X direction, the first frame 7A and the bracket 60 and nut 62 do not overlap. That is, when the inner column 2 moves in the X direction relative to the intermediate column 3, the bracket 60 and nut 62 also move in the X direction. At this time, the bracket 60 and nut 62 can pass inside the first frame 7A.

[0058] The second frame 8A is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the X direction. Specifically, the second frame 8A has a pair of legs 81A and a connecting portion 82A. The pair of legs 81A are spaced apart in the Z direction. The second frame 8A covers the outside of the protruding portion 521 and the flange 35. In other words, when viewed from the Y direction, the second frame 8A overlaps with the protruding portion 521 and the flange 35.

[0059] Furthermore, the second actuator unit 5 includes a second actuator device 50. As described above, the second actuator device 50 includes a motor 51, a gearbox 52, a screw shaft 53, and a nut 62. Viewed from the X direction, the first frame 7A is superimposed on the motor 51 and the gearbox 52. Therefore, for example, the motor 51 and the gearbox 52 in the second actuator device 50 can come into contact with the first frame 7A.

[0060] As described above, in the steering device 100A according to the second embodiment, an inner column 2 (third steering column) extending along the X direction is provided between the steering shaft 1 and the intermediate column 3 (first steering column), and the inner column 2 (third steering column) is movable relative to the intermediate column 3 (first steering column) in the X direction via the second actuator device 50. The inner column 2 (third steering column) is movable relative to the intermediate column 3 (first steering column) in the X direction via the second actuator unit 5, and the outer column 4 (second steering column) has a first frame 7A (frame portion) which is positioned on the X2 side with respect to the second actuator unit 5 and is capable of contacting the motor 51 or gearbox 52 of the second actuator device 50.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the first frame 7A (frame portion) and the motor 51 or gearbox 52 of the second actuator device 50 can come into contact with each other. The second embodiment also makes it possible to provide a steering device 100A that can more reliably suppress the detachment of the outer column 4 (second steering column) without increasing the overall length of the screw shaft 53. Furthermore, since the first frame 7A (frame portion) and the motor 51 or gearbox 52 have higher rigidity than the pin 36 and plate-shaped member 70 of the first embodiment, this also helps to more reliably suppress the detachment of the outer column 4 (second steering column). [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Steering shaft 2. Inner column (3rd steering column) 3. Intermediate Column (First Steering Column) 31 Flat area 32 Curved section 33 Open area 34 Inner peripheral wall 35 Flange 351 Through hole 36 pins 36a Tip 37 Snap rings 4, 4A Outer column (2nd steering column) 41, 41A Main body 411 First circumferential end 412 Second circumferential end 42 Opening 43 Annular member 5. Second Actuator Unit 50 Second Actuator Device 51 Motor 52 Gearbox 521 Protruding part (mounting part) 522 Through hole 53 Screw shaft 60 bracket 61 Notch 62 nuts 63 Protrusion 64 brackets 66 Notch 67 Nut 68 Protrusion 7. Convex part 70 Plate-shaped member 71 Notch 72 End face (edge) 73 End face (edge) 74 End face (edge) 7A First frame (frame section) 71A Legs 72A Connection part 8A 2nd Frame 81A Legs 82A Connection part 100, 100A steering system 101 Gearbox 102 Electric motor 104 ECU 105 Steering Wheel 106 Motor 107 Gearbox 108 Screw shaft 110 Mounting components 111 Mounting part 112 First Actuator Device 113 First Actuator Unit 114 Flange AX1 1st center axis AX2 2nd center axis AX3 3rd center axis

Claims

1. A steering shaft extending in a first direction and having a steering wheel connected to one end in the first direction, A first steering column is positioned outside the steering shaft, A second steering column is positioned outside the first steering column and is capable of relative movement in a first direction with respect to the first steering column via a first actuator device, Equipped with, The first steering column has a pin extending in a second direction that intersects the first direction, The second steering column is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the pin and has a protrusion that can contact the pin. The aforementioned protrusions project in a third direction that intersects the first and second directions, The aforementioned protrusion is provided with a notch on the other side in the first direction, and the pin can contact the notch. Steering system.

2. The aforementioned protrusion is a plate-like member having a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction, The notch is provided at the corner between the other side in the first direction and the one side in the third direction of the plate-like member. The steering device according to claim 1.

3. A third steering column extending in the first direction is provided between the steering shaft and the first steering column. The third steering column is capable of relative movement in a first direction with respect to the first steering column via a second actuator device. The second actuator device is attached to the first steering column via the pin, The steering device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The mounting portion of the second actuator device to the first steering column is provided with a through hole that penetrates in the second direction. The first steering column has a flange protruding to one side in the third direction, and the flange is provided with a through hole penetrating in the second direction. The pin passes through the through hole in the mounting portion and the through hole in the flange, so that the second actuator device is attached to the first steering column. The steering device according to claim 3.

5. A steering shaft extending in a first direction and having a steering wheel connected to one end in the first direction, A first steering column is positioned outside the steering shaft, A second steering column is positioned outside the first steering column and is capable of relative movement in a first direction with respect to the first steering column, A third steering column is positioned between the steering shaft and the first steering column and extends along the first direction, Equipped with, The third steering column is capable of relative movement in a first direction with respect to the first steering column via an actuator device including a motor and a gearbox. The second steering column is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the motor and the gearbox and has a frame portion that can contact the motor or the gearbox. Steering system.

Images