Steering apparatus for vehicle

The vehicle steering device addresses noise and vibration issues and improves collision safety by incorporating a bent portion on the inner tube to manage the movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube, ensuring reduced noise and controlled load distribution during collisions.

WO2024258121A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2024-12-19NAMYANG NEXMO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/007850
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-06-15
Filing Date
2024-06-10
Publication Date
2024-12-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle steering systems with telescope functions suffer from ringing noise and vibration during operation, and excessive initial load collapse during collisions, which compromise the comfort and safety of the driving environment and collision absorption performance.

Method used

The vehicle steering device features an inner tube with a bent portion radially inward from one end, allowing axial movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube, reducing noise and vibration and distributing the initial load more evenly during collisions.

Benefits of technology

This configuration minimizes ringing noise and vibration during telescope operation and prevents excessive initial load collapse, enhancing the vehicle's collision absorption performance and providing a more comfortable driving experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A steering apparatus for a vehicle, of the present invention, comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, which has one end portion inserted into the outer tube such that the outer tube can be moved in the axial direction with respect to the inner tube, wherein a bent portion bent to be positioned inward from the one end portion of the inner tube in the radial direction is formed at the one end portion of the inner tube, and thus reverberation noise and vibration during a telescope operation can be reduced.
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Description

vehicle steering system

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a telescope function that can adjust the length of a steering column.

[0002]

[0003] In general, the steering system of a vehicle is a device that changes the direction of the vehicle's front wheels to the left or right, thereby changing the vehicle's direction of travel to the left or right.

[0004] The above steering device includes a steering wheel that is a configuration that a driver holds with his / her hand, and when the driver rotates the steering wheel to the left or right, a steering shaft coupled to an upper portion of the steering wheel is rotated, and the rotational power of the steering shaft is transmitted to a steering gear, and when a rack bar of the steering gear moves left and right, a left tie rod and a right tie rod are moved left or right, thereby changing the direction of the front wheels of the vehicle to the left or right.

[0005] Meanwhile, the steering device includes a telescope and tilt function, and through the telescope and tilt functions, the driver can adjust the degree of protrusion and inclination of the steering wheel into the vehicle cabin to suit his or her height or body type, thereby enabling smooth steering operation.

[0006] In addition, the telescope and tilt functions were initially operated manually by the driver directly manipulating the control lever to move the steering wheel in the axial direction or to rotate the steering wheel around a hinge axis arranged orthogonal to the axial direction, but an automatic operation method using a motor was developed.

[0007] Recently, with the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle development, securing space for the driver in autonomous driving mode has become a hot topic.

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1939578 (January 18, 2019) (hereinafter referred to as “prior art”) discloses a “steering column for an automobile,” which is a technology for a steering column with the above-described telescopic function.

[0009] The above-mentioned conventional technology includes a hollow inner tube surrounding a steering shaft, an outer tube provided on an outer surface of the inner tube, a telescopic fixing member provided with a support hole spaced apart in the direction of the steering shaft and coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube, a telescopic movable member hinge-coupled to the outer tube to rotate and to be supported by being in close contact with the support hole, and a rotational support member having one end fixed to an adjustment bolt and the other end supporting an elastic member coupled to the telescopic movable member so as to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of an adjustment lever, thereby rotating the telescopic movable member when the adjustment lever is rotated, wherein the rotational support member is characterized in that a tube coupling portion is provided on an inner surface of an upper end in a ring shape through which the outer tube passes and has a support end portion that supports the elastic member.

[0010] However, the outer tube of the above-mentioned prior art, unlike the inner tube, must have a structure in which various parts are combined on the outer surface, and in addition, it must be fixed to the vehicle body through a mounting bracket and must have rigidity to maintain the collapse movement in the event of a vehicle collision, and therefore, it is formed by die casting. In this case, the inner surface of the outer tube is tool-processed to slide up and down with respect to the inner tube.

[0011] Accordingly, the above-mentioned conventional technology has a problem in that when the outer tube slides up and down relative to the inner tube during telescopic operation, the upper end of the inner tube is caught in the shape formed by tool processing on the inner surface of the outer tube, generating resonant noise and vibration that are transmitted to the driver, and thus, does not provide a comfortable driving environment.

[0012] In addition, the above-mentioned conventional technology also had a problem in that when the inner tube and the outer tube collapse during a vehicle collision, the initial collapse load becomes excessive, thereby lowering the vehicle's crash absorption performance.

[0013]

[0014] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steering device capable of reducing noise and vibration during telescopic operation.

[0015] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a steering device for a vehicle capable of improving the collision absorption performance of the vehicle by preventing the initial collapse load of the steering column from becoming excessively high during a vehicle collision.

[0016] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0017]

[0018] To achieve the above object, a vehicle steering device according to the present invention comprises an outer tube and an inner tube. One end of the inner tube is inserted and positioned within the outer tube. The outer tube is axially movable relative to the inner tube. One end of the inner tube is formed with a bent portion that is positioned radially inward and bent relative to one end of the inner tube.

[0019] The above-mentioned bending portion may be arranged inside the inner tube.

[0020] The above-mentioned bending portion may be configured as an inner parallel portion. The inner parallel portion may be arranged so that one end of the inner tube is rolled into the inner tube and is parallel to the inner surface of the inner tube.

[0021] The above internal parallel portion can be formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0022] The above-mentioned bending portion may be configured as an internally inclined portion. The internally inclined portion may be arranged so that one end of the inner tube is bent into the interior of the inner tube, and the further away from the one end of the inner tube, the more inclined it becomes in the radial direction from the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube.

[0023] The above inner slope can be formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0024] The above-mentioned bending portion may be arranged on the outside of the inner tube.

[0025] The above-mentioned bending portion may be configured as an externally inclined portion. The externally inclined portion may be arranged so that one end of the inner tube is bent to the outside of the inner tube, and the further away from the one end of the inner tube, the more inclined it becomes in the radial direction from the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube.

[0026] The above outer slope can be formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0027] The steering shaft may axially penetrate the outer tube and the inner tube. The bending portion may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the steering shaft.

[0028] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0029]

[0030] A steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention has a bent portion formed at one end of an inner tube inserted into an outer tube among both ends of the inner tube and positioned radially inward from one end of the inner tube, thereby reducing ringing noise and vibration during telescopic operation, and preventing the initial collapse load of a steering column from becoming excessively high during a vehicle collision, thereby improving the collision absorption performance of the vehicle.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0032]

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the inner tube illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inner tube shown in Fig. 2;

[0036] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the inner tube illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inner tube shown in Fig. 4;

[0038] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the inner tube illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inner tube illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0040]

[0041] <Explanation of symbols>

[0042] 1: Steering device for vehicle 100: Steering shaft

[0043] 210: Outer tube 220: Inner tube

[0044] 225: Bend section 225A: Inner parallel section

[0045] 225B: Internal slope 225C: External slope

[0046]

[0047] Hereinafter, a vehicle steering device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

[0048] The present invention can be modified in various ways and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0049] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included. Similar reference numerals have been used to refer to similar components throughout the description of each drawing.

[0050] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0051] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0053] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In the following description, terms related to the vertical direction are based on the vertical direction shown in Fig. 1, and the vertical direction may mean the axial direction, the upper end may mean one end, the upper end may mean one end, the lower end may mean the other end, and the lower end may mean the other end.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 1, the vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can have a variable length in the vertical direction. That is, the driver can adjust the length of the vehicle steering device (1) to suit his / her physical condition to drive the vehicle in a comfortable posture. This function of varying the vertical length of the vehicle steering device (1) is called a telescope function, and the telescope is abbreviated as "Tele."

[0056] A vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a steering shaft (100) and a steering column (200).

[0057] A steering wheel (not shown) that the driver holds with his / her hand to steer the vehicle may be installed at the upper end of the steering shaft (100). That is, the driver may hold the steering wheel with his / her hand and turn it to the left to steer the vehicle to the left, and may hold the steering wheel with his / her hand and turn it to the right to steer the vehicle to the right.

[0058] The steering shaft (100) can penetrate the steering column (200) in the vertical direction. The steering column (200) can include an outer tube (210) and an inner tube (220), and the steering shaft (100) can penetrate the outer tube (210) and the inner tube (220) in the vertical direction.

[0059] The two ends of the steering shaft (100) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the steering column (200) through the two ends of the steering column (200), respectively. That is, the upper end of the steering shaft (100) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the steering column (200) through the upper end of the steering column (200), and the lower end of the steering shaft (100) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the steering column (200) through the lower end of the steering column (200). The upper end of the steering shaft (100) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the outer tube (210) through the upper end of the outer tube (210), and the lower end of the steering shaft (100) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from the inner tube (220) through the lower end of the inner tube (220).

[0060] The steering shaft (100) can be locked to prevent axial movement on the steering column (200). The steering shaft (100) can be rotatably coupled to the steering column (200) via a ball bearing. In the event of a vehicle accident, the steering shaft (100) is unlocked from the steering column (200) by an external force applied to the steering shaft (100) and moves axially, thereby reducing injury to the driver.

[0061] The steering column (200) may be formed in a cylindrical shape through which the steering shaft (100) passes. The steering column (200) may have a structure that performs the above-described telescopic function and also absorbs collision energy by collapsing in the vertical direction when a vehicle collides.

[0062] Specifically, the steering column (200) may include an outer tube (210) and an inner tube (220). The outer tube (210) may be installed in the inner tube (220) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and through this, the steering column (200) may have a variable length in the vertical direction, thereby performing the telescopic function and, in addition, performing the function of absorbing collision energy by collapsing in the vertical direction when a vehicle collides.

[0063] The outer tube (210) and the inner tube (220) may be formed in a cylindrical shape through which the steering shaft (100) passes. However, the outer tube (210) and the inner tube (220) do not necessarily have to be formed in a cylindrical shape, and may be formed in various cylindrical shapes such as a square cylindrical shape or a triangular cylindrical shape.

[0064] The outer tube (210) may form the upper portion of the steering column (200), and the inner tube (220) may form the lower portion of the steering column (200). However, the outer tube (210) and the inner tube (220) may be installed with their positions switched. That is, the inner tube (220) may form the upper portion of the steering column (200), and the outer tube (210) may form the lower portion of the steering column (200).

[0065] The upper end of the inner tube (220) can be inserted and positioned inside the outer tube (210). The upper end of the inner tube (220) can be inserted and positioned inside the outer tube (210) through the lower end of the outer tube (210). The outer tube (210) can be moved up and down with respect to the inner tube (220).

[0066] A dust cover (500) may be placed at the lower end of the inner tube (220). The dust cover (500) may be attached to the dash panel of the vehicle to prevent foreign substances and noise from being transmitted into the vehicle interior through the inner tube (220) and outer tube (210).

[0067] The outer tube (210) can be connected to the inner tube (220) so as to be able to move up and down without rotating in the circumferential direction.

[0068] With the lower part of the inner tube (220) connected to the dash panel through the dust cover (500), the outer tube (210) moves up and down with respect to the inner tube (220), thereby performing the tele function in which the overall length of the steering column (200) is varied, and through this, the vehicle steering device (1) can be adjusted to a length suitable for the driver's physical condition.

[0069] A slit (215) extending from the bottom to the top may be formed at the lower end of the outer tube (210). In addition, a tele-adjustment device (300) may be installed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the outer tube (210) to make the lower end of the outer tube (210) inwardly retractable or open, thereby making the outer tube (210) unable to move up and down relative to the inner tube (220) or movable.

[0070] That is, the tele adjustment device (300) can press the outer side of the lower end of the outer tube (210) inward, and accordingly, the lower end of the outer tube (210) can be compressed inward while the slit (215) is widened, so that the inner surface of the lower end of the outer tube (210) can be tightly pressed against the outer surface of the inner tube (220). In this state, the outer tube (210) may not be able to move up and down with respect to the inner tube (220).

[0071] In addition, the tele adjustment device (300) can release the pressure applied inwardly to the outer side of the lower end of the outer tube (210), whereby the lower end of the outer tube (210) can be widened to the original position of the width of the slit (215) and spread outward, so that the inner surface of the lower end of the outer tube (210) can loosely contact the inner surface of the inner tube (220). In this state, the outer tube (210) can move up and down with respect to the inner tube (220).

[0072] In addition, a mounting bracket (400) may be installed on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the outer tube (210). The mounting bracket (400) may be installed on the vehicle body to support the outer tube (210). The mounting bracket (400) is installed to be movable up and down on the vehicle body, so that when the outer tube (210) moves up and down with respect to the inner tube (220), the mounting bracket (400) may move up and down together with the outer tube (210).

[0073] A pair of block portions (216) with a slit (215) between them may be formed protrudingly on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the outer tube (210), and a pair of installation plate portions (416) may be formed on the mounting bracket (400) and each of which is positioned on the outer side of the pair of block portions (216).

[0074] The tele adjustment device (300) is a device for manually performing the tele function, and may include various configurations of known technologies, but may basically include a tele lever (310) and a tele bolt (320) as disclosed in FIG. 1. Of course, instead of the tele adjustment device (300), a device for automatically performing the tele function using the driving force of a motor may be installed on the steering column (200).

[0075] One end of the tele lever (310) can be arranged on the outside of one of the pair of installation plates (416), and a fixed gear (not shown) and a moving gear (not shown) can be arranged on the outside of the other of the pair of installation plates (416), and the tele bolt (320) can pass through one end of the tele lever (310), the pair of installation plates (416), the pair of block parts (216), the fixed gear, and the moving gear, and one end of the tele bolt (320) can be coupled to the tele lever (310), and a nut (not shown) can be fastened to the other end of the tele bolt (320).

[0076] In the locked state of the tele lever (310), the gear teeth of the moving gear can be engaged with the gear teeth of the fixed gear to maintain the tele lever (310) in the locked state, and in the unlocked state of the tele lever (310), the gear teeth of the moving gear can be disengaged from the gear teeth of the fixed gear to maintain the tele lever (310) in the unlocked state.

[0077] The driver can lock the tele adjustment device (300) by holding the tele lever (310) by hand and rotating it in one direction, and in this locked state of the tele adjustment device (300), the outer tube (210) can be made unable to move up and down with respect to the inner tube (220).

[0078] Additionally, the driver can unlock the tele adjustment device (300) by holding the tele lever (310) with his hand and rotating it in the other direction, and in the unlocked state of the tele adjustment device (300), the outer tube (210) can be moved up and down with respect to the inner tube (200).

[0079] In this way, in a state where the outer tube (210) can move up and down with respect to the inner tube (200), the driver can move the outer tube (210) up and down to change the length of the steering column (200) to suit his / her physical condition, thereby moving the position of the steering wheel to a position suitable for his / her physical condition. Then, after the driver has adjusted the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition, he / she can hold the tele lever (310) by hand and rotate it in one direction again to lock the tele adjustment device (300).

[0080] The steering shaft (100) may be configured by being divided into a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft may form the upper end of the steering shaft (100), and the second shaft may form the lower end of the steering shaft (100).

[0081] The lower end of the first shaft can be inserted and positioned into the upper end of the second shaft through a groove formed at the upper end of the second shaft. When the outer tube (210) moves up and down with respect to the inner tube (220), the lower end of the first shaft is inserted or withdrawn into the upper end of the second shaft, so that the length of the steering shaft (100) in the vertical direction can be varied together with the steering column (200).

[0082] Serrations may be formed on the outer surface of the lower portion of the first shaft and the inner surface of the upper portion of the second shaft to be coupled to each other. The first shaft and the second shaft are coupled to each other through the serrations, and can move up and down without rotating in the circumferential direction, so that the length of the steering shaft (100) in the vertical direction can be varied.

[0083] The first shaft can be rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the outer tube (210) in a circumferential direction through a first ball bearing, and the second shaft can be rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the inner tube (220) in a circumferential direction through a second ball bearing.

[0084] The upper end of the first shaft may be arranged to protrude to the outside of the outer tube (210) through the upper end of the outer tube (210), and the lower end of the second shaft may be arranged to protrude to the outside of the inner tube (200) through the lower end of the inner tube (220).

[0085] A ball plunger may be installed in the outer tube (210) so as to protrude inward, and a catch hole may be formed in the inner tube (220) to catch the ball plunger at a position where the outer tube (210) is moved to the maximum upward position.

[0086] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the inner tube shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inner tube shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the inner tube shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inner tube shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the inner tube shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inner tube shown in FIG. 6.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, a bent portion (225) may be formed on the upper end of the inner tube (220) so as to be positioned radially inward from the upper end of the inner tube (220).

[0088] If the positions of the outer tube (210) and the inner tube (220) are switched and installed, the lower part of the inner tube (220) is inserted into the inside of the outer tube (210) through the upper part of the outer tube (210). In this case, the same configuration as the folded part (225) can be formed at the lower part of the inner tube (220).

[0089] That is, a bent portion (225) may be formed on one end of the inner tube (220) that is positioned radially inward from the one end of the inner tube (220), which is a portion inserted into the inside of the outer tube (210).

[0090] The bending portion (225) can stably change the length of the steering column (200) in the vertical direction and prevent noise from being generated when the steering column (200) is adjusted telescopically.

[0091] To explain this in detail, the outer tube (210) must have a structure in which various parts are combined on the outer surface, unlike the inner tube (220), and in addition, it must be fixed to the vehicle body through a mounting bracket (400) and must have rigidity to maintain the collapse movement in the event of a vehicle collision, so it is formed by die casting. In this case, the inner surface of the outer tube (210) is tool-processed to slide up and down with respect to the inner tube (110).

[0092] Accordingly, when the outer tube (210) slides up and down with respect to the inner tube (220) during telescopic operation, the upper end of the inner tube (220) comes into contact with the structure formed by tool processing on the inner surface of the outer tube (120), and since the bending portion (225) is formed on the upper end of the inner tube (220), when the outer tube (210) slides up and down with respect to the inner tube (220), the structure formed by tool processing on the inner surface of the outer tube (120) smoothly passes through the upper end of the inner tube (220), thereby preventing the occurrence of noise and vibration such as ringing noise or shaking noise, and also preventing excessive collapse initial load of the steering column (200) in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0093] In this way, the bending portion (225) can reduce the resonance noise and vibration when the steering column (200) operates telescopically, and can prevent the initial collapse load of the steering column (200) from becoming excessively high when the vehicle collides, thereby improving the collision absorption performance of the vehicle.

[0094] In addition, the bending portion (225) is positioned away from the outer surface of the steering shaft (100), so that noise may not be generated when the steering shaft (100) rotates.

[0095] The bending portion (225) is not provided as a separate component installed on the upper portion of the inner tube (220), but can be formed integrally on the upper portion of the inner tube (220). Accordingly, stable vertical movement of the outer tube (210) can be provided without a separate component, thereby simplifying the structure of the vehicle steering device (1) and reducing its weight.

[0096] The bending portion (225) may be placed inside the inner tube (220) as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, or may be placed outside the inner tube (220) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0097] Specifically, the bending portion (225) may include an inner parallel portion (225A) as referenced in FIGS. 2 and 3, an inner inclined portion (225B) as referenced in FIGS. 4 and 5, or an outer inclined portion (225C) as referenced in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner parallel portion (225A) may be arranged parallel to the inner surface of the inner tube (220) by rolling the upper end of the inner tube (220) into the inner tube (220). The inner parallel portion (225A) may extend in the vertical direction and be arranged inside the upper end of the inner tube (220). An outwardly convex curved portion (226) may be formed between the upper end of the inner tube (220) and the inner parallel portion (225A).

[0099] The inner parallel part (225A) is spaced apart from the outer surface of the steering shaft (100), so that noise may not be generated when the steering shaft (100) rotates.

[0100] In addition, the curved portion (226) prevents a structure formed by tool processing on the inner surface of the outer tube (210) from being caught on the upper end of the inner tube (220) when the outer tube (210) slides up and down relative to the inner tube (220), thereby preventing noise and vibration such as ringing noise or shaking noise from occurring and preventing excessive collapse initial load of the steering column (200) in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0101] The internal parallel portion (225A) may be formed continuously in the circumferential direction. That is, the internal parallel portion (225A) may be formed in a single ring shape. Of course, the internal parallel portion (225A) may not be formed continuously in the circumferential direction, but may be formed in a plurality of spaced-apart circular arc-shaped portions in the circumferential direction.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner inclined portion (225B) may be arranged so that the upper end of the inner tube (220) is bent into the inner tube (220) and the inner end is inclined radially away from the inner surface of the inner tube (220) as it gets farther away from the upper end of the inner tube (220). The inner inclined portion (225B) may be arranged so as to be inclined in the vertical direction within the upper end of the inner tube (220). An outwardly pointed tip portion (227) may be formed between the upper end of the inner tube (220) and the inner inclined portion (225B).

[0103] The inner slope (225B) is spaced apart from the outer surface of the steering shaft (100), so that noise may not be generated when the steering shaft (100) rotates.

[0104] In addition, the cutting edge (227) prevents the structure formed by tool processing on the inner surface of the outer tube (210) from being caught on the upper end of the inner tube (220) when the outer tube (210) slides up and down relative to the inner tube (220), thereby preventing noise and vibration such as ringing noise or shaking noise from being generated, and also preventing excessive collapse initial load of the steering column (200) in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0105] The inner slope (225B) may be formed continuously in the circumferential direction. That is, the inner slope (225B) may be formed in a single ring shape. Of course, the inner slope (225B) may not be formed continuously in the circumferential direction, but may be formed in a plurality of spaced-apart circular arcs in the circumferential direction.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer inclined portion (225C) may be arranged so that the upper end of the inner tube (220) is bent to the outside of the inner tube (220) and is inclined radially away from the inner surface of the inner tube (220) as it gets farther away from the upper end of the inner tube (220). The outer inclined portion (225C) may be arranged so as to be inclined in the vertical direction and outside the upper end of the inner tube (220). An outwardly pointed tip portion (228) may be formed between the upper end of the inner tube (220) and the outer inclined portion (225C).

[0107] The outer slope (225C) is positioned away from the outer surface of the steering shaft (100), so that noise may not be generated when the steering shaft (100) rotates.

[0108] In addition, the tip (228) prevents the structure formed by tool processing on the inner surface of the outer tube (210) from being caught on the upper end of the inner tube (220) when the outer tube (210) slides up and down relative to the inner tube (220), thereby preventing noise and vibration such as ringing noise or shaking noise from occurring and preventing excessive collapse initial load of the steering column (200) in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0109] The outer slope (225C) may be formed continuously in the circumferential direction. That is, the outer slope (225C) may be formed in a single ring shape. Of course, the outer slope (225C) may not be formed continuously in the circumferential direction, but may be formed in a plurality of spaced-apart circular arcs in the circumferential direction.

[0110]

[0111] As described above, the vehicle steering device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention has a bent portion (225) formed at the upper end of the inner tube (220) inserted into the outer tube (210) among both ends of the inner tube (220) so as to be positioned radially inward from the upper end of the inner tube (220), thereby reducing ringing noise and vibration during telescopic operation, and preventing the initial collapse load of the steering column (200) from becoming excessively high during a vehicle collision, thereby improving the collision absorption performance of the vehicle.

[0112]

[0113] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims that follow rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0114]

[0115] The present invention provides a steering device for a vehicle that can reduce ringing noise and vibration during telescopic operation and prevent the initial collapse load of a steering column from becoming excessively high during a vehicle collision, thereby improving the collision absorption performance of the vehicle.

Claims

1. Outer tube; and An inner tube having one end inserted and positioned within the outer tube, wherein the outer tube is axially movable relative to itself; A steering device for a vehicle, wherein a bent portion is formed at one end of the inner tube so as to be positioned radially inward from one end of the inner tube.

2. In claim 1, A vehicle steering device in which the above-mentioned bending part is arranged inside the above-mentioned inner tube.

3. In claim 2, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the above-mentioned bending portion includes an inner parallel portion in which one end of the inner tube is rolled into the inner tube and arranged parallel to the inner surface of the inner tube.

4. In claim 3, A vehicle steering device in which the above inner parallel portion is formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

5. In claim 2, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the above-mentioned bending portion includes an internal inclined portion that is arranged to be inclined radially away from the inner surface of the inner tube as one end of the inner tube is bent into the inside of the inner tube and moves away from the one end of the inner tube.

6. In claim 5, A vehicle steering device in which the inner slope is formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

7. In claim 1, A vehicle steering device in which the above-mentioned bending portion is arranged on the outside of the inner tube.

8. In claim 7, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the above-mentioned bending portion includes an external inclined portion that is arranged to be inclined radially away from the inner surface of the inner tube as one end of the inner tube is bent to the outside of the inner tube and is further away from the one end of the inner tube.

9. In claim 8, A vehicle steering device in which the above outer slope is formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

10. In claim 1, Further comprising a steering shaft axially penetrating the outer tube and the inner tube; A steering device for a vehicle in which the above-mentioned bending portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the above-mentioned steering shaft.

Citation Information

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