Steering device for vehicle

Abstract

A steering device for a vehicle, according to the present invention, has, formed on the inner surface of a moving gear, pressure protrusions which press the outer surface of a fixed gear when a tilt lever is locked, and thus it is unnecessary to arrange a separate member for reducing an empty space between the fixed gear and the moving gear. Thus, there is an advantage of improving tilt retention with a simple structure.

Description

vehicle steering system

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a tiltable steering apparatus for a vehicle.

[0002]

[0003] In general, the steering system of a car is a device that allows the driver to control the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0004] The steering device is composed of a steering wheel and a steering column that transmit the driver's operation to the steering member, a steering member that increases the mechanical gain when converting the rotational motion of the steering wheel into linear motion, and a steering linkage that transmits the linear motion to the steering arm.

[0005] Additionally, the steering column is equipped with a tilt device that can change the tilt in the forward and backward directions to suit the driver's physical characteristics.

[0006] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-0383957 (May 14, 2003) (hereinafter referred to as “prior art”) discloses a “tilt device for a steering wheel for an automobile.”

[0007] The above-mentioned conventional technology comprises a movable latch member and a fixed latch member, which are gear members that mesh with each other to adjust a tilt angle by rotating around a tilt hinge between the upper and lower steering columns that are separated from each other, and a tilt lever that engages or disengages the movable latch member and the fixed latch member, and is characterized in that a plate spring is installed on the lower part of a gear bracket that rotates around a second hinge by the rotation of the tilt lever to bias the movable latch member and the fixed latch member in a direction of mutual engagement.

[0008] However, the tilt device of the above-mentioned prior art has a complicated structure because the plate spring must be installed at the lower part of the gear bracket to secure tilt maintenance force, and there is a problem that the operating force of the tilt lever increases due to the gear engagement between the movable latch member and the fixed latch member.

[0009]

[0010] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steering device capable of improving tilt maintenance with a simple structure.

[0011] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steering device capable of reducing the operating force of a tilt lever.

[0012] 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.

[0013]

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle steering device according to the present invention comprises a mounting bracket, a column housing, a tilt shaft, a tilt lever, a fixed gear, and a moving gear. The column housing is tiltably installed on the mounting bracket. The tilt shaft passes through both sides of the mounting bracket and both sides of the column housing. The tilt lever is disposed at one end of the tilt shaft. The tilt lever is locked or unlocked so that the column housing is fixed or tilted. The fixed gear is disposed at the other end of the tilt shaft. The moving gear is disposed at the other end of the tilt shaft. When the tilt lever is locked, the moving gear engages with the fixed gear to fix the column housing. When the tilt lever is unlocked, the moving gear disengages from the fixed gear to enable the column housing to tilt. A pressing projection is formed on the inner surface of the above moving gear to press the outer surface of the above fixed gear when the above tilt lever is locked.

[0015] A through hole through which the tilt shaft passes may be formed in the above-mentioned pressurizing protrusion.

[0016] The mounting bracket may be composed of a first plate and a pair of second plates. The first plate may be arranged orthogonally to the column housing on the outside of the column housing. The pair of second plates may be arranged orthogonally to the first plate and may be positioned on each side of the column housing. A through hole through which the tilt shaft passes may be formed in the pair of second plates.

[0017] The above fixed gear may be composed of a first body and a pair of toothed projection plates. The first body may be formed in a plate shape. The outer surface of the first body may be pressed by the pressing projection when the tilt lever is locked. The pair of toothed projection plates may be formed to protrude outward from each of both ends of the first body. A first toothed projection that meshes with the moving gear when the tilt lever is locked may be formed on each of the pair of toothed projection plates.

[0018] A fastening member that is coupled to the second plate may be protrudingly formed on the inner surface of the first body. A through hole in the shape of a long hole through which the tilt shaft passes may be formed in the fastening member.

[0019] The above moving gear may be composed of a second body and a second tooth projection. The second body may be formed in a plate shape. The pressing projection may be formed on an inner surface of the second body. The second tooth projection may be formed to protrude inwardly on both sides of the pressing projection on the inner surface of the second body. The second tooth projection may mesh with the first tooth projection formed on each of the pair of tooth projection plates.

[0020] The above moving gear may further comprise a pair of guide plates. The pair of guide plates may be formed to protrude inwardly from each end of the second body. The pair of guide plates may each contact the outer surfaces of the pair of tooth-shaped projection plates.

[0021] The first tooth projection may be composed of a first vertical plane and a first inclined plane. The first vertical plane may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first tooth projection. The first inclined plane may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first tooth projection. The second tooth projection may be composed of a second vertical plane and a second inclined plane. The second vertical plane may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second tooth projection. The second inclined plane may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second tooth projection. When the tilt lever is locked and the pressure projection presses the outer surface of the first body, the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane may be spaced apart from each other.

[0022] When the tilt lever is locked and the pressure projection presses the outer surface of the first body, the first vertical surface and the second vertical surface can come into contact with each other.

[0023] Among the pair of tooth projection plates, the first tooth projection formed on one of the above-described teeth projections and the first tooth projection formed on the other may be arranged in opposite forms. The second tooth projection that engages with the first tooth projection formed on one of the above-described teeth projections and the second tooth projection that engages with the first tooth projection formed on the other may be arranged in opposite forms.

[0024] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0025]

[0026] Since the steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention has a pressing projection formed on the inner surface of the moving gear to press the outer surface of the fixed gear when the tilt lever is locked, there is no need to place a separate member between the fixed gear and the moving gear to reduce the empty space between the fixed gear and the moving gear, and thus has the effect of improving the tilt maintenance force with a simple structure.

[0027] In addition, the vehicle steering device according to the present invention has the effect of reducing the operating force of the tilt lever because, when the tilt lever is locked and the pressure projection presses the outer surface of the fixed gear, the first inclined surface of the fixed gear and the second inclined surface of the moving gear are spaced apart from each other.

[0028] 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.

[0029]

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the fixed gear illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0032] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of Figure 2;

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of AA shown in Fig. 2;

[0034] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of BB shown in Fig. 2;

[0035] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the inner side of the moving gear illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0036] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of Figure 6;

[0037] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of CC shown in Fig. 6;

[0038] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of DD shown in Fig. 6;

[0039] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the first tooth projection shown in Fig. 2 and the second tooth projection shown in Fig. 6;

[0040] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the fixed gear illustrated in Fig. 2 and the moving gear illustrated in Fig. 6 connected.

[0041]

[0042] <Explanation of symbols>

[0043] 1: Steering device for vehicle 100: Steering shaft

[0044] 200: Inner tube 300: Mounting bracket

[0045] 310: First plate 320: Second plate

[0046] 330: Through hole 400: Column housing

[0047] 500: Tilt lever 600: Tilt shaft

[0048] 700: Fixed gear 710: First body

[0049] 720: Fastener 721: Through hole

[0050] 730, 731: Tooth projection plate 730A, 731A: First tooth projection

[0051] 736, 738: First vertical plane 737, 739: First inclined plane

[0052] 800: Moving gear 810: Second body

[0053] 821: Through hole 830: Guide plate

[0054] 840A, 841A: Second tooth projection 846, 848: Second vertical surface

[0055] 847, 849: Second slope 850: Pressing projection

[0056]

[0057] Hereinafter, a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

[0058] When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are assigned the same numerals whenever possible, even if they appear on different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0059] When describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0060] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In the following description, in terms related to directions such as up and down, the up and down direction follows the up and down direction shown in Fig. 1, and the axial direction is the same direction as the up and down direction.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a steering shaft (100) and a steering column (200, 400).

[0063] The steering shaft (100) can axially penetrate the steering column (200, 400).

[0064] The steering column (200, 400) can surround the outer circumference of the steering shaft (100). The steering column (200, 400) can be installed in the vehicle body. The steering column (200, 400) can rotatably support the steering shaft (100).

[0065] The steering shaft (100) may be arranged to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. A steering wheel (not shown) may be coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft (100). Here, the steering wheel may be arranged near the instrument panel located forward from the driver's seat in the vehicle cabin, and may be configured to be held by the driver's hand to steer the vehicle's wheels. That is, while driving the vehicle, the driver can adjust the vehicle's direction of travel to the left by turning the steering wheel to the left, and can adjust the vehicle's direction of travel to the right by turning the steering wheel to the right.

[0066] The steering column (200, 400) may include an inner tube (200) and a column housing (400).

[0067] The upper end of the steering shaft (100) can be arranged to protrude upwardly from the inner tube (200) through the upper end of the inner tube (200), and the lower end of the steering shaft (100) can be arranged to protrude downwardly from the column housing (400) through the lower end of the column housing (400).

[0068] The inner tube (200) and the column housing (400) may be formed hollow. The inner tube (200) and the column housing (400) may be formed in a tube shape. The inner tube (200) may be arranged to protrude upwardly from the column housing (400) through the upper end of the column housing (400).

[0069] That is, the lower part of the inner tube (200) can be inserted and positioned within the upper part of the column housing (400), and the upper part of the inner tube (200) can be positioned to protrude upward through the upper part of the column housing (400).

[0070] The inner tube (200) can wrap around the outer circumference of the upper portion of the steering shaft (100), and the column housing (400) can wrap around the outer circumference of the lower portion of the steering shaft (100). The upper portion of the steering shaft (100) can be arranged to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner tube (200), and the lower portion of the steering shaft (100) can be arranged to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the column housing (400).

[0071] Ball bearings may be installed between the upper outer surface of the steering shaft (100) and the inner surface of the inner tube (200), and between the lower outer surface of the steering shaft (100) and the inner surface of the column housing (400), and the steering shaft (100) may be rotatably coupled to the inner tube (200) and the column housing (400) in the circumferential direction through each of the ball bearings.

[0072] The steering shaft (100) may be formed in a structure in which the upper and lower parts are formed as separate parts and are joined to each other. That is, the steering shaft (100) may be composed of an upper steering shaft and a lower steering shaft.

[0073] The upper steering shaft may be axially movably installed on the lower steering shaft. The upper steering shaft may be formed hollow, and the upper end of the lower steering shaft may be inserted into the lower end of the upper steering shaft through the lower end of the upper steering shaft.

[0074] The lower steering shaft may be installed so as not to move axially in the column housing (400), and the upper steering shaft may be installed so as to be able to move axially together with the inner tube (200).

[0075] The inner tube (200) may be arranged so as not to move axially when the tilt lever (500) described later is in a locked state, and so as to be able to move axially together with the upper steering shaft when the tilt lever (500) is in an unlocked state.

[0076] The column housing (400) can surround the outer circumference of the inner tube (200). The column housing (400) can be installed on the vehicle body. A mounting bracket (300) can be coupled to the upper end of the column housing (400), and the upper end of the column housing (400) can be installed on the vehicle body via the mounting bracket (300).

[0077] The tilt lever (500) can be locked or unlocked so that the column housing (400) is fixed or tilted. The tilt lever (500) can be rotated by the driver to be locked or unlocked. When locked, the tilt lever (500) causes the column housing (400) to retract inward so that the inner surface of the column housing (400) is tightly pressed against the outer surface of the inner tube (200), thereby preventing the inner tube (200) from moving axially with respect to the column housing (400).

[0078] In addition, the tilt lever (500) can cause the column housing (400) to spread outward when unlocked, so that the inner surface of the column housing (400) is loosely pressed against the outer surface of the inner tube (200), thereby allowing the inner tube (200) to move axially with respect to the column housing (400).

[0079] A mounting bracket (300) is provided on the outer surface of the upper portion of the column housing (400) and can be coupled to the vehicle body. The column housing (400) can be tiltably installed on the mounting bracket (300).

[0080] The mounting bracket (300) may include a first plate (310) and a pair of second plates (320).

[0081] The first plate (310) can be placed orthogonally to the column housing (400) on the outside of the column housing (400).

[0082] A pair of second plates (320) may be positioned orthogonally to the first plate (310) and positioned on each side of the column housing (400). A through hole (330) through which a tilt shaft (600) described later passes may be formed in the pair of second plates (320).

[0083] The two ends of the first plate (310) may be bent at the center of the first plate (310) and arranged parallel to the center. The two ends of the first plate (310) may be arranged closer to the column housing (400) than the center of the first plate (310). A pair of second plates (320) may be respectively coupled to the two ends of the first plate (310).

[0084] A pair of connecting plates (420) may be formed to protrude outwardly on both sides of the upper portion of the column housing (400) and arranged parallel to a pair of second plates (320). Of the pair of second plates (320), one may be arranged on the outer side of the connecting plate (420) formed on one side of the column housing among the pair of connecting plates (420), and the other may be arranged on the outer side of the connecting plate (420) formed on the other side of the column housing among the pair of connecting plates (420).

[0085] One end of a tilt shaft (600) may be coupled to the tilt lever (500). When the tilt lever (500) is rotated by the driver to lock or unlock, the tilt shaft (600) may be rotated together with the tilt lever (500) in the same direction as the rotational direction of the tilt lever (500).

[0086] The tilt shaft (600) can penetrate both sides of the mounting bracket (300) and both sides of the column housing (400). That is, the tilt shaft (600) can penetrate through a through hole (330) formed in a pair of second plates (320) of the mounting bracket (300) and through a through hole (not indicated in the drawing) formed in a pair of connecting plates (420) of the column housing (400).

[0087] The tilt shaft (600) may have a predetermined length extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft (100). The tilt shaft (600) may extend straight in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft (100).

[0088] The two ends of the tilt shaft (600) may be arranged to protrude outwardly from a pair of second plates (320). Among the two ends of the tilt shaft (600) arranged to protrude outwardly from a pair of second plates (320), a tilt lever (500) may be arranged at one end, and a fixed gear (700) and a moving gear (800) may be arranged at the other end.

[0089] The fixed gear (700) may be fixedly installed on the outer surface of the second plate (320) farthest from the tilt lever (500) among the pair of second plates (320). The tilt shaft (600) may pass through holes formed in the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800), respectively. An elastic member (not indicated in the drawing) that provides elasticity to the outer surface of the moving gear (800) and a nut (not indicated in the drawing) that prevents the elastic member from coming out of the end of the other end of the tilt shaft (600) may be installed.

[0090] A fixed cam (not shown) may be installed on the second plate (320) closer to the tilt lever (500) among a pair of second plates (320), and a lever cam (not shown) that is linked with the fixed cam when the tilt lever (500) rotates may be installed on the tilt lever (500).

[0091] The tilt lever (500) can be formed in various shapes with a predetermined length. The tilt lever (500) can have a handle formed at one end and a tilt shaft (600) coupled to the other end. The tilt lever (500) can be rotated together with the tilt shaft (600) with the tilt shaft (600) as the rotation center.

[0092] One end of the tilt shaft (600) can be connected to the other end of the tilt lever (500) by passing through the fixed cam and the lever cam. A through hole through which the tilt shaft (600) passes can be formed in the fixed cam and the lever cam.

[0093] The tilt lever (500) can be locked or unlocked by a rotational motion. That is, when the driver rotates the tilt lever (500) in one direction to unlock it while the tilt lever (500) is in a locked state, the tilt shaft (600) moves linearly away from the tilt lever (500) due to the interlocking of the fixed cam and the lever cam, and accordingly, the moving gear (800) moves away from the fixed gear (700) and disengages, unlocking the tilt lever (500), thereby allowing the column housing (400) to be in a tiltable state.

[0094] In addition, when the driver rotates the tilt lever (500) in the unlocked state to lock the tilt lever (500), the tilt shaft (600) moves linearly toward the tilt lever (500) by the interlocking of the fixed cam and the lever cam, and accordingly, the moving gear (800) moves toward the fixed gear (700) and engages with the fixed gear (700) to lock the tilt lever (500), thereby fixing the column housing (400).

[0095] In this way, the moving gear (800) can engage with the fixed gear (700) when the tilt lever (500) is locked to fix the column housing (400), and can disengage with the fixed gear (700) when the tilt lever (500) is unlocked to enable the column housing (400) to be tilted.

[0096]

[0097] Meanwhile, in the unlocked state of the tilt lever (500), the inner tube (200) can be axially movable relative to the column housing (400). In addition, in the locked state of the tilt lever (500), the inner tube (200) can be axially immovable relative to the column housing (400).

[0098] The driver can adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition by moving the inner tube (200) and steering shaft (100) axially with respect to the column housing (400) while the tilt lever (500) is unlocked. Thereafter, the driver can lock the tilt lever (500) to prevent the inner tube (200) and steering shaft (100) from moving axially with respect to the column housing (400).

[0099] A slot (450) may be formed between both sides of the upper portion of the column housing (400). The slot (450) may be formed axially long at the upper portion of the column housing (400). The slot (450) may be formed to be open at the upper portion of the column housing (400).

[0100] Since a slot (450) is formed at the upper end of the column housing (400), when the tilt lever (500) is in a locked state, the upper end of the column housing (400) is retracted inward, so that the inner surface of the upper end of the column housing (400) can be tightly pressed against the outer surface of the inner tube (200), and when the tilt lever (500) is in an unlocked state, the upper end of the column housing (400) is opened outward, so that the inner surface of the upper end of the column housing (400) can be loosely pressed against the outer surface of the inner tube (200).

[0101] The tilt shaft (600) may be positioned outside the slot (450), and the inner tube (200) may be positioned inside the slot (450).

[0102] Meanwhile, an energy absorption plate (250) may be installed in the inner tube (200), and when the inner tube (200) moves in the axial direction, the energy absorption plate (250) may move in the axial direction along a slot (450) formed in the column housing (400). A stopper portion (240) may be formed at the lower end of the energy absorption plate (250). In addition, a pair of stopper protrusions (440) may be formed near the lower end of the slot (450) on the outer circumferential surface of the column housing (400). The pair of stopper protrusions (440) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the slot (450) therebetween.

[0103] The energy absorption plate (250) may be formed in a single-folded shape. The energy absorption plate (250) may be arranged with the folded portion facing downward. One end of the energy absorption plate (250) may be arranged axially along the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube (200) based on the folded portion, and the other end may be arranged inside the inner tube (200).

[0104] When the inner tube (200) is axially moved by the collision energy generated in a vehicle accident and inserted into the interior of the column housing (400), the energy absorption plate (250) moves downward along the slot (450) of the column housing (400), and when the stopper part (240) comes into contact with a pair of stopper protrusions (440), it can no longer move, and the bending part is pushed against the inner tube (200) and spreads, absorbing the collision energy, thereby minimizing injury to the driver. A block having a shape corresponding to the bending part may be combined with the inner tube (200) to spread the bending part evenly.

[0105]

[0106] Meanwhile, when the tilt lever (500) is in a locked state, the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800) must be in maximum close contact with each other to improve the tilt retention force. In the present embodiment, in order to increase the tilt retention force by reducing the empty space between the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800) without arranging a separate member between the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800), a pressure protrusion (850, see FIGS. 6, 7, and 11) may be formed on the moving gear (800).

[0107] In addition, if the gear engagement of the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800) becomes excessively strong when the tilt lever (500) is in the locked state, there may be a problem in that the driver's operating force for the tilt lever (500) increases. In the present embodiment, when the tilt lever (500) is in the locked state, the first inclined surface (737, 739, see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the fixed gear (700) and the second inclined surface (847, 849, see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the moving gear (800) are spaced apart from each other, so the operating force of the tilt lever (500) can be reduced.

[0108] Below, the specific structures of the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800) will be described.

[0109] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the fixed gear shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of AA shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of BB shown in Fig. 2.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the fixed gear (700) may include a first body (710) and a pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731).

[0111] The first body (710) may be formed in a plate shape. The first body (710) may be formed in a square plate shape. When the tilt lever (500) is locked, the outer surface of the first body (710) may be pressed by the pressing projection (850, see FIGS. 6, 7, and 11) of the moving gear (800).

[0112] A through hole (721) in the shape of a long hole through which a tilt shaft (600) passes may be formed in the first body (710). A fastening member (720) that is coupled to a second plate (320) of a mounting plate (300) may be protrudingly formed on the inner surface of the first body (710). The through hole (721) in the shape of a long hole may be formed in the fastening member (720). The fastening member (720) may be inserted into a hole formed in the second plate (320) of the mounting plate (300) and coupled to the second plate (320).

[0113] A pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731) may be formed in a square plate shape. The pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731) may be formed to protrude outwardly from each end of the first body (710). The first body (710) may connect one end of the pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731). A first tooth projection (730A, 731A) that engages with the moving gear (800) when the tilt lever (500) is locked may be formed on each of the pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731). A plurality of first tooth projections (730A, 731A) may be formed on a surface of the pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731) facing the moving gear (800).

[0114] A pair of tooth-shaped projection plates (730, 731) may include a first tooth-shaped projection plate (730) formed to protrude outward from one end of the first body (710), and a second tooth-shaped projection plate (731) formed to protrude outward from the other end of the first body (710).

[0115] The first tooth projections (730A, 731A) may include a plurality of first-first tooth projections (730A) formed on a surface of the first tooth projection plate (730) facing the moving gear (800), and a plurality of first-second tooth projections (731A) formed on a surface of the second tooth projection plate (731) facing the moving gear (800).

[0116] The first tooth projection (730A, 731A) may include a first vertical surface (736, 738) and a first inclined surface (737, 739). The first vertical surface (736, 738) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first tooth projection (730A, 731A). The first inclined surface (737, 739) may be inclined to the longitudinal direction of the first tooth projection (730A, 731A).

[0117] The first vertical plane (736, 738) may include a first vertical plane (736) formed on the first-first tooth projection (730A) and a first-second vertical plane (738) formed on the first-second tooth projection (731A). The first-first vertical plane (736) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first-first tooth projection (730A). The first-second vertical plane (738) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first-second tooth projection (731A).

[0118] The first inclined surface (737, 739) may include a first inclined surface (737) formed on the first-first tooth projection (730A) and a first-second inclined surface (739) formed on the first-second tooth projection (731A). The first-first inclined surface (737) may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first-first tooth projection (730A). The first-second inclined surface (739) may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first-second tooth projection (731A).

[0119] The first tooth projection (730A) formed on one of the pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731) and the first tooth projection (731A) formed on the other may be arranged in opposite forms. That is, the 1-1 tooth projection (730A) formed on the first tooth projection plate (730) and the 1-2 tooth projection (731A) formed on the second tooth projection plate (731) may be arranged in opposite forms. Specifically, the 1-1 tooth projection (730A) includes a 1-1 vertical surface (736) and a 1-1 inclined surface (737), and is formed in a form in which the 1-1 vertical surface (736) is arranged below the 1-1 inclined surface (737). In contrast, the first-second tooth projection (731A) is formed in a form including a first-second vertical surface (738) and a first-second inclined surface (739), but the first-second vertical surface (738) is positioned above the first-second inclined surface (739).

[0120] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the inner side of the moving gear shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of CC shown in Fig. 6, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of DD shown in Fig. 6.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a pressing projection (850) that presses the outer surface of the fixed gear (700) when the tilt lever (500) is locked may be formed on the inner surface of the moving gear (800).

[0122] Since the pressing projection (850) of the moving gear (800) presses the outer surface of the fixed gear (700) when the tilt lever (500) is locked, there is no need to place a separate member between the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800) to reduce the empty space between the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800), and thus the tilt retention force can be improved with a simple structure.

[0123] The moving gear (800) may include a second body (810) and a second tooth projection (840A, 841A).

[0124] The second body (810) may be formed in a plate shape. The second body (810) may be formed in a square plate shape. A pressure protrusion (850) may be formed on the inner surface of the second body (810). A circular through hole (821) through which the tilt shaft (600) passes may be formed in the second body (810). The circular through hole (821) may be formed in the joining protrusion (850).

[0125] The second tooth projections (840A, 841A) may be formed to protrude inwardly on both sides of the pressure projections (850) on the inner surface of the second body (810). The second tooth projections (840A, 841A) may mesh with the first tooth projections (730A, 731A) formed on a pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731) of the fixed gear (700), respectively.

[0126] The second tooth projections (840A, 841A) may include a plurality of second-first tooth projections (840A) that are formed to protrude inwardly on one side of the pressure projection (850) on the inner surface of the second body (810), and a plurality of second-second tooth projections (841A) that are formed to protrude inwardly on the other side of the pressure projection (850) on the inner surface of the second body (810).

[0127] When the moving gear (800) is engaged with the fixed gear (700), a plurality of second-first tooth projections (840A) can be engaged with a plurality of first-first tooth projections (730A), and a plurality of second-second tooth projections (841A) can be engaged with a plurality of first-second tooth projections (731A).

[0128] The second tooth projection (840A, 841A) may include a second vertical surface (846, 848) and a second inclined surface (847, 849). The second vertical surface (846, 848) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second tooth projection (840A, 841A). The second inclined surface (847, 849) may be inclined to the longitudinal direction of the second tooth projection (840A, 841A).

[0129] The second vertical plane (846, 848) may include a second-first vertical plane (846) formed on the second-first tooth projection (840A) and a second-second vertical plane (848) formed on the second-second tooth projection (841A). The second-first vertical plane (846) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second-first tooth projection (840A). The second-second vertical plane (848) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second-second tooth projection (841A).

[0130] The second inclined surface (847, 849) may include a second-first inclined surface (847) formed on the second-first tooth projection (840A) and a second-second inclined surface (849) formed on the second-second tooth projection (841A). The second-first inclined surface (847) may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second-first tooth projection (840A). The second-second inclined surface (849) may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second-second tooth projection (841A).

[0131] The second tooth projection (840A) that engages with the first tooth projection (730A) formed on one of the pair of tooth projection plates (730, 731) and the second tooth projection (841A) that engages with the first tooth projection (731A) formed on the other may be arranged in opposite forms. That is, the 2-1 tooth projection (840A) that engages with the 1-1 tooth projection (730A) formed on the first tooth projection plate (730) and the 2-2 tooth projection (841A) that engages with the 1-2 tooth projection (731A) formed on the second tooth projection plate (731) may be arranged in opposite forms. Specifically, the 2-1 tooth projection (840A) is formed in a form that includes a 2-1 vertical surface (846) and a 2-1 inclined surface (847), but the 2-1 vertical surface (846) is positioned above the 2-1 inclined surface (847). In contrast, the 2-2 tooth projection (841A) is formed in a form that includes a 2-2 vertical surface (848) and a 2-2 inclined surface (849), but the 2-2 vertical surface (848) is positioned below the 2-2 inclined surface (849).

[0132] The moving gear (800) may further include a pair of guide plates (830, 831). The pair of guide plates (830, 831) may be formed in a square plate shape. The pair of guide plates (830, 831) may be formed to protrude inwardly from both ends of the second body (810). The pair of guide plates (830, 831) may each contact the outer surfaces of the pair of toothed projection plates (730, 731). The pair of guide plates (830, 831) may each contact the outer surfaces of the pair of toothed projection plates (730, 731) to guide the moving gear (800) to be stably engaged or disengaged with the fixed gear (700).

[0133] A pair of guide plates (830, 831) may include a first guide plate (830) that protrudes inwardly from one end of the second body (810) and comes into contact with the outer surface of the first tooth-shaped projection plate (730), and a second guide plate (831) that protrudes inwardly from the other end of the second body (810) and comes into contact with the outer surface of the second tooth-shaped projection plate (730).

[0134]

[0135] Meanwhile, the first tooth projection (730A, 731A) formed on the fixed gear (700) and the second tooth projection (840A, 841A) formed on the moving gear (800) may be formed with the same specifications (size and shape). Hereinafter, the specifications of the first tooth projection (730A, 731A) and the second tooth projection (840A, 841A) will be described with reference to FIG. 10. However, in Fig. 10, only the 1-1 tooth projection (730A) among the 1st tooth projections (730A, 731A) is taken as an example and explained as the 1st tooth projection (730A), and only the 2-1 tooth projection (840A) among the 2nd tooth projections (840A, 841A) is taken as an example and explained as the 2nd tooth projection (840A).

[0136] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the first tooth projection shown in FIG. 2 and the second tooth projection shown in FIG. 6.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8 and (a) of FIG. 10, the first tooth projection (730A) and the second tooth projection (840A) may be formed to have a length of 2 mm. In addition, the height of the vertical surfaces (736, 846) of the first tooth projection (730A) and the second tooth projection (840A) may be formed to be 0.85 mm. In addition, the inclined surfaces (737, 847) of the first tooth projection (730A) and the second tooth projection (840A) may be formed to have an inclination of 30° with respect to the length. Therefore, when the tilt lever (500) is locked or unlocked, the inclined surface (847) of the moving gear (800) may naturally move along the inclined surface (737) of the fixed gear (700).

[0138] In addition, referring to FIGS. 4 and 8 and (b) of FIG. 10, when the pressing projection (850) of the moving gear (800) in the locked state of the tilt lever (500) is pressing the outer surface of the first body (710) of the fixed gear (700), the amount of overlap between the vertical surface (736) of the first tooth projection (730A) and the vertical surface (846) of the second tooth projection (840A) can be formed to be 0.48 mm.

[0139]

[0140] Hereinafter, a structure in which the first tooth projection (730A, 731A) of the fixed gear (700) and the second tooth projection (840A, 841A) of the moving gear (800) mesh when the tilt lever (500) is in a locked state will be described with reference to FIG. 11. However, in FIG. 11, only the 1-2 tooth projection (731A) among the first tooth projections (730A, 731A) is taken as an example and described as the first tooth projection (731A), and only the 2-2 tooth projection (841A) among the second tooth projections (840A, 841A) is taken as an example and described as the second tooth projection (841A).

[0141] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the fixed gear illustrated in Fig. 2 and the moving gear illustrated in Fig. 6 connected.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9 and FIG. 11, when the tilt lever (500) is in a locked state, the pressing projection (850) of the moving gear (800) is in a state of pressing the outer surface of the first body (710) of the fixed gear (700). In this state, the first inclined surface (739) of the first tooth projection (731A) and the second inclined surface (849) of the second tooth projection (841A) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0143] In addition, when the pressing projection (850) of the moving gear (800) in the locked state of the tilt lever (500) is pressing the outer surface of the first body (710) of the fixed gear (700), the first vertical surface (738) of the first tooth projection (731A) and the second vertical surface (848) of the second tooth projection (841A) can come into contact with each other. In this way, when the tilt lever (500) is in the locked state, the first vertical surface (738) of the first tooth projection (731A) of the fixed gear (700) and the second vertical surface (848) of the second tooth projection (841A) of the moving gear (800) are spaced apart from each other, so that when the tilt lever (500) is locked or unlocked, the first tooth projection (731A) and the second It is possible to prevent the TOOTH ON TOOTH phenomenon, which is a phenomenon in which the tooth projections (841A) collide.

[0144]

[0145] As described above, in the vehicle steering device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the pressing projection (850) that presses the outer surface of the fixed gear (700) when the tilt lever (500) is locked is formed on the inner surface of the moving gear (800), there is no need to place a separate member between the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800) to reduce the empty space between the fixed gear (700) and the moving gear (800), and thus the tilt maintenance force can be improved with a simple structure.

[0146] In addition, the vehicle steering device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the operating force of the tilt lever (500) because, when the pressure projection (850) presses the outer surface of the fixed gear (700) when the tilt lever (500) is locked, the first inclined surface (737, 739) of the fixed gear (700) and the second inclined surface (847, 849) of the moving gear (800) are spaced apart from each other.

[0147]

[0148] 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.

[0149]

[0150] The present invention provides a vehicle steering device capable of improving tilt maintenance force with a simple structure and reducing the operating force of a tilt lever.

Claims

1. Mounting bracket; A column housing tiltably installed on the above mounting bracket; A tilt shaft penetrating both sides of the above mounting bracket and both sides of the above column housing; A tilt lever arranged at one end of the tilt shaft and locked or unlocked so that the column housing is fixed or tilted; A fixed gear arranged at the other end of the tilt shaft; and A moving gear is disposed at the other end of the tilt shaft, engages with the fixed gear when the tilt lever is locked to fix the column housing, and disengages from the fixed gear when the tilt lever is unlocked to enable the column housing to be tilted; A vehicle steering device in which a pressing projection is formed on the inner surface of the moving gear to pressurize the outer surface of the fixed gear when the tilt lever is locked.

2. In claim 1, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein a through hole through which the tilt shaft passes is formed in the above-mentioned pressure projection.

3. In claim 1, The above mounting bracket, A first plate arranged perpendicular to the column housing on the outside of the column housing, A steering device for a vehicle, comprising a pair of second plates positioned orthogonally to the first plate and positioned on each side of the column housing, and having a through hole formed therein through which the tilt shaft passes.

4. In claim 3, The above fixed gear is, A first body in the shape of a plate whose outer surface is pressed by the pressing projection when the tilt lever is locked, A steering device for a vehicle, comprising a pair of toothed projection plates each having a first toothed projection formed thereon that protrudes outwardly from both ends of the first body and engages the moving gear when the tilt lever is locked.

5. In claim 4, A vehicle steering device in which a fastening member for connecting to the second plate is protrudingly formed on the inner surface of the first body, and a long through hole through which the tilt shaft passes is formed in the fastening member.

6. In claim 4, The above moving gear is, A second body in the shape of a plate with the above-mentioned pressing projection formed on the inner surface, A vehicle steering device including a second tooth projection formed on the inner side of the second body, which protrudes inwardly on both sides of the pressure projection, and which engages with the first tooth projection formed on each of the pair of tooth projection plates.

7. In claim 6, The above moving gear is, A steering device for a vehicle further comprising a pair of guide plates each protruding inwardly from both ends of the second body and each contacting the outer surface of the pair of toothed projection plates.

8. In claim 6, The first tooth projection includes a first vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first tooth projection and a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first tooth projection, The second tooth projection includes a second vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second tooth projection and a second inclined surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second tooth projection, A steering device for a vehicle in which the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are spaced apart from each other when the pressure projection is pressed against the outer surface of the first body when the tilt lever is locked.

9. In claim 8, A steering device for a vehicle in which the first vertical surface and the second vertical surface are in contact with each other when the pressure projection presses the outer surface of the first body when the tilt lever is locked.

10. In claim 8, The first tooth projection formed on one of the pair of tooth projection plates and the first tooth projection formed on the other of the pair of tooth projection plates are arranged in opposite forms, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the second tooth projection that engages with the first tooth projection formed on one of the pair of tooth projection plates and the second tooth projection that engages with the first tooth projection formed on the other of the pair of tooth projection plates are arranged in opposite directions.

Images