Steering device for vehicle

Abstract

A steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes: a telescopic shaft extending through both sides of a column housing; a telescopic lever coupled to one end of the telescopic shaft; a fixation plate through which the telescopic shaft extends; and a movable member through which the telescopic shaft extends and which presses both surfaces of the fixation plate when the telescopic lever is locked. Therefore, according to the present invention, the locking force of the telescopic lever can be improved.

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 capable of adjusting the position of a steering wheel to suit the physical condition of a driver.

[0002] In general, a steering device for a vehicle is a device for allowing the driver to change the direction of travel of the vehicle at will, and is composed of a steering shaft that can rotate in the circumferential direction, a steering wheel that is connected to the upper end of the steering shaft and is a part that the driver holds with his hand, and a steering column that surrounds the outer circumference of the steering shaft.

[0003] As the driver holds the steering wheel with his hand and turns it, the steering shaft rotates in the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, and accordingly, the left and right tie rods move left and right by the steering gear linked to the steering shaft, thereby rotating the knuckles installed on the left and right wheel wheels, thereby steering the wheels of the vehicle so that the tips face left or right.

[0004] Meanwhile, the steering device for the vehicle has a tilt function and a telescope function that can adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit the driver's physical condition (e.g., sitting height, arm length).

[0005] In order to implement the above tilt function and the above telescope function, the steering column is composed of a column housing and an inner tube, the inner tube is arranged to wrap around the outer circumference of the steering shaft, and the column housing is arranged to wrap around the outer circumference of the inner tube. In addition, a mounting bracket is installed on the outside of the column housing, and the mounting bracket is mounted to the vehicle body so that the steering device can be installed to the vehicle body.

[0006] The column housing is installed to rotate about a horizontal axis on the mounting bracket, and the inner tube is installed to be axially movable on the column housing. The steering shaft is installed to be rotatably circumferentially on the inner tube through a center bearing, so as to rotate together with the steering wheel when the driver turns the steering wheel.

[0007] The above tilt function is a function that adjusts the position of the steering wheel by rotating the column housing about the horizontal axis as the center of rotation.

[0008] In addition, the telescopic function is a function that allows the steering wheel to be axially positioned by moving the inner tube axially with respect to the column housing, so that the inner tube wraps around the outer circumference of the steering shaft and moves axially together with the steering shaft. The telescopic function also has a function of absorbing impact energy when the steering wheel and the steering column collapse in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0009] The steering device for the above vehicle is equipped with a telescopic lever for operating the position of the steering wheel. That is, the driver can adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition after operating the telescopic lever to the unlocked position, and after adjusting the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition, the driver can fix the position of the steering wheel by operating the telescopic lever to the locked position.

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2328870 (November 22, 2021) (hereinafter referred to as “prior art”) discloses a “vehicle steering device” equipped with the tele lever.

[0011] In the above conventional technology, when a tele lever coupled to one end of a tele shaft is rotated, the tele lever is moved axially together with the tele shaft by cam operation, thereby locking or unlocking the tele lever.

[0012] In the above conventional technology, a fixed gear and a movable gear are installed at the other end of the tele shaft to keep the tele lever in a locked state when the tele lever is locked.

[0013] That is, when the tele lever is locked, the fixed gear and the movable gear mesh with each other to maintain the locking force of the tele lever. In addition, when the tele lever is unlocked, the fixed gear and the movable gear disengage with each other to unlock the tele lever.

[0014] However, in the above-described prior art, when the fixed gear and the movable gear are meshed with each other, the gear teeth formed on one side of the fixed gear and the gear teeth formed on one side of the movable gear mesh with each other, so the movable gear presses only one side of the fixed gear, and thus there was a problem in that the locking force of the tele lever was reduced.

[0015]

[0016] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steering device capable of improving the locking force of a tele lever.

[0017] 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.

[0018]

[0019] To achieve the above object, a vehicle steering device according to the present invention comprises a tele shaft, a tele lever, a fixed plate, and a movable member. The tele shaft penetrates both sides of a column housing. The tele lever is coupled to one end of the tele shaft. The tele shaft penetrates the fixed plate. The tele shaft penetrates the movable member. The movable member presses both sides of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked.

[0020] The above movable member may be composed of a first movable member and a second movable member. The tele shaft may pass through the first movable member. The first movable member may pressurize one surface of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked. The first movable member may release the pressure from one surface of the fixed plate when the tele lever is unlocked. The tele shaft may pass through the second movable member. The second movable member may pressurize the other surface of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked. The second movable member may release the pressure from the other surface of the fixed plate when the tele lever is unlocked.

[0021] The above fixed plate may be formed by a pair of fixed plates spaced apart from each other.

[0022] A pair of mounting plates may be protruded and formed on both sides of the column housing to face each other. A pair of mounting brackets may be respectively disposed opposite each other on the outer sides of the pair of mounting plates. The pair of mounting brackets may be formed on the mounting bracket. The tele shaft may pass through the pair of mounting plates and the pair of mounting brackets. The pair of fixing plates may be coupled to one of the mounting brackets of the pair of mounting brackets.

[0023] Each of the pair of fixed plates may be composed of a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion may be coupled to an outer surface of one of the installation bracket portions. The second plate portion may be arranged orthogonally to the first plate portion. The second plate portion may be arranged opposite to one of the installation bracket portions. One surface of the second plate portion may be pressed or depressurized by the first movable member. The other surface of the second plate portion may be pressed or depressurized by the second movable member.

[0024] The first movable member may be composed of a pair of pressure plate portions and a guide block portion. The pair of pressure plate portions may press one surface of the pair of fixed plates, respectively. The guide block portion may be formed to protrude toward the second movable member between the pair of pressure plate portions. The tele shaft may pass through the guide block portion. The second movable member may be composed of a pair of pressure block portions that press the other surfaces of the pair of fixed plates, respectively. The guide block portion may be inserted and arranged between the pair of pressure block portions.

[0025] The above guide block portion and the pair of pressure block portions can be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0026] The pair of pressure plate parts may have a plurality of first pressure protrusions formed on surfaces that press one side of the pair of fixed plates, respectively. The pair of pressure block parts may have a plurality of second pressure protrusions formed on surfaces that press the other side of the pair of fixed plates, respectively.

[0027] The guide block portion may be provided with a through hole through which the tele shaft passes. A step may be formed within the through hole. One end of a spring may contact the step. The other end of the spring may contact a surface between the pair of pressure block portions of the second movable member. The tele shaft may pass through the spring.

[0028] When the tele lever is unlocked, at least one of the first movable member and the second movable member can be separated from the pair of fixed plates by the elastic force of the spring.

[0029] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0030]

[0031] The vehicle steering device according to the present invention has the effect of improving the locking force of the tele lever because the movable member presses both sides of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked.

[0032] 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.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is a one-sided perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing showing a locked state of a tele lever.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the other side of Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of Figure 1 as seen from above;

[0037] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of Fig. 2;

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 3;

[0039] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the fixed plate and movable member shown in Figs. 4 and 5;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the operation of a movable member when locking or unlocking a tele lever in a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]

[0042] <Explanation of symbols>

[0043] 5: Mounting bracket 5A, 5B: Installation bracket part

[0044] 200: Column housing 230, 240: Installation plate

[0045] 500: Tele lever 550: Tele shaft

[0046] 560: Fixed plate 561: First plate

[0047] 562: Second Board 570: Movable Parts

[0048] 571: First movable member 571A: Pressure plate portion

[0049] 571B: Guide block part 571C: First pressure projection

[0050] 571D: Through hole 571E: Step

[0051] 572: Second movable member 572A: Pressurized block part

[0052] 572C: Second pressure projection 573: Spring

[0053]

[0054] Hereinafter, a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by these terms. 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.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a one-sided perspective view showing a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a locked state of a tele lever, FIG. 2 is a one-sided perspective view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom of FIG. 1 as seen from above, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of FIG. 2 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3.

[0058] In the following description, terms related to directions such as up and down follow the up and down indicated by arrows in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the up and down direction may have the same meaning as the axial direction.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed in a vehicle.

[0060] A steering device (1) may include a steering column (100) and a steering shaft (400). The steering column (100) may be installed on an outer circumference of the steering shaft (400). The steering column (100) may surround an outer circumference of the steering shaft (400). The steering shaft (400) may axially penetrate the steering column (100).

[0061] The steering column (100) may include a column housing (200) and an inner tube (300). The column housing (200) may form a lower portion of the steering column (100), and the inner tube (300) may form an upper portion of the steering column (100). The inner tube (300) may be arranged to protrude outwardly of the column housing (200) through an upper opening of the column housing (200). The column housing (200) may be installed on the outer side of the inner tube (300), and the inner tube (300) may be installed on the inner side of the column housing (200). The column housing (200) may surround the outer periphery of the inner tube (300). The steering shaft (400) may axially penetrate the column housing (200) and the inner tube (300).

[0062] A supporting projection (201) may be formed on each side of the column housing (200). The supporting projections (201) on both sides may be supported by being connected to a connecting portion (5C) protruding from the mounting bracket (5) via a spring (3). That is, the end portion of the supporting projection (201) may be inserted into and connected to one end of the ring portion of the spring (3), and the other end of the ring portion of the spring (3) may be inserted into and connected to a hole formed in the connecting portion (5C).

[0063] The mounting bracket (5) can be mounted on the vehicle body. The central portion of the mounting bracket (5) can surround a portion of the outer circumference of the column housing (200), and the two ends of the mounting bracket (5) can be protruded on both sides of the central portion of the mounting bracket (5), so as to protrude to both sides of the column housing (200). The two ends of the mounting bracket (5) can be connected to support protrusions (201) formed on both sides of the column housing (200) via springs (3), respectively. The mounting bracket (5) can be arranged orthogonally to a pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) described below. The pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) can be combined to one surface of the mounting bracket (5). Alternatively, the pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) can be integrally formed to protrude on one surface of the mounting bracket (5).

[0064] The column housing (200) may be installed to be rotatable about an imaginary horizontal axis in the vehicle body. Here, the horizontal axis may be an axis in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the steering shaft (400). That is, the horizontal axis may be an axis that is arranged long in both directions of the column housing (200). A tele lever (500) may be provided in the vehicle cabin, and the driver may unlock the tele lever (500) by rotating it so that the column housing (200) can be rotated about the horizontal axis.

[0065] After this, the driver can adjust the inclination of the column housing (200) by rotating the column housing (200) about the horizontal axis as the center of rotation so that the position of the steering wheel (not shown) is at a position that suits the driver's physical condition. Here, the steering wheel may be configured to be held and rotated by the driver's hand to adjust the driving direction of the vehicle to the left or right while driving the vehicle, and may be typically placed near the instrument panel located in front of the driver's seat.

[0066] In addition, the inner tube (300) may be installed axially movable on the inside of the column housing (200). When the inner tube (300) is axially moved to be inserted into the column housing (200), the overall axial length of the steering column (100) may be shortened, and when the inner tube (300) is axially moved to be protruded within the column housing (200), the overall axial length of the steering column (100) may be lengthened. The axial movement of the inner tube (300) to be inserted into the column housing (200) may be referred to as 'tel-in', and the axial movement of the inner tube (300) to be protruded within the column housing (200) may be referred to as 'tel-out'. That is, when the steering column (100) is operated to tele-in, the overall axial length of the steering column (100) can be shortened, and when the steering column (100) is operated to tele-out, the overall axial length of the steering column (100) can be lengthened.

[0067] The inner tube (300) may be formed into an axially long cylindrical shape and may be open at both ends. A tele lever (500) may be installed in the column housing (200). The operator may unlock the tele lever (500) by rotating it so that the inner tube (300) can move axially relative to the column housing (200), and thereafter, the inner tube (300) may be operated in the tele in or tele out manner.

[0068] That is, after unlocking the lever (500), the driver can adjust the length of the inner tube (300) protruding from the column housing (200) so that the position of the steering wheel is at a position that suits the driver's physical condition by moving the inner tube (300) axially with respect to the column housing (200).

[0069] The steering shaft (400) may include an inner shaft (not shown) and an outer shaft (420). The outer shaft (420) may constitute an upper portion of the steering shaft (400), and the inner shaft may constitute a lower portion of the steering shaft (400). The outer shaft (420) may be formed in a pipe shape. The upper portion of the inner shaft may be inserted into the lower portion of the outer shaft (420). The outer shaft (420) may be formed to have a larger outer diameter than the inner shaft, and the inner shaft may be formed to have a smaller outer diameter than the outer shaft (420).

[0070] The upper end of the outer shaft (420) may be arranged to protrude upward from the upper end of the inner tube (300), and the lower end of the inner shaft may be arranged to protrude downward from the lower end of the column housing (200).

[0071] The steering wheel may be installed at the upper end of the outer shaft (420). A decoupling unit (not shown) that performs a damping function may be installed at the lower end of the inner shaft. The decoupling unit may be connected to a universal joint arranged at the upper end of an intermediate shaft (not shown). That is, the decoupling unit may connect the lower end of the steering shaft and the universal joint arranged at the upper end of the intermediate shaft.

[0072] The inner shaft and the outer shaft (420) are coupled to move axially with each other, so that the axial length of the steering shaft (400) can be varied. In addition, the inner shaft and the outer shaft (420) are coupled to not rotate with each other in the circumferential direction, so that when the outer shaft (420) rotates as the driver turns the steering wheel, the inner shaft can rotate together with the outer shaft (420).

[0073] In addition, when the inner tube (300) is operated to tele-in or tele-out in order for the driver to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his / her physical condition, the inner shaft is introduced into or withdrawn from the outer shaft (420) as the inner tube (300) moves in the axial direction, and the length of the steering shaft (400) can be varied.

[0074] Meanwhile, a bearing unit (not shown) may be installed inside the inner tube (300). The bearing unit may be installed in the column housing (200) and the inner tube (300) so as to enable the steering shaft (400) to rotate. The bearing unit may include a first ball bearing and a second ball bearing, and the first ball bearing may be installed between the column housing (200) and the inner shaft to rotatably support the inner shaft with respect to the column housing (200), and the second ball bearing may be installed between the inner tube (300) and the outer shaft (420) to rotatably support the outer shaft (420) with respect to the inner tube (300).

[0075] In order to allow the driver to adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition by moving the inner tube (300) axially with respect to the column housing (200), a tele slot (250) may be formed axially long in the column housing (200). The tele slot (250) may be arranged on the outer surface of the column housing (200) opposite the tele guide hole (220). The tele slot (250) may be formed to be open at one end of the column housing (200).

[0076] In the present embodiment, since the lower end of the inner tube (300) is inserted into the upper end of the column housing (200), and the upper end of the inner tube (300) is arranged to protrude outside the upper end of the column housing (200), the tele slot (250) is formed to open at the upper end of the column housing (200) and extend in the axial direction. However, if the upper end of the inner tube (300) is inserted into the lower end of the column housing (200), and the lower end of the inner tube (300) is arranged to protrude outside the lower end of the column housing (200), the tele slot (250) may also be formed to open at the lower end of the column housing (200) and extend in the axial direction.

[0077] In addition, a pair of installation plates (230, 240) may be formed to protrude from the column housing (200). The pair of installation plates (230, 240) may be formed to protrude from each side of the column housing (200). A tele slot (250) may be arranged between the pair of installation plates (230, 240). The pair of installation plates (230, 240) may be arranged to face each other with the tele slot (250) interposed therebetween. The pair of installation plates (230, 240) may be formed to protrude from each side of the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the column housing (200). The installation plates (230, 240) on both sides may include a first installation plate (230) and a second installation plate (240). The first installation plate (230) may be arranged on one side of the outer surface of the upper portion of the column housing (200), and the second installation plate (240) may be arranged on the other side of the outer surface of the upper portion of the column housing (200). The first installation plate (230) and the second installation plate (240) may be arranged to face each other. A tele slot (250) may be arranged between the first installation plate (230) and the second installation plate (240).

[0078] In addition, a pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) may be formed on the mounting bracket (5). The pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) may be respectively arranged on the outer side of a pair of installation plate parts (230, 240) formed on the column housing (200). The pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) may be respectively opposed to a pair of installation plate parts (230, 240). The pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) may include a first installation bracket part (5A) and a second installation bracket part (5B). The first installation bracket part (5A) may be arranged on the outside of the first installation plate part (230) and may face the first installation plate part (230), and the second installation bracket part (5B) may be arranged on the outside of the second installation plate part (240) and may face the second installation plate part (240).

[0079] The tele slot (250) is formed by opening at the top of the column housing (200), and can be formed to pass axially between a pair of installation plates (230, 240).

[0080] One end of a tele lever (500) may be coupled to one end of a tele shaft (550). The tele lever (500) may be coupled to one end of the tele shaft (550). The tele shaft (550) may have a circular cross-section. The tele shaft (550) may pass through both sides of the column housing (200). The tele shaft (550) may pass through a pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) and a pair of installation plate parts (230, 240). The tele shaft (550) may be arranged long in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering shaft (400). The tele shaft (550) may be arranged long in the radial direction of the inner tube (300). The tele shaft (550) may be arranged long in the radial direction of the column housing (200). The tele shaft (550) may be arranged long in the horizontal direction.

[0081] The tele lever (500) is coupled to one end of the tele shaft (550) and can control the axial movement of the inner tube (300) relative to the column housing (200) by adjusting the width of the tele slot (250).

[0082] That is, when the driver rotates the tele lever (500) to the unlocked position to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his / her physical condition, the column housing (200) is opened wide by its own elastic force to widen the width of the tele slot (250), so that the inner surface of the column housing (200) loosely contacts the outer surface of the inner tube (300), and the inner tube (300) can move axially with respect to the column housing (200).

[0083] In addition, when the driver adjusts the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition and then rotates the tele lever (500) to the locked position, the column housing (200) is compressed so that the width of the tele slot (250) becomes narrower, so that the inner surface of the column housing (200) is in close contact with the outer surface of the inner tube (300), so that the inner tube (300) cannot move axially with respect to the column housing (200).

[0084] The tele shaft (550) can pass through a pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B), and both ends of the tele shaft (550) can be arranged to protrude outwardly from each of the pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B). A guide hole (5D, see FIG. 5) through which the tele shaft (550) passes can be formed in the pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B). A fixed cam (510, see FIG. 5) can be arranged on the outer side of the first installation bracket part (5A), and an operating cam (520, see FIG. 5) can be installed on the inner side opposite to the fixed cam (510) of the tele lever (500) coupled to one end of the tele shaft (550).

[0085] A tele shaft (550) can pass through the fixed cam (510). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes can be formed in the center of the fixed cam (510). The tele lever (500) and the tele shaft (550) can be coupled to each other and rotate together. When the tele shaft (550) rotates due to the rotation of the tele lever (500), the fixed cam (510) and the operating cam (520) can be interlocked to move the tele shaft (550) in the longitudinal direction of the tele shaft (550) to lock or unlock the tele lever (500).

[0086] When the driver adjusts the inclination of the column housing (200), since the column housing (200) rotates around one end as the center of rotation, it is preferable that the longitudinal direction of the guide hole (5D) be inclined with respect to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0087] When the driver rotates the tele lever (500) to the lock position, the fixed cam (510) and the operating cam (520) are tightly engaged, and accordingly, the pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) are pulled toward each other, thereby narrowing the width of the tele slot (250), and the inner surface of the column housing (200) is in close contact with the outer surface of the inner tube (300), thereby preventing the inner tube (300) from moving in the axial direction.

[0088] In addition, when the driver rotates the tele lever (500) to the unlock position, the fixed cam (510) and the operating cam (520) are loosely engaged, and accordingly, a pair of installation plates (230, 240) are spread to the original position, so that the width of the tele slot (250) is widened to the original position, and the inner surface of the column housing (200) is loosely contacted with the outer surface of the inner tube (300), so that the inner tube (300) can be moved in the axial direction.

[0089] A fixing plate (560) may be attached to the outer side of the second installation bracket portion (5B). The fixing plate (560) may be formed as a pair of fixing plates (560) that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The pair of fixing plates (560) may also be spaced apart from each other in a direction other than the axial direction.

[0090] A tele shaft (550) can penetrate the fixed plate (560). That is, the other end of the tele shaft (550) protruding outward from the second installation bracket portion (5B) can penetrate the fixed plate (560) and protrude outward from the fixed plate (560). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) penetrates can be formed in the center of the fixed plate (560). However, since the fixed plate (560) in the present embodiment is formed by a pair of fixed plates (560) that are spaced apart from each other, the tele shaft (550) can penetrate through the spaced-apart space between the pair of fixed plates (560).

[0091] Additionally, a movable member (570) may be installed at the other end of the tele shaft (550) protruding outward from the fixed plate (560). The other end of the tele shaft (550) may penetrate the movable member (570) and protrude outward from the movable member (570). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes may be formed at the center of the movable member (570).

[0092] Additionally, a nut (580) may be fastened to the other end of the tele shaft (550) protruding outward from the movable member (570). The nut (580) may prevent the movable member (570) from coming out through the other end of the tele shaft (550).

[0093] The fixed plate (560) and the movable member (570) may be formed in an approximately square shape. When the tele lever (500) is in a locked state, the movable member (570) can pressurize both sides of the fixed plate (560). Since the movable member (570) presses both sides of the fixed plate (560) when the tele lever (500) is in a locked state, the locking force of the tele lever (500) can be improved. Of course, when the tele lever (500) is in an unlocked state, the movable member (570) can release the pressure from both sides of the fixed plate (560).

[0094] Additionally, a washer member (590) may be placed between the movable member (570) and the nut (580). The tele shaft (550) may pass through the washer member (590). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes may be formed in the center of the washer member (590). The washer member (590) may include a plurality of circular metal plates and a circular rubber plate placed between the plurality of circular metal plates. The inner surface of the washer member (590) may be in contact with the outer surface of the movable member (570), and the outer surface of the washer member (590) may be in contact with the inner surface of the nut (580).

[0095] Meanwhile, in the vehicle steering device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention, a bend plate (800, see FIG. 4) may be further installed to absorb the collision energy when the inner tube (300) moves in the axial direction due to the collision energy caused by a vehicle collision accident while the tele lever (500) is in a locked state.

[0096] The bend plate (800) can be installed long in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube (300) on the outer surface of the inner tube (300). The bend plate (800) can be installed long in the axial direction on the outer surface of the inner tube (300).

[0097] A stopper projection (270, see Fig. 4) may be formed protrudingly on the outer surface of the column housing (200). The stopper projection (270) may be formed as a pair of stopper projections (270) spaced apart from each other with a tele slot (250) in between.

[0098] A stopper member (880) may be coupled to one end of the bend plate (800) close to the stopper projection (270). When the inner tube (300) is operated to tele-in by collision energy resulting from a vehicle collision while the tele lever (500) is locked, the stopper member (880) may contact the stopper projection (270) to control the axial movement of the bend plate (800).

[0099] Accordingly, when the inner tube (300) is operated in the tele-in position due to the collision energy caused by a vehicle collision while the tele lever (500) is locked, and the inner tube (300) is further operated in the tele-in position after the stopper member (880) comes into contact with the stopper projection (270), the bend plate (800) is deformed and can absorb the collision energy.

[0100] Meanwhile, as described above, when the tele lever (500) is locked, the movable member (570) presses both sides of the fixed plate (560), so that the locking force of the tele lever (500) can be improved. Hereinafter, the specific structures of the fixed plate (560) and the movable member (570) will be described below.

[0101] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the fixed plate and the movable member shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the operation of the movable member when locking or unlocking the tele lever in a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the movable member (570) may include a first movable member (571) and a second movable member (572). The first movable member (571) and the second movable member (572) may be formed in an approximately rectangular shape. With respect to the fixed plate (560), the first movable member (571) may be arranged on the inner side, and the second movable member (572) may be arranged on the outer side.

[0103] A tele shaft (550) can pass through the first movable member (571). A through hole (571D) through which the tele shaft (550) passes can be formed in the center of the first movable member (571). The first movable member (571) can pressurize one side of the fixed plate (560) when the tele lever (500) is locked. Of course, the first movable member (571) can release the pressure on one side of the fixed plate (560) when the tele lever (500) is unlocked.

[0104] A tele shaft (550) can pass through the second movable member (572). A through hole (572D) through which the tele shaft (550) passes can be formed in the center of the second movable member (572). The second movable member (572) can press the other surface of the fixed plate (560) when the tele lever (500) is locked. Of course, the second movable member (572) can release the pressure from the other surface of the fixed plate (560) when the tele lever (500) is unlocked. One surface of the fixed plate (560) can be the inner surface of the fixed plate (560), and the other surface of the fixed plate (560) can be the outer surface of the fixed plate (560).

[0105] As described above, the fixed plate (560) may be formed of a pair of fixed plates (560) spaced apart from each other.

[0106] A pair of fixed plates (560) can be coupled to one of the pair of installation bracket parts (5A, 5B) formed on the mounting bracket (5), here, the second installation bracket part (5B).

[0107] Each of the pair of fixed plates (560) may include a first plate portion (561) and a second plate portion (562). The first plate portion (561) may be joined to the outer surface of one of the above-described installation bracket portions (5B). The first plate portion (561) may be joined by welding to the outer surface of one of the above-described installation bracket portions (5B). The second plate portion (562) may be arranged orthogonally to the first plate portion (561). The second plate portion (562) may be arranged opposite to one of the above-described installation bracket portions (5B).

[0108] When the tele lever (500) is locked or unlocked, one side (inner side) of the second plate (562) can be pressed or depressurized by the first movable member (571). When the tele lever (500) is locked or unlocked, the other side (outer side) of the second plate (562) can be pressed or depressurized by the second movable member (572).

[0109] The first movable member (571) may include a pair of pressure plate parts (571A) and a guide block part (571).

[0110] A pair of pressure plate parts (571A) can press one side (inner side) of a pair of fixed plates (560), respectively. A pair of pressure plate parts (571A) can press one side (inner side) of a second plate part (562) included in each of a pair of fixed plates (560), respectively.

[0111] The guide block portion (571B) may be formed to protrude at the center of the surface of the first movable member (571) facing the second movable member (572). The guide block portion (571B) may be formed to protrude toward the second movable member (572) between a pair of pressure plate portions (571A). A tele shaft (550) may pass through the guide block portion (571B). A through hole (571D) through which the tele shaft (550) passes may be formed in the guide block portion (571B).

[0112] The second movable member (572) may include a pair of pressure block portions (572A) that pressurize the other surfaces of a pair of fixed plates (560), respectively. The pair of pressure block portions (572A) may press the other surfaces (outer surfaces) of the second plate portions (562) included in each of the pair of fixed plates (560), respectively. The pair of pressure block portions (572A) may be formed to protrude on both sides of the surface of the second movable member (572) facing the first movable member (571), respectively.

[0113] The guide block portion (571B) of the first movable member (571) can be inserted and arranged between a pair of pressure block portions (572A) of the second movable member (572). When the guide block portion (571B) is inserted and arranged between a pair of pressure block portions (572A), both sides of the guide block portion (571B) come into contact with the inner side surfaces of the pair of pressure block portions (572A), respectively, so that movement of at least one of the first movable member (571) and the second movable member (572) can be guided when the tele lever (500) is locked or unlocked.

[0114] When the tele lever (500) is locked or unlocked, the guide block portion (571B) and a pair of pressure block portions (572A) may be formed in a square shape so that at least one of the first movable member (571) and the second movable member (572) can move in the longitudinal direction of the tele shaft (550) without rotating.

[0115] A plurality of first pressing protrusions (571C) may be formed on the surfaces that press one side (inner side) of each of the pair of fixed plates (560) on a pair of pressure plate parts (571A). A plurality of first pressing protrusions (571C) may be formed on the surfaces that press one side (inner side) of each of the second plate parts (562) included in each of the pair of fixed plates (560) on a pair of pressure plate parts (571A).

[0116] A plurality of second pressing protrusions (572C) may be formed on the surfaces that press the other surfaces (outer surfaces) of the pair of fixed plates (560) on each of the pair of pressing block parts (572A). A plurality of second pressing protrusions (572C) may be formed on the surfaces that press the other surfaces (outer surfaces) of the second plate parts (562) included in each of the pair of fixed plates (560) on each of the pair of pressing block parts (572A).

[0117] A step (571E) may be formed in the through hole (571D) of the guide block portion (571B) of the first movable member (571). One end of a spring (573) may be brought into contact with the step (571E). The other end of the spring (573) may be brought into contact with a surface between a pair of pressure block portions (572A) of the second movable member (572). The spring (573) may be formed as a coil spring, and a tele shaft (550) may pass through the spring (573).

[0118] A through hole (572D) through which a tele shaft (550) passes may be formed on the surface between a pair of pressure block parts (572A) of the second movable member (572).

[0119] When the tele lever (500) is locked or unlocked, the second movable member (572) can be moved in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 7. When the tele lever (500) is unlocked, at least one of the first movable member (571) and the second movable member (572) can be separated from the pair of fixed plates (560) by the elastic force of the spring (573).

[0120]

[0121] As described above, the vehicle steering device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the locking force of the tele lever (500) because the movable member (570) presses both sides of the fixed plate (560) when the tele lever (500) is locked.

[0122]

[0123] 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.

[0124]

[0125] The present invention provides a vehicle steering device capable of improving the locking force of a tele lever.

Claims

1. A tele shaft passing through both sides of the column housing; A tele lever coupled to one end of the above tele shaft; A fixed plate through which the above tele shaft passes; and A steering device for a vehicle, comprising: a movable member through which the tele shaft passes and which presses both sides of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked; 2. In claim 1, The above movable member is, A first movable member through which the tele shaft passes and which pressurizes or depressurizes one surface of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked or unlocked; A steering device for a vehicle, comprising a second movable member through which the tele shaft passes and which pressurizes or releases the pressing surface of the fixed plate when the tele lever is locked or unlocked.

3. In claim 2, A vehicle steering device, wherein the above fixed plates are formed by a pair of fixed plates spaced apart from each other.

4. In claim 3, On both sides of the above column housing, a pair of installation plates are protrudingly formed so as to face each other, Further comprising a mounting bracket having a pair of mounting bracket parts formed on the outer side of the above pair of mounting plates, each of which is positioned opposite to the other; The above tele shaft penetrates the pair of installation plates and the pair of installation brackets, A vehicle steering device wherein the above pair of fixed plates are connected to one of the above pair of installation brackets.

5. In claim 4, Each of the above pair of fixed plates, A first plate portion joined to the outer surface of one of the above installation bracket portions, A steering device for a vehicle, comprising a second plate portion arranged orthogonally to the first plate portion and facing one of the installation bracket portions, one side of which is pressed or depressurized by the first movable member, and the other side of which is pressed or depressurized by the second movable member.

6. In claim 3, The above first movable member is, A pair of pressure plates each pressurizing one side of the above pair of fixed plates, A guide block portion is formed protruding toward the second movable member between the pair of pressure plate portions and through which the tele shaft passes, The above second movable member is, It includes a pair of pressure block parts that pressurize the other surfaces of the pair of fixed plates, respectively. A vehicle steering device in which the above guide block part is inserted and placed between the pair of pressure block parts.

7. In claim 6, A vehicle steering device, wherein the above guide block portion and the pair of pressure block portions are formed in a square shape.

8. In claim 6, In the above pair of pressure plate parts, a plurality of first pressure projections are formed on each side that presses one side of the above pair of fixed plates, A vehicle steering device, wherein a plurality of second pressure projections are formed on surfaces of the pair of pressure block sections, each of which presses the surfaces of the pair of fixed plates.

9. In claim 6, A through hole through which the tele shaft passes is formed in the above guide block portion, A step is formed within the above through hole, A vehicle steering device further comprising a spring, one end of which is in contact with the step, the other end of which is in contact with a surface between the pair of pressure block parts of the second movable member, and through which the tele shaft passes.

10. In claim 9, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein at least one of the first movable member and the second movable member is separated from the pair of fixed plates by the elastic force of the spring when the tele lever is unlocked.

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