Steering apparatus for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is advantageous in that, when an inner tube moves axially with a tele-lever unlocked, a tele-in damper comes into contact with a tele-in stopper to restrict the axial movement of the inner tube, thereby preventing damage to an element for absorbing collision energy in a vehicle collision accident.

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]

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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).

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The above-mentioned prior art comprises a steering shaft, an inner tube surrounding the outer circumference of the steering shaft, a column housing surrounding the outer circumference of the inner tube and having a tele slot formed axially by opening at one end, a stopper block coupled to the inner tube and moving along the tele slot when the inner tube moves axially, and a stopper plate coupled to the stopper block and moving axially together with the stopper block when the inner tube moves axially, and having a stopper portion formed therein to contact a stopper protrusion formed on the column housing when the inner tube is moved axially by a predetermined section.

[0013] The above-mentioned conventional technology has a structure in which, in the event of a vehicle collision, when the inner tube is further moved in the axial direction while the stopper part is in contact with the stopper projection, the stopper plate is separated from the stopper block and is deformed by being pushed by the stopper block, thereby absorbing collision energy.

[0014] However, the above-described prior art has a problem in that when the inner tube moves axially, regardless of whether the tele lever is in a locked or unlocked state, the stopper block and the stopper plate, which are components for absorbing the collision energy, move axially together with the inner tube, so that when the driver unlocks the tele lever to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his / her physical condition, the rivet is easily separated by the axial movement force of the inner tube even when there is no vehicle collision accident, thereby rendering the component for absorbing the collision energy useless.

[0015]

[0016] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a steering device for a vehicle that can absorb collision energy in a vehicle collision accident while the telelever is locked, and in which the component that absorbs the collision energy is not damaged while the telelever is unlocked so that the driver can adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his or her physical condition.

[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] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle steering device according to the present invention comprises a tele-in damper, a tele-shaft, and a tele-in stopper. The tele-in damper is protrudingly arranged on the outer surface of an inner tube. A tele-lever is coupled to one end of the tele-shaft. The tele-in stopper is coupled to the tele-shaft. When the inner tube moves in the axial direction while the tele-lever is unlocked, the tele-in damper comes into contact with the tele-in stopper to restrict the axial movement of the inner tube.

[0020] When the inner tube is moved axially, the tele-in damper can be moved along a tele-slot formed axially by opening at one end of the column housing.

[0021] A steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention may further comprise a curling portion. The curling portion has a rolled plate shape. The curling portion is axially spaced from the tele-in damper and protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube. When the inner tube moves axially in a locked state of the tele-lever, the curling portion can be spread by contacting the tele-in stopper.

[0022] When the inner tube is moved axially in the locked state of the tele lever, the curling portion can be spread by contacting one end of the axial end of the tele in stopper closer to the curling portion. When the inner tube is moved axially in the unlocked state of the tele lever, the tele in damper can be contacted with the other end of the tele in stopper to limit the axial movement of the inner tube.

[0023] The above tele-in damper may be formed on one axial end of the damper plate. The damper plate may be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube. The curling portion may be formed on one axial end of the curling plate. The curling plate may be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube.

[0024] The above telein damper can be axially arranged between the telein stopper and the curling portion.

[0025] The above curling portion may be formed at one end of the axial end of the curling plate, which is farther from the telein stopper. The telein damper may be formed at one end of the axial end of the damper plate, which is closer to the telein stopper.

[0026] The above damper plate and the above curling plate can be arranged to cover the radial direction of the inner tube.

[0027] The above damper plate and the above curling plate can be connected to the inner tube via bolts.

[0028] The axial ends of the tele-in stopper may be configured with one end positioned close to the curling portion and the other end formed in a hook shape. In a locked state of the tele-lever, the one end of the tele-in stopper may be axially opposed to the curling portion, and the other end of the tele-in stopper may not be axially opposed to the tele-in damper. In an unlocked state of the tele-lever, the one end of the tele-in stopper may not be axially opposed to the curling portion, and the other end of the tele-in stopper may be axially opposed to the tele-in damper.

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

[0030]

[0031] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention has an effect in that when the inner tube is moved in the axial direction by collision energy resulting from a vehicle collision while the tele lever is locked, the curling portion is able to absorb the collision energy by coming into contact with the tele lever stopper and spreading out.

[0032] In addition, the steering device for a vehicle according to the present invention has the effect of preventing the curling part from coming into contact with the tele-in stopper and being spread out in a situation where the driver adjusts the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition, and when the inner tube is moved in the axial direction while the tele-lever is unlocked, the tele-in damper can limit the axial movement of the inner tube by coming into contact with the tele-in stopper before the curling part comes into contact with the tele-in stopper.

[0033] 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.

[0034]

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of Figure 1;

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the other side of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the tele shaft, tele in stopper and elastic member shown in Figure 3.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing one side cut away from Fig. 3;

[0040] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the unlocked state of the tele lever in the same state as Fig. 5;

[0041] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the inner tube is tele-in operated by collision energy in a vehicle collision accident in a locked state of the tele lever as in Fig. 5.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which the inner tube is operated in a tele-in operation with the tele lever unlocked as in Fig. 6.

[0043]

[0044] <Explanation of symbols>

[0045] 1: Vehicle steering device 200: Column housing

[0046] 250: Tele slot 300: Inner tube

[0047] 500: Tele lever 550: Tele shaft

[0048] 700: Telein stopper 710: One end of the telein stopper

[0049] 720: Other end of the tele-in stopper 800: Curling plate

[0050] 850: Curling section 900: Damper plate

[0051] 950: Telein Damper B1, B2: Bolt

[0052]

[0053] Hereinafter, a vehicle steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 bottom perspective view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the other side of FIG. 1.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed in a vehicle.

[0058] 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).

[0059] The steering column (100) may include a column housing (200) and an inner tube (300).

[0060] The column housing (200) can form the lower part of the steering column (100), and the inner tube (300) can form the upper part of the steering column (100).

[0061] The inner diameter of the column housing (200) may be formed larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube (300), and the outer diameter of the inner tube (300) may be formed smaller than the outer diameter of the column housing (200).

[0062] The lower part of the inner tube (300) can be inserted into the upper part of the column housing (200), and the upper part of the inner tube (300) can be positioned to protrude upwardly from the column housing (200) through the upper opening of the column housing (200).

[0063] The column housing (200) can be installed on the outside of the inner tube (300), and the inner tube (300) can be installed on the inside of the column housing (200). The column housing (200) can surround the outer circumference of the inner tube (300). The steering shaft (400) can axially penetrate the column housing (200) and the inner tube (300).

[0064] 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 (5A) 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 (5A).

[0065] 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 both ends of the mounting bracket (5) can be arranged to protrude to both sides of the column housing (200). The both ends of the mounting bracket (5) can be respectively connected to support protrusions (201) formed on both sides of the column housing (200) via springs (3). The mounting bracket (5) can be arranged orthogonally to a pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) described below. The pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) can be combined to one surface of the mounting bracket (5). Alternatively, the pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) can be integrally formed to protrude to one surface of the mounting bracket (5).

[0066] The column housing (200) may be installed in the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about an imaginary horizontal axis as the center of rotation. Here, the horizontal axis may be an axis in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the steering shaft (400). 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 as the center of rotation.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In addition, the inner tube (300) may be installed axially movable inside 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. When the inner tube (300) is axially moved to be inserted into the column housing (200), it may be referred to as 'tele in', and when the inner tube (300) is axially moved to be protruded within the column housing (200), it may be referred to as 'tele out'.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] On the outer surface of the column housing (200), a tele guide hole (220) may be formed axially long as shown in FIG. 2, and on the outer surface of the inner tube (300), a tele out damper (600) inserted into the tele guide hole (220) may be formed protrudingly. When the inner tube (300) is operated in tele out, the tele out damper (600) may contact the upper inner surface, which is one axial end of the tele guide hole (220), at the maximum tele out position of the inner tube (300), to limit the axial movement of the inner tube (300). In order to prevent noise when the tele out damper (600) contacts the upper inner surface of the tele guide hole (200) at the maximum tele out position of the inner tube (300), the tele out damper (600) may include an elastic material. The tele-out damper (600) can be connected to the outer surface of the inner tube (300) via a bolt.

[0072] The steering shaft (400) may include an inner shaft (410) and an outer shaft (420).

[0073] The outer shaft (420) can constitute the upper part of the steering shaft (400), and the inner shaft (410) can constitute the lower part of the steering shaft (400).

[0074] The inner diameter of the outer shaft (420) may be formed larger than the outer diameter of the inner shaft (410), and the outer diameter of the inner shaft (410) may be formed smaller than the outer diameter of the outer shaft (420).

[0075] The upper part of the inner shaft (410) can be inserted into the lower part of the outer shaft (420), and the lower part of the inner shaft (410) can be positioned to protrude downwardly of the outer shaft (420) through the lower opening of the outer shaft (420).

[0076] The upper end of the outer shaft (420) can be positioned to protrude upwardly from the inner tube (300) through the upper opening of the inner tube (300), and the lower end of the inner shaft (410) can be positioned to protrude downwardly from the column housing (200) through the lower opening of the column housing (200).

[0077] The steering wheel may be installed at the upper end of the outer shaft (420). A decoupling unit (not shown) having a damping function may be installed at the lower end of the inner shaft (410). 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.

[0078] As the driver turns the steering wheel, the outer shaft (420) rotates, and the inner shaft (410) can rotate together with the outer shaft (420). That is, the steering wheel, the outer shaft (420), and the inner shaft (410) can rotate simultaneously in the same direction.

[0079] In addition, when the inner tube (300) is operated in or out to allow the driver to adjust the position of the steering wheel to his / her physical condition, the inner shaft (410) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the inner shaft (420) as the inner tube (300) moves axially.

[0080] Meanwhile, a bearing unit (not shown) may be installed inside the steering column (100). The bearing unit may be installed inside the steering column (100) to rotatably support the steering shaft (400) with respect to the steering column (100). The bearing unit may be installed in the column housing (200) and the inner tube (300), respectively. That is, 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 (410) to rotatably support the inner shaft (410) 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).

[0081] 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).

[0082] In this 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 be open at the upper end of the column housing (200). 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 be open at the lower end of the column housing (200).

[0083] In addition, a pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) may be formed in the column housing (200). The pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) may be formed to face each other on the outer surface of the upper portion of the column housing (200). The pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) may include a first installation bracket part (230) and a second installation bracket part (240). The first installation bracket part (230) may be arranged on one side of the outer surface of the upper portion of the column housing (200), and the second installation bracket part (240) may be arranged on the other side of the outer surface of the upper portion of the column housing (200). The first installation bracket part (230) and the second installation bracket part (240) may be arranged to face each other.

[0084] 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 bracket parts (230, 240).

[0085] One end of a tele lever (500) may be coupled to one end of a tele shaft (550). The tele shaft (550) may pass through a pair of installation bracket 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 horizontal direction.

[0086] 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) with respect to the column housing (200) by adjusting the radial width of the tele slot (250).

[0087] 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 radial width of the tele slot (250) is widened so that the inner surface of the column housing (200) loosely contacts the outer surface of the inner tube (300), so that the inner tube (300) can move axially with respect to the column housing (200).

[0088] 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 radial width of the tele slot (250) becomes narrower, so that the inner surface of the column housing (200) comes into 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).

[0089] The tele shaft (550) can pass through a pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240), and both ends of the tele shaft (550) can be arranged to protrude outwardly from each of the pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes can be formed in the pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240). A first cam (not shown) can be installed on the outer side of the first installation bracket part (230), and a second cam (520) can be installed on the inner side opposite to the first cam of the tele lever (500) coupled to one end of the first installation bracket part (230).

[0090] When the driver rotates the tele lever (500) to the lock position, the first cam and the second cam (520) are tightly engaged, and accordingly, the pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) are pulled toward each other, so that the radial width of the tele slot (250) is narrowed, and 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) can be prevented from moving in the axial direction.

[0091] In addition, when the driver rotates the tele lever (500) to the unlock position, the first cam and the second cam (520) are separated from each other, and accordingly, the pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240) are separated to the original position, so that the radial width of the tele slot (250) is widened to the original position, and the inner surface of the column housing (200) is loosely in contact with the outer surface of the inner tube (300), so that the inner tube (300) can be moved in the axial direction.

[0092] A fixed gear (560) may be coupled to the outside of the second installation bracket part (240), and the other end of a tele shaft (550) protruding to the outside of the second installation bracket part (240) may penetrate the fixed gear (560) and protrude to the outside of the fixed gear (560). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes may be formed in the center of the fixed gear (560).

[0093] Additionally, a moving gear (570) may be installed on the other end of the tele shaft (550) protruding outward from the fixed gear (560). The other end of the tele shaft (550) may penetrate the moving gear (570) and protrude outward from the moving gear (570). A hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes may be formed in the center of the moving gear (570).

[0094] Additionally, a nut (580) may be fastened to the other end of the tele shaft (550) protruding outward from the moving gear (570). The nut (580) may prevent the moving gear (570) from coming out through the other end of the tele shaft (550). A shaft through-hole through which the tele shaft (550) passes may be formed in each of the pair of installation bracket parts (230, 240), the fixed gear (560), and the moving gear (570).

[0095] The fixed gear (560) and the moving gear (570) may be formed in an approximately square shape and may be arranged to face each other, and gear teeth may be formed on the opposing surfaces of the fixed gear (560) and the moving gear (570), respectively. When the tele lever (500) is in a locked state, the gear teeth formed on the moving gear (570) may mesh with the gear teeth formed on the fixed gear (560) to prevent the locked state of the tele lever (500) from being released, and when the tele lever (500) is in an unlocked state, the gear teeth formed on the moving gear (570) may mesh with the gear teeth formed on the fixed gear (560) and be released.

[0096] Additionally, a washer member (590) may be placed between the moving gear (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 moving gear (570), and the outer surface of the washer member (590) may be in contact with the inner surface of the nut (580).

[0097] Meanwhile, the vehicle steering device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a tele-in stopper (700) and a curling part (850) 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.

[0098] The curling portion (850) may be protrudingly arranged on the outer surface of the inner tube (300) and may have a rolled plate shape. When the inner tube (300) is operated to tele-in due to collision energy from a vehicle collision while the tele lever (500) is locked, the curling portion (850) may move axially together with the inner tube (300) and come into contact with the tele-in stopper (700). When the inner tube (300) is further moved axially while in contact with the tele-in stopper (700), the rolled shape by the tele-in stopper (700) may be unrolled to absorb the collision energy.

[0099] However, in a situation where the driver adjusts the inner tube (300) to tele-in, but not in a vehicle collision, the curling portion (850) should not come into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) and spread out, so a tele-in damper (950, see FIGS. 5 to 8) may be further protruded and positioned on the outer surface of the inner tube (300). The tele-in damper (950) may limit the axial movement of the inner tube (300) by coming into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) before the curling portion (850) comes into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) when the inner tube (300) moves axially in the unlocked state of the tele lever (500).

[0100] Below, the specific structures of the telein stopper (700), curling part (850), and telein damper (950) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0101] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the tele shaft, tele in stopper and elastic member shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one side cut away from FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an unlocked state of the tele lever in the same state as FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the inner tube is tele-in operated by collision energy in a vehicle collision accident in the locked state of the tele lever in the same state as FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which the inner tube is tele-in operated in the unlocked state of the tele lever in the same state as FIG. 6.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, a tele shaft (550) may be coupled with a tele in stopper (700). A tele lever (500) may be coupled to one end of the tele shaft (550). The tele shaft (550) may be formed with a coupling portion (555) having a circular cross-section, but the other end having an elliptical cross-section.

[0103] An oval hole (730) having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of a connecting portion (555) of a tele shaft (550) can be formed in the tele in stopper (700), and the connecting portion (555) of the tele shaft (550) can penetrate the oval hole (730) of the tele in stopper (700), thereby allowing the tele in stopper (700) to be connected to the tele shaft (550).

[0104] The tele-in stopper (700) may be formed in a block shape. One side of the tele-in stopper (700) facing the tele lever (500) may contact a step formed at the end of the connecting portion (555) of the tele shaft (550), thereby restricting movement toward the tele lever (500). The other side of the tele-in stopper (700) may be pressed by an elastic member (750) through which the connecting portion (555) of the tele shaft (550) passes.

[0105] Here, the elastic member (750) may be formed as a coil spring, but in addition to the coil spring, it may be variously changed to a member having elasticity through which the joint portion (555) of the tele shaft (550) penetrates.

[0106] One end of the elastic member (750) can be in contact with the other surface of the tele in stopper (700), and the other end of the elastic member (750) can be in contact with the inner surface of the second installation bracket part (240, see FIG. 3), so that the elastic member (750) can press the other surface of the tele in stopper (700) toward the tele lever (500) so that one surface of the tele in stopper (700) remains in contact with the step formed at the end of the coupling part (555) of the tele shaft (550).

[0107] Since the connecting portion (555) having an oval cross-section is connected to the oval hole (730) of the tele in stopper (700), the tele in stopper (700) can be rotated together with the tele shaft (550). Therefore, when the driver rotates the tele lever (500) to lock or unlock the tele lever (500), the tele shaft (550) and the tele in stopper (700) can be rotated together with the tele lever (500).

[0108] In order for the tele in stopper (700) to be coupled to the tele shaft (550), the cross-sectional shape of the coupling portion (555) of the tele shaft (550) does not necessarily have to be formed into an ellipse, but may be changed to a polygon, and in this case, the elliptical hole (730) of the tele in stopper (700) may also be formed into a polygonal hole having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the coupling portion (555).

[0109] A curling portion (850) and a tele-in damper (950) may be protrudingly arranged on the outer surface of the inner tube (300). The curling portion (850) and the tele-in damper (950) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The tele-in damper (950) may be arranged between the tele-in stopper (700) and the curling portion (850) in the axial direction.

[0110] The curling portion (850) may be formed integrally with the inner tube (300) on the outer surface of the inner tube (300), or may be provided as a separate member from the inner tube (300) and joined to the outer surface of the inner tube (300). In the present embodiment, the curling portion (850) may be provided as a separate member from the inner tube (300) and formed at one end in the axial direction of the curling plate (800). The curling portion (850) may be formed at one end of the axial direction of the curling plate (800) that is farthest from the tele-in stopper (700).

[0111] The tele-in damper (950) may be formed integrally with the inner tube (300) on the outer surface of the inner tube (300), or may be provided as a separate member from the inner tube (300) and coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube (300). In the present embodiment, the tele-in damper (950) may be provided as a separate member from the inner tube (300) and may be formed at one end in the axial direction of the damper plate (900). The tele-in damper (950) may be formed at one end of the axial opposite ends of the damper plate (900) that is closer to the tele-in stopper (700).

[0112] The curling plate (800) can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube (300), and the damper plate (900) can also be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube (300). The damper plate (900) and the curling plate (800) can be arranged to overlap in the radial direction of the inner tube (300), and the damper plate (900) and the curling plate (800) can be coupled to the inner tube (300) via bolts (B1, B2). After the damper plate (900) is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube (300), the curling plate (800) can be seated on the outer surface of the damper plate (900), and in this state, the bolts (B1, B2) can be fastened by penetrating holes formed in the curling plate (800), the damper plate (900), and the inner tube (300). The bolts (B1, B2) may be provided as a plurality of bolts (B1, B2) that connect the curling plate (800) and the damper plate (900) together to the inner tube (300). The bolts (B1, B2) may include a first bolt (B1) and a second bolt (B2) that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

[0113] The curling portion (850) and the tele-in damper (950) can come into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) when the inner tube (300) is operated to be tele-in. The curling portion (850) can have a rolled plate shape and can be spread out by coming into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) when the inner tube (300) is operated to be tele-in. The tele-in damper (950) can come into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) when the inner tube (300) is operated to be tele-in, thereby limiting the axial movement of the inner tube (300). The tele-in damper (950) can prevent noise by including a material having elasticity in a portion that comes into contact with the tele-in stopper (700) when the inner tube (300) is operated to be tele-in.

[0114] There may be two cases of tele-in operation of the inner tube (300). That is, the tele-in operation of the inner tube (300) may be an operation due to collision energy in the event of a vehicle collision while the tele lever (500) is locked, and an operation by the driver in which the driver unlocks the tele lever (500) to adjust the axial position of the inner tube (300) to adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition.

[0115] When the inner tube (300) moves axially due to the collision energy generated in a vehicle collision accident while the tele lever (500) is locked, the curling part (850) can absorb the collision energy by coming into contact with the tele in stopper (700) and spreading out.

[0116] In addition, when the inner tube (300) is moved axially by the driver in the unlocked state of the tele lever (500), the tele in damper (950) can contact the tele in stopper (700) before the curling part (9850) contacts the tele in stopper (700) to limit the axial movement of the inner tube (300).

[0117] The axial ends (710, 720) of the tele-in stopper (700) may include one end (710) positioned close to the curling section (850) and the other end (720) formed in a hook shape.

[0118] The other end (720) of the tele-in stopper (700) is formed in a hook shape, so that when the tele lever (500) is unlocked, the end surface of the other end (720) of the tele-in stopper (700) can face the outer circumference of the column housing (200). More specifically, the other end (720) of the tele-in stopper (700) is formed in a hook shape, so that when the tele lever (500) is unlocked, the end surface of the other end (720) of the tele-in stopper (700) can face the tele slot (250) of the column housing (200). Therefore, when the inner tube (300) moves axially in the unlocked state of the tele lever (500), the tele in damper (950) can contact the inner surface of the other end (720) of the tele in stopper (700) to limit the axial movement of the inner tube (300).

[0119]

[0120] The operation of the steering device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is described as follows.

[0121] First, the tele-in operation of the inner tube (300) due to collision energy in a vehicle collision accident with the tele lever (500) locked will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 5, in the locked state of the tele lever (500), one end (710) of the axial end of the tele in stopper (700) that is positioned closer to the curling section (850) may be positioned axially opposite to the curling section (850), and the other end (720) of the tele in stopper (700) may not be positioned axially opposite to the tele in damper (950).

[0123] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the inner tube (300) is moved axially in the tele-in direction by the collision energy generated in a vehicle collision accident while the tele lever (500) is locked, the curling portion (850) may come into contact with one end (710) of the tele-in stopper (700), and when the inner tube (300) is further moved axially in this state, the curling portion (850) may spread out and absorb the collision energy. Meanwhile, when the inner tube (300) is moved axially, the tele-in damper (950) may move along the tele-slot (250) of the column housing (200). In this case, the tele-slot (250) may function to guide the axial movement of the tele-in damper (950).

[0124] Next, the tele-in operation of the inner tube (300) by the driver, in which the driver unlocks the tele lever (500) to adjust the axial position of the inner tube (300) to adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 6, in the unlocked state of the tele lever (500), one end (710) of the tele in stopper (700) may not be axially opposed to the curling portion (850), and the other end (720) of the tele in stopper (700) may be axially opposed to the tele in damper (950).

[0126] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, in the unlocked state of the tele lever (500), when the driver moves the inner tube (300) in the axial direction in the tele-in direction, the tele-in damper (950) may move along the tele slot (250) of the column housing (200) and then come into contact with the other end (720) of the tele-in stopper (700), and this state may be a state in which the inner tube (300) cannot move any further in the axial direction in the tele-in direction, that is, an axial movement restriction state of the inner tube (300).

[0127]

[0128] As described above, in the steering device (1) of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the inner tube (300) is moved in the axial direction by the collision energy due to a vehicle collision accident while the tele lever (500) is locked, the curling portion (850) can absorb the collision energy by spreading out by contacting the tele in stopper (700).

[0129] In addition, in the vehicle steering device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the inner tube (300) is moved in the axial direction while the driver unlocks the tele lever (500) to adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his / her physical condition, the tele in damper (950) can limit the axial movement of the inner tube (300) by contacting the tele in stopper (700) before the curling part (850) comes into contact with the tele in stopper (700), so that the curling part (850) can be prevented from coming into contact with the tele in stopper (700) and being spread out in a situation where the driver adjusts the inner tube (300) in a non-vehicle collision accident.

[0130]

[0131] 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.

[0132]

[0133] The present invention provides a steering device for a vehicle capable of absorbing collision energy in a vehicle collision accident while the telelever is locked, and in which the component absorbing the collision energy is not damaged while the telelever is unlocked so that the driver can adjust the position of the steering wheel to suit his or her physical condition.

Claims

1. Tele-in damper protrudingly arranged on the outer surface of the inner tube; A tele shaft with a tele lever attached to one end; and including a tele-in stopper coupled to the above tele shaft; A vehicle steering device in which, when the inner tube moves axially in the unlocked state of the tele lever, the tele in damper comes into contact with the tele in stopper to limit the axial movement of the inner tube.

2. In claim 1, A steering device for a vehicle in which, when the inner tube is moved axially, the tele-in damper is opened at one end of the column housing and moves along a tele-slot formed axially.

3. In claim 1, A curling portion having a plate-shaped shape and protrudingly arranged on the outer surface of the inner tube, axially spaced from the telein damper; and A vehicle steering device in which, when the inner tube is moved axially in the locked state of the tele lever, the curling part comes into contact with the tele in stopper and spreads.

4. In claim 3, When the inner tube moves axially in the locked state of the tele lever, the curling portion comes into contact with one end of the axial end of the tele in stopper closer to the curling portion and spreads out. A vehicle steering device in which, when the inner tube moves axially in the unlocked state of the tele lever, the tele in damper comes into contact with the other end of the tele in stopper to limit the axial movement of the inner tube.

5. In claim 3, A damper plate formed at one end of the axial direction of the above telein damper and coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube, A steering device for a vehicle further comprising a curling plate formed at one end of the axial direction of the above-mentioned curling portion and coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube.

6. In claim 5, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the above telein damper is axially arranged between the telein stopper and the curling portion.

7. In claim 6, The above curling portion is formed at one end of the axial end of the curling plate farthest from the tele-in stopper, A vehicle steering device in which the above telein damper is formed at one end of the axial end of the above damper plate, which is closer to the telein stopper.

8. In claim 5, A steering device for a vehicle, wherein the above damper plate and the above curling plate are arranged to be covered in the radial direction of the inner tube.

9. In claim 8, A vehicle steering device in which the above damper plate and the above curling plate are connected to the inner tube via bolts.

10. In claim 3, The axial ends of the above telein stopper include one end positioned close to the curling part and the other end formed in a hook shape, In the locked state of the tele lever, one end of the tele in stopper is axially opposed to the curling portion, and the other end of the tele in stopper is not axially opposed to the tele in damper. A steering device for a vehicle, wherein, in the unlocked state of the tele lever, the one end of the tele in stopper is not axially opposed to the curling portion, and the other end of the tele in stopper is axially opposed to the tele in damper.

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