JP2017154558A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a structure which can prevent backlash from being generated in a steering wheel in a state where the steering wheel can be held at a position after being adjusted.SOLUTION: A portion 30 to be held provided in an outer column 11a is constituted of a main body 37 of the portion to be held and a deflector member 38, provided integrally with the outer column 11a. The deflector member 38 is arranged inside a holding recessed portion 52 of the main body 37 of the portion to be held so that only a width direction thereof can be displaced. When an interval in a width direction between a driven-side cam 88 and washer 84 is reduced with a diameter reducing device 31 so that a pair of support plate portions 23a press a first surface 47 to be held and a second surface 57 to be held, inward in the width direction, the pressing causes the deflector member 38 to be displaced inward in the width direction while being guided to an adjustment rod 25a, inside the holding recessed portion 52, so as to press an outer peripheral surface of an inner column 10a between the pressing surface 59 near the deflector member and an inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a steering device for giving a steering angle to a steering wheel of a vehicle such as an automobile.

  For example, a structure as shown in FIG. 7 is conventionally known as a steering device for giving a steering angle to a steered wheel (usually a front wheel except for a special vehicle such as a forklift), as described in Patent Document 1 and the like. ing. This steering device transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and pushes and pulls the pair of left and right tie rods 4 and 4 as the input shaft 3 rotates to steer the front wheels. A corner is added. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5. The steering shaft 5 is rotatable inside the steering column 6 with the cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. I support it. Further, the front end portion of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 via a universal joint 7, and the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft 3 via another universal joint 9. Connected to. In the present specification and claims as a whole, the front-rear direction, left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction refer to the front-rear direction, left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction of the vehicle unless otherwise specified. .

  A telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 according to the physique and driving posture of the driver with such a steering device has been conventionally known. In order to configure such a telescopic mechanism, the steering column 6 is telescoped by fitting the rear portion of the front inner column 10 to the front portion of the rear outer column 11 so as to allow relative displacement in the axial direction. The entire length can be expanded and contracted in a scope shape. The steering shaft 5 has a structure in which the outer tube 12 and the inner shaft 13 are combined so as to be able to transmit torque and expand and contract by spline engagement or the like.

  The illustrated example also incorporates a tilt mechanism that can adjust the vertical position of the steering wheel 1. Furthermore, an electric power steering device is also incorporated, which reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 14 as an auxiliary power source. For this purpose, a housing 15 containing a worm reducer constituting the electric power steering device is coupled and fixed to the front end of the steering column 6 (inner column 10). Thus, the swinging displacement about the pivot 17 installed in the left-right direction is supported. Further, a displacement bracket 19 fixed to a part of the steering column 6 (outer column 11) with respect to a support bracket 18 supported at a different position of the vehicle body 16 is supported so as to be displaceable in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction. ing.

  In the case of a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism, it is possible to switch between a state in which the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted and a state in which it can be held at the adjusted position based on the operation of an adjustment lever, except for an electric mechanism. There is a need to. An example of such a conventional structure of the position adjusting mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 8 in addition to FIG. In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 8, in order to be able to elastically expand and contract the inner diameter of the front end portion of the outer column 11, a slit long in the axial direction is formed on the lower surface of the front end portion or the middle portion of the outer column 11. 20 is provided. Further, a pair of elastic displacement portions 21, 21 constituting the displacement bracket 19 is provided at a portion sandwiching the slit 20 from both sides in the width direction. A pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 22, 22 that are long in the axial direction (front-rear direction) of the outer column 11 are formed in the matching portions of the pair of elastic displacement portions 21, 21.

  Further, in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 8, the support bracket 18 is configured, and the pair of elastic displacement portions 21 and 21 are sandwiched from both sides in the width direction. Tilt adjusting slots 24 and 24 each having a partial arc shape centering on the pivot 17 are formed in each. Then, the adjusting rod 25 is inserted into both the tilt adjusting long holes 24, 24. The space between the pair of support plate portions 23, 23 is expanded and contracted by an expansion / contraction mechanism incorporated in the adjustment rod 25, so that the vertical position and the front / rear position of the outer column 11 can be adjusted. It can be held in the adjusted position. In order to configure such an expansion / contraction mechanism, at the distal end portion of the adjustment rod 25, from the outer surface of one of the pair of support plate portions 23, 23 (left side in FIG. 8). An adjusting nut 26 is screwed into the protruding portion. The adjustment nut 26 is rotatable by an adjustment lever 27. Therefore, when the adjusting nut 26 is rotated based on the operation of the adjusting lever 27, the distance between the adjusting nut 26 and the head 28 of the adjusting rod 25 can be changed.

  When adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1, the adjusting nut 26 is rotated by rotating the adjusting lever 27 in a predetermined direction (generally downward) from a state in which the position of the steering wheel 1 can be maintained. Is rotated to widen the gap between the adjustment nut 26 and the head portion 28, and the pair of support plate portions 23, 23 release the force holding the pair of elastic displacement portions 21, 21. . At the same time, the inner diameter of the fitting holding portion in which the rear portion of the inner column 10 is fitted in the front portion of the outer column 11 is elastically expanded, and the front inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11 and the rear outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10 The surface pressure acting on the abutting portion is reduced. In this state, the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjustment rod 25 can be displaced inside the long holes 22, 24.

  In addition, after the steering wheel 1 is moved to a desired position, the adjustment lever 27 is rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally upward), thereby the adjustment nut 26 and the head 28. The pair of elastic displacement portions 21 and 21 are strongly suppressed by the pair of support plate portions 23 and 23. At the same time, the inner diameter of the fitting holding portion into which the rear portion of the inner column 10 is fitted is elastically contracted at the front portion of the outer column 11, and the front inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11 and the rear outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10 are The surface pressure acting on the abutting portion is increased. In this state, the vertical position and front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 are held at the adjusted positions.

  In the case of the conventional structure as described above, when the distance between the adjustment nut 26 and the head 28 is reduced in order to hold the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position, the pair of support plate portions 23 and 23 cause The pair of elastic displacement portions 21, 21 are strongly restrained, and the pair of elastic displacement portions 21, 21 has their respective lower end portions (end portions far from the outer column 11) in the width direction inside. Elastically displaced in the direction of approaching each other. The elastic displacement of the pair of elastic displacement portions 21 and 21 is allowed, and interference between the inner peripheral surface of the pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 22 and 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment rod 25 is prevented. Therefore, the vertical dimension of the inner surface of the pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 22, 22 is the portion of the adjustment rod 25 that is disposed inside the pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 22, 22. It is larger than the diameter dimension. That is, there are vertical gaps 29, 29 between the inner peripheral surface of the pair of telescopic adjustment long holes 22, 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment rod 25. For this reason, the distance between the adjustment nut 26 and the head portion 28 is reduced, and the pair of elastic displacement portions 21 and 21 are strongly suppressed by the pair of support plate portions 23 and 23 (see above). In a state in which the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position), the steering wheel 1 has a predetermined size or more (inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 23, 23 and the pair of elastic displacement portions 21). When the load in the vertical direction (which is larger than the frictional force acting between the outer surfaces of the two members) is applied, the adjustment rod 25 is adjusted by the pair of telescopic adjustments by the gaps 29 and 29. There is a case where the steering wheel 1 is loosened by being displaced in the vertical direction inside the long holes 22 for use.

JP 2014-104786 A

  In view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention realizes a structure that can hardly cause rattling of the steering wheel in a state where the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position.

The steering device of the present invention includes a steering column, a sandwiched portion, a support bracket, an adjustment rod, a pair of pressing portions, and an expansion / contraction device.
Among these, the steering column includes an outer column disposed on the rear side and an inner column disposed on the front side and fitted and supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement.
The sandwiched portion is provided in a part of the outer column, and has a first through hole, a first sandwiched surface, and a second sandwiched surface.
Of these, the first through hole is formed in a state of penetrating the sandwiched portion in the width direction and extending in the axial direction of the outer column.
The first sandwiched surface is formed on one side surface in the width direction of the sandwiched portion.
The second sandwiched surface is formed on the other side surface in the width direction of the sandwiched portion.
The support bracket sandwiches the first sandwiched surface and the second sandwiched surface from both sides in the width direction, and a pair of support plate portions provided with second through holes in portions aligned with each other It has. Such a support bracket is supported with respect to the vehicle body.
The adjustment rod is provided in a state of being inserted in the width direction through the first through hole and the second through hole.
The pair of pressing portions are provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the pair of support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod.
The said expansion / contraction apparatus is for expanding / contracting the space | interval of said one pair of press parts.

In particular, in the steering apparatus according to the present invention, the sandwiched portion includes a sandwiched portion main body fixed to a part of the outer column, and a piece member provided separately from the sandwiched portion main body. .
Of these, the sandwiched portion main body is formed in a state of opening to the first sandwiched surface formed on one side surface in the width direction, the other side surface in the width direction, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column, and a part of the inner surface A holding recess having a body-side inclined surface inclined in a direction away from the outer column and an opening opened in an inner peripheral surface of the outer column, and one end in the width direction is the width of the sandwiched body. And a main body side through hole formed in a state of opening in one side of the direction and extending in the axial direction of the outer column. The clamping body can be provided integrally with the outer column, or a member provided separately from the outer column can be fixed to the outer column by welding or the like.
The piece member is provided inside the holding recess so as to be capable of displacement in the width direction with respect to the sandwiched portion main body. Such a piece member includes the second sandwiched surface formed on the outer side surface in the width direction, the first pressing surface formed on the inner side surface in the width direction and facing the inclined surface on the main body side, and the inner side in the width direction. A second press formed on the outer column side of the first pressing surface of the side surface, exposed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer column through the opening, and opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner column And a piece member side through hole formed so as to penetrate the piece member in the width direction and extend in the axial direction of the outer column.
The first through hole is a telescopic adjustment long hole formed by the main body side through hole and the piece member side through hole.
In the steering device according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the pair of support plate portions can be connected to the first sandwiched surface by reducing the interval in the width direction between the pair of pressing portions by the expansion / contraction device. And pressing the second sandwiched surface inward in the width direction, the piece member is displaced inward in the width direction while being guided by the adjustment rod inside the holding recess with the pressing, The outer peripheral surface of the inner column is sandwiched (held) between the second pressing surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column. That is, a state in which the position (front-rear direction position) of the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position (the pair of support plate portions is reduced by reducing the interval in the width direction between the pair of pressing portions by the expansion / contraction device. In a state where the first sandwiched surface and the second sandwiched surface are pressed inward in the width direction), among the second pressing surface of the piece member and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column, An outer peripheral surface of the inner column is sandwiched between a portion opposite to the second pressing surface with respect to the radial direction of the outer column.

  When the steering apparatus of the present invention as described above is implemented, the width direction of at least one of the pair of support plate portions as in the invention described in claim 2 is additionally provided. A first friction plate supported by a part of the outer column and a support between the outer side surface and a width direction inner side surface of at least one of the pair of pressing portions. A configuration can be adopted in which the second friction plate supported by a part of the plate portion is arranged in a state of overlapping in the width direction.

  In the case of implementing the steering device of the present invention as described above, in addition, as in the invention described in claim 3, the tilt formed in a state in which the second through hole extends vertically. It is possible to adopt a configuration that is a long hole for adjustment.

  In the case of the steering device according to the present invention, the pair of support plate portions is formed between the first sandwiched surface and the second sandwiched portion by reducing the distance in the width direction between the pair of pressing portions by the expansion / contraction device. When the pressing surface is pressed inward in the width direction, the piece member is displaced inward in the width direction while being guided by the adjustment rod inside the holding recess, and the second pressing surface of the piece member and the outer column The outer peripheral surface of the inner column is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface of the inner column. That is, in the case of the present invention, when the steering wheel is held at the adjusted position, it is not necessary to elastically displace the pair of elastic displacement portions inward in the width direction as in the conventional structure. It is not necessary to provide a vertical gap for allowing this elastic deformation between the inner surface and the inner surface of the through hole (the vertical gap can be reduced). As a result, even when a vertical load of a predetermined size or more is applied to the steering wheel in a state where the steering wheel can be held at the adjusted position, the adjustment rod is located inside the first through hole. It is possible to prevent (or reduce) the occurrence of backlash in the steering wheel by suppressing the displacement in the vertical direction (or suppressing this displacement small).

The side view which shows the steering apparatus of an example of embodiment of this invention. Similarly, the figure seen from the upper part of FIG. Similarly, BB sectional drawing of FIG. Similarly, CC sectional drawing of FIG. Similarly, an exploded perspective view. Similarly, it is a figure which takes out only a piece member, and is a figure (b) seen from the side view (a) seen from the width direction outside in the assembled state, and (b) seen from the left side of (a). The perspective view (c) seen from the side which becomes width direction inner side, and the perspective view (d) seen from the side which becomes the width direction outer side similarly. The partial cut side view which shows an example of the steering apparatus known conventionally. Sectional drawing equivalent to the AA cross section of FIG.

  An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The automobile steering device of this example includes a steering column 6a, a sandwiched portion 30, a steering shaft 5a, a support bracket 18a, a multi-plate friction mechanism 32, an adjustment rod 25a, and an expansion / contraction device 31. . In the case of the structure of this example, the position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 7) supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5a can be adjusted in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction (height).

  Among these, the steering column 6a fits the rear part of the inner column 10a arranged on the front side and the front part of the outer column 11a arranged on the rear side. Of these, the inner column 10a is an electric sewing tube or a drawing tube made of a light alloy such as an iron-based alloy, an aluminum-based alloy, or a magnesium-based alloy, and has a simple cylindrical shape as a whole. The front end portion of the inner column 10a is externally fitted to the holding cylinder portion 35 protruding from the rear end surface of the housing 34 constituting the electric power steering device 33, and the front end edge of the inner column 10a is fixed to the holding cylinder. It abuts against the step surface formed on the back end surface of the portion 35. The housing 34 is supported by a pivot shaft 17 such as a bolt inserted through a support tube 36 installed at the front upper end so that only the swinging displacement in the vertical direction is possible with respect to the vehicle body 16 (see FIG. 7). ing. Therefore, the inner column 10a is supported by the vehicle body 16 with its front-rear position regulated.

  The outer column 11a is a cylindrical member that is integrally formed by die-casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy, and the front portion can be extended and retracted to the rear portion of the inner column 10a. It is fitted.

  The sandwiched portion 30 is integrally formed with the outer column 11a so as to protrude upward from a portion near the front end in the axial direction on the upper surface of the outer column 11a or a portion extending from the front end in the axial direction. The clamped portion 30 may be formed integrally with the outer column 11a in a state of protruding downward from a portion near the front end in the axial direction on the lower surface of the outer column 11a to a portion extending toward the front end in the axial direction.

Specifically, the sandwiched portion 30 includes a sandwiched portion main body 37 and a piece member 38.
Of these, the sandwiched portion main body 37 is formed integrally with the outer column 11a by die-casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. Such a sandwiched portion main body 37 includes one side wall portion 39, the other side wall portion 40, a rear wall portion 41, a front wall portion 42, and a continuous plate portion 43. It is formed in a box shape with an opening on the side close to.

  One of the side walls 39 extends upward from the portion near the front end in the axial direction to the portion near the front end in the axial direction on the one side in the width direction (left side in FIG. 4) of the upper surface of the outer column 11a. It is provided in the state. The base end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 4) of such one side wall portion 39 is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 11a. Further, in the one side wall portion 39, both ends in the width direction open to the width direction outer side surface (left side surface in FIG. 4) and the width direction inner side surface (right side surface in FIG. 4) of the one side wall portion 39. And the front-back direction long hole 44 extended in an axial direction (front-back direction) is formed. Such a long hole 44 in the front-rear direction is composed of a large-diameter hole 45 provided at the outer end in the width direction and a small-diameter hole 46 provided inward in the width direction from the large-diameter hole 45. It is formed in a perforated shape. Further, a portion of the outer side surface (left side surface in FIG. 4) of the one side wall portion 39 other than the portion where the longitudinal hole 44 is formed is formed into a flat surface, and the portion is One sandwiched surface 47 is used.

  In the case of this example, a guide member 48 made of, for example, a synthetic resin and having a substantially U-shaped cross section and long in the front-rear direction is provided inside the large-diameter hole 45 of the one side wall 39. The guide member 48 has an oval side wall portion 50 whose shape viewed from the outside in the width direction is long in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the outer column 11a), and the entire width from the outer periphery of the side wall portion 50 to the entire circumference. And a flange portion 49 provided so as to protrude outward in the direction. The side wall 50 is formed with a guide long hole 51 that penetrates the side wall 50 in the width direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The vertical dimension (short dimension) of the guide long hole 51 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the longitudinal slot 44.

In addition, the upper surface 49 and the lower surface of the flange portion 49 are inclined in a direction in which the vertical dimension increases as going outward in the width direction. The vertical dimension between the width direction outer end of the upper surface of the flange 49 and the width direction outer end of the lower surface is larger than the vertical dimension of the large-diameter hole 45.
The guide member 48 having the above-described configuration has the large-diameter hole in a state in which the flange portion 49 is elastically deformed (the vertical dimension between the upper surface and the lower surface of the flange portion 49 is elastically deformed and contracted). It is fitted inside the portion 45.

  On the other hand, the other side wall 40 extends upward from a portion closer to the front end in the axial direction to a portion closer to the other end in the width direction (right side in FIG. 4) of the upper end of the outer column 11a. It is provided in the state. The base end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 4) of the other side wall portion 40 is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 11a. A holding recess 52 is formed on the outer side surface in the width direction of the other side wall portion 40 so as to be recessed inward in the width direction and extended in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the outer column 11a).

Further, a through hole 55 that is opened in the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11 a is formed in the inner portion (width direction inner end) of the holding recess 52. A main body that is inclined upward (in a direction away from the outer column 11a) toward the outer side in the width direction on a portion of the inner surface of the holding recess 52 above the through hole 55 (a side far from the outer column 11a). A side inclined surface 54 is formed. In this example, of such body-side inclined surface 54, the passes through the center axis of the outer column 11a, and, and the inclination angle theta ₅₄ relative to the virtual plane that exists in a direction parallel to the width direction and 30 °.

  In the case of this example, the longitudinal direction long hole 44 constitutes a part of the first through hole described in the claims.

  The rear wall 41 extends upward from a position aligned with the rear end of the one side wall 39 and the other side wall 40 in the axial direction on the upper surface of the outer column 11a. Yes. One end edge in the width direction of the rear wall portion 41 is continuously connected to the rear end edge of the one side wall portion 39, and the other end edge in the width direction is continuously connected to the rear end edge of the other side wall portion 40, respectively. Yes.

  The front wall portion 42 extends upward from a position (front end portion of the outer column 11a) aligned with the front end portions of the one side wall portion 39 and the other side wall portion 40 in the axial direction on the upper surface of the outer column 11a. It is provided in an extended state. One end edge in the width direction of the front wall portion 42 is continuous with the front end edge of the one side wall portion 39, and the other end in the width direction is also continuous with the front end edge of the other side wall portion 40.

The continuous plate portion 43 is a plate-like member that is continuous in the width direction and the front-rear direction, and includes a leading edge (the upper edge in FIG. 4) of the one side wall portion 39 and a leading edge of the other side wall portion 40. Are provided in a state where the leading edge of the rear wall 41 and the leading edge of the front wall 42 are continuous in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the outer column 11a). Such a continuous plate portion 43 is formed in a plate shape that does not have a hole (slit) penetrating the continuous plate portion 43 in the vertical direction throughout the whole. That is, in the case of the above-described conventional structure, in order to elastically expand and contract the inner diameter of the front column end portion, the outer column has a long slit in the axial direction at the front end portion or the middle portion thereof. In the case of the example structure, such a configuration is not adopted.
In the case of this example, the sandwiched portion 30 is provided integrally with a part of the outer column 11a. However, the sandwiched portion 30 having the above-described configuration can be made separately from the outer column 11a and can be fixed to the outer column 11a by welding.

The piece member 38 may be a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy, a metal material such as sintered metal, or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyacetal (POM), polyamide resin (PA), polypropylene (PP ) And the like (including those mixed with reinforcing fibers such as glass fiber and carbon fiber), and is a block-shaped (substantially pentagonal column-shaped) member having a substantially pentagonal cross section and long in the front-rear direction. In such a piece member 38, the outer side surface in the width direction (right side surface in FIG. 4) and the inner side surface in the width direction (right side surface in FIG. 4) are flat surfaces. The outer side surface in the width direction of the piece member 38 is a second sandwiched surface 57. Moreover, it is the 1st press surface described in the claim in the part which continues the width direction inner surface and upper surface (surface on the side far from the said outer column 11a) among the outer surfaces of this piece member 38, A piece member-side inclined surface 58 that is inclined upward (in a direction away from the outer column 11a) as it goes outward in the width direction is formed. In this example, the bridge member-side inclined surface 58, the passes through the center axis of the outer column 11a, and, and the inclination angle theta ₅₈ relative to the virtual plane that exists in a direction parallel to the width direction and 30 °. That is, in the case of this example, the piece member side inclined surface 58 and the main body side inclined surface 54 of the other side wall portion 40 are formed in parallel to each other (θ ₅₄ = θ ₅₈ = 30 °). The inclination angle θ ₅₈ is set so that the piece member-side inclined surface 58 is moved into the main body as the piece member 38 is displaced inward in the width direction by operating the expansion / contraction device 31 in the assembled state. When the side inclined surface 54 is pressed, a reaction force based on the pressing restricts the range having an upper component. In the present example, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 and the main body-side inclined surface 54 are both flat surfaces. For example, a virtual plane orthogonal to the central axis of the outer column 11a (the paper surface of FIG. 4). It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the cross-sectional shape with respect to the curve is curved.

  Further, the second pressing surface described in the claims is formed on a portion of the outer surface of the piece member 38 where the inner surface in the width direction and the lower surface (the surface closer to the outer column 11a) are continuous. A piece member-side pressing surface 59 having an arcuate cross-sectional shape that extends downward as it goes outward in the width direction is formed. In this example, the radius of curvature of the piece member-side pressing surface 59 is the same as or slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a. In this manner, the contact area between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a can be increased.

In addition, the structure which makes the curvature radius of the said piece member side pressing surface 59 smaller than the curvature radius of the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column 10a is also employable. When such a configuration is adopted, the piece member-side pressing surface 59 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a are brought into contact with each other at two positions in the circumferential direction of the inner column 10a (two points of lines). Contact). Further, the cross-sectional shape of the piece member-side pressing surface 59 may be formed in a linear shape inclined downward as it goes outward in the width direction. When such a configuration is adopted, the piece member-side pressing surface 59 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a are brought into contact with each other at one position in the circumferential direction of the inner column 10a (at one point). Line contact).
In the case of this example, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 extends over the entire surface, and is aligned with the inner half of the piece member-side pressing surface 59 in the width direction and the front-rear direction. In other words, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 extends over the entire surface and overlaps with the inner half in the width direction of the piece member-side pressing surface 59 in the vertical direction.

Further, the piece member 38 is a piece member side through hole described in the claims, and penetrates the piece member 38 in the width direction and in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the outer column 11a). An elongated piece member side long hole 60 is formed. Both end portions of such a piece member side long hole 60 are opened to the width direction outer side surface and the width direction inner side surface of the piece member 38. In the case of this example, the telescopic adjustment long hole 22a, that is, the first described in the claims by the guide long hole 51, the small diameter hole portion 46 of the front and rear direction long hole 44, and the piece member side long hole 60. The through hole is configured. In this way, the telescopic adjustment long holes 22a (first through holes) are only formed directly on the members (the sandwiched portion main body 37 and the piece member 38) constituting the sandwiched portion 30. Alternatively, the guide member 48 may include a member formed on a member provided separately from the sandwiched portion 30.
In this example, the vertical dimension of the inner surface of the piece member side long hole 60 is equal to the vertical dimension of the guide long hole 51 and is smaller than the vertical dimension of the front / rear direction long hole 44.

  The piece member 38 having the above-described configuration is disposed inside the holding recess 52 of the other side wall portion 40 in a state where only displacement in the width direction with respect to the other side wall portion 40 is possible. That is, the piece member 38 is not displaced in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction inside the holding recess 52. In this state, the piece member side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 is opposed to the main body side inclined surface 54, and the piece member side pressing surface 59 is moved from the through hole 55 of the holding recess 52 to the outer column 11a. It is exposed on the inner surface. Further, in the state of being arranged as described above, the outer surface in the width direction of the piece member 38 is positioned more outward in the width direction than the outer surface in the width direction of the other side wall portion 40. In the case of this example, regardless of the position in the width direction of the piece member 38 with respect to the other side wall portion 40, the width direction outer side surface of the piece member 38 is wider than the width direction outer side surface of the other side wall portion 40. It is located outside. In other words, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 and the main body-side inclined surface 54 are in contact with each other (this piece member 38 has the largest width with respect to the other side wall portion 40. Even in the state displaced inward in the direction), the outer side surface in the width direction of the piece member 38 is positioned more outward in the width direction than the outer side surface in the width direction of the other side wall 40.

  The steering shaft 5a has female spline teeth formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front half of the outer tube 12a constituting the rear half, and male spline teeth formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear half of the inner shaft 13a constituting the front half. By engaging the spline, the entire length can be expanded and contracted and the torque can be transmitted. Such a steering shaft 5a is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column 6a. Specifically, a portion of the outer tube 12a closer to the rear end of the intermediate portion is provided on the inner diameter side of the rear end of the outer column 6a so that a radial load and an axial load can be supported like a single row deep groove ball bearing. Only the rotation is supported by the bearing. Therefore, the outer tube 12a moves with the axial movement of the outer column 11a, and the steering shaft 5a expands and contracts. Such a steering shaft 5a has a rear end projecting rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column 6a while being rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column 6a. The steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 7) can be supported and fixed to the protruding portion.

  The support bracket 18 a includes a pair of left and right support plate portions 23 a and 23 b and a mounting plate portion 61 that supports the pair of support plate portions 23 a and 23 b with respect to the vehicle body 16. The pair of support plate portions 23a and 23b and the mounting plate portion 61 are formed by stamping and bending a metal plate having sufficient strength and rigidity, such as a steel plate. The support bracket 18a is formed by joining and fixing such a pair of support plate portions 23a and 23b and a mounting plate portion 61 by welding or the like. Further, tilt adjusting long holes 24a and 24a, which are the second through holes described in the claims, are formed in the matching portions of the pair of support plate portions 23a and 23b. Each of the tilt adjusting long holes 24 a and 24 a has a partial arc shape centered on the pivot 17.

  The support bracket 18a having the above-described configuration allows the vehicle body 16 (the vehicle body side bracket supported and fixed to the vehicle body 16) to be displaced forward (detached) by an impact load based on a secondary collision. Bonded supported. For this purpose, both end portions in the width direction of the mounting plate portion 61 are a pair of connecting plate portions 62 and 62 for connecting and supporting the support bracket 18a to the vehicle body 16 (vehicle body side bracket). The pair of coupling plate portions 62, 62 are formed with notches 63, 63 that open at the rear end edges of the pair of coupling plate portions 62, 62 at the center in the width direction. Capsule 64, 64 is attached to notches 63, 63.

Each of the capsules 64, 64 is made of a material that is easily slidable with respect to the metal plate constituting the mounting plate portion 61 (the pair of coupling plate portions 62, 62), such as a soft metal such as a synthetic resin or an aluminum alloy. Yes. Such capsules 64 and 64 do not come out of the notches 63 and 63 in a normal state, but, for example, a large impact load directed forward is applied to the support bracket 18a as in a secondary collision. In such a case, the engaging portion with each of the notches 63, 63 (for example, a stop pin spanned between the pair of coupling plate portions 62, 62 and the capsules 64, 64) is torn. And cut out rearwardly from the notches 63, 63. In the center of the capsules 64 and 64, through holes 65 and 65 for inserting bolts or studs (not shown) for connecting and supporting the support bracket 18a to the vehicle body 16 (vehicle body side bracket). Is provided. In order to couple and support the support bracket 18a to the vehicle body 16 (vehicle body side bracket), bolts inserted through the through-holes 65, 65 of the capsules 64, 64 from below to above are used as the vehicle body 16 (vehicle body side bracket). Then, it is screwed into a nut (not shown) supported and fixed by welding or the like and further tightened. Since the vehicle body side bracket is fixed to the vehicle body side in advance, it can be removed forward only when a large impact load directed forward is applied to the vehicle body 16 by tightening the bolt. To be supported. A stud fixed to the lower surface of the vehicle body 16 (vehicle body side bracket) is inserted through the through holes 65 and 65 of the capsules 64 and 64 from the top to the bottom, and a nut is screwed into the lower end of the stud and further tightened. Thus, the support bracket 18a can be coupled and supported to the vehicle body 16 (vehicle body side bracket).
In the case of this example, an impact absorbing member 66 is provided for absorbing the impact load associated with the secondary collision by plastically deforming along with the forward displacement of the support bracket 18a during the secondary collision. The shock absorbing member 66 can employ various structures that have been known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail.

The multi-plate friction mechanism 32 includes a tilt friction plate structure 68 disposed on one side in the width direction and a tilt telescopic friction plate structure 69 disposed on the other side in the width direction.
Among them, the tilt friction plate constituting body 68 is outside the width direction of the support plate portion 23a of one of the pair of support plate portions 23a, 23b (one side in the width direction and the left side in FIG. 4) of the support bracket 18a. It is arranged outward in the width direction from the side surface. Such a tilt friction plate structure 68 includes three first tilt friction plates 70, 70, two second tilt friction plates 71, 71, and five disk-shaped washers 53, 53. It is comprised by.

  Each of the first tilt friction plates 70, 70 is a plate-like member that is long in the vertical direction, and a friction plate-side vertical slot 72 is formed at the middle portion in the vertical direction while being extended in the vertical direction. . Each of the friction plate side upper and lower long holes 72 is formed in the same shape as the tilt adjusting long hole 24a of the one support plate portion 23a when viewed from the width direction. Further, a friction plate side circular hole 73 having a circular shape when viewed from the width direction is formed in a portion near the lower end of each of the first tilt friction plates 70, 70.

Each of the second tilt friction plates 71, 71 has a structure similar to that of each of the first tilt friction plates 70, 70, and a friction plate side arm portion 74 below the friction plate side circular hole 73. Is formed.
The first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 stacked in the width direction are arranged on the inner side in the width direction than the second tilt friction plates 71 and 71 stacked in the width direction. In the case of this example, the widthwise outer surface of the one support plate portion 23a and the first tilt friction plate 70, between the adjacent first tilt friction plates 70, 70, The washers 53, 53 are disposed between the adjacent first tilt friction plates 70 and the second tilt friction plates 71 and between the adjacent second tilt friction plates 71, 71. Is arranged. In this state, inside the friction plate side upper and lower long holes 72 of the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the second tilt friction plates 71 and 71 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the washers 53 and 53, A cylindrical sleeve 90 is provided between the adjustment rod 25a and the outer peripheral surface. In this state, there is no gap (or almost no gap) between the inner peripheral surface of each of the washers 53 and 53 and the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 90. Accordingly, the washers 53 and 53 are substantially restricted (blocked) in the longitudinal and vertical displacements with respect to the sleeve 90. On the other hand, the washers 53 and 53 can be displaced in the width direction with respect to the sleeve 90. Further, there is no gap (or almost no gap) between the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 90 and the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting rod 25a. Therefore, the sleeve 90 is substantially restricted (blocked) in the longitudinal and vertical displacements relative to the adjustment rod 25a. Further, the friction plate side circular holes 73 and 73 of the respective first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the friction plate side circular holes 73 and 73 of the respective second tilt friction plates 71 and 71, An engagement pin 75 is inserted through a portion near the lower end of the outer side surface in the width direction of the support plate portion 23a. Further, the end portion of the spring 89 is engaged with the friction plate side arm portion 74 of each of the second tilt friction plates 71 and 71. In this assembled state, the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the second tilt friction plates 71 and 71 can be displaced in the width direction with respect to the one support plate portion 23a. .

On the other hand, the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69 has the width of the support plate portion 23b on the other side (the other side in the width direction and the right side in FIG. 4) of the pair of support plate portions 23a and 23b of the support bracket 18a. It arrange | positions in the width direction outer side rather than the direction outer side surface.
Such a tilt telescopic friction plate structure 69 includes five first tilt friction plates 70, 70 corresponding to the second friction plate described in the claims, and the first tilt friction plate 70 described in the claims. The five telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 corresponding to the friction plate.

The structure of each of the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 is the same as the structure of each of the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 constituting the tilt friction plate constituting body 68 described above.
On the other hand, each of the telescopic friction plates 76, 76 is a plate-like member that is long in the front-rear direction, and a friction plate-side front and rear long hole 77 is formed in the front-rear direction intermediate portion in a state of extending in the front-rear direction. Further, in the portions near the front end of each of the telescopic friction plates 76, 76, an elliptical friction plate-side oval hole 78 whose shape viewed from the width direction is long in the vertical direction is formed.

The first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 having the above-described configuration and the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 are arranged alternately with respect to the width direction. It is composed. In this state, the friction plate side vertical slots 72 of the first tilt friction plates 70, 70 and the inner surfaces of the friction plate side longitudinal slots 77 of the telescopic friction plates 76, 76 and the outer periphery of the adjusting rod 25a. A cylindrical sleeve 91 is provided between the surfaces. The outer peripheral surface of such a sleeve 91 has a substantially rectangular cross section. In other words, the front and rear surfaces of the sleeve 91 have shapes along the front and rear surfaces of the inner surfaces of the friction plate side upper and lower elongated holes 72 of the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70. Yes. On the other hand, the upper and lower surfaces of the sleeve 91 have a shape along the inner surface in the vertical direction of the inner surfaces of the friction plate side front and rear long holes 77 of the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76. For this reason, the sleeve 91 includes the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 91, the friction plate side vertical slots 72 of the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70, and the friction plate side longitudinal length of the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76. Based on the engagement with the inner surface of the hole 77, the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 are prevented from rotating. Further, the friction plate side circular holes 73, 73 of the first tilt friction plates 70, 70 are fixed to the lower end portion of the width direction outer side surface of the other support plate portion 23b and the width direction intermediate portion. A mating pin 75 is inserted. Such first tilt friction plates 70, 70 are restricted from displacement in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the other support plate portion 23b.
On the other hand, in the friction plate side oblong holes 78 of the telescopic friction plates 76, 76, engagement convex portions 79 formed on the axially intermediate portion and the width direction one side portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 11a are provided. It is inserted. Such telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 are restricted from displacement in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the outer column 11a. In other words, the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 can be displaced in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction together with the outer column 11a.
In the assembled state, the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 can be displaced in the width direction with respect to the other support plate portion 23b.

  The adjustment rod 25a is an iron bowl-shaped member, and in order from one side in the width direction, the friction plate side upper and lower elongated holes 72 of the first tilt friction plates 70, 70 constituting the tilt friction plate constituting body 68, and Friction plate side vertical slots 72 of the second tilt friction plates 71, 71, the longitudinal slot 44 (the sleeve 90), the tilt adjustment slot 24a of the one support plate 23a, the guide slot. 51, the large diameter hole 46, the piece member side long hole 60, the tilt adjusting long hole 24a of the other support plate 23b, and the first tilt friction plate 70 constituting the tilt telescopic friction plate structure 69. , 70 and the friction plate side front and rear long holes 77 of the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 (the sleeve 91) are inserted in the width direction. A male screw portion 80 is formed at the base end portion of the adjusting rod 25a, and a head portion 81 is formed at the distal end portion. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the adjusting rod 25a is formed in a cylindrical surface shape whose outer diameter does not change.

  In the case of this example, the outer diameter dimension of the portion disposed inside the piece member side long hole 60 in the axial direction intermediate part of the adjusting rod 25a is the vertical dimension of the inner surface of the piece member side long hole 60. The adjustment rod 25a is slightly smaller (so that the adjustment rod 25a can be displaced in the front-rear direction inside the piece member-side long hole 60 and does not rattle in the vertical direction). In addition, the outer diameter dimension of the portion disposed inside the guide slot 51 of the guide member 48 in the axially intermediate portion of the adjusting rod 25a is larger than the vertical dimension of the guide slot 51 of the guide member 48. However, the adjustment rod 25a is slightly small (so that the adjustment rod 25a can be displaced in the front-rear direction inside the guide elongated hole 51 of the guide member 48 and does not rattle in the vertical direction). On the other hand, the outer diameter dimension of the portion disposed inside the small-diameter hole 46 of the one side wall 39 in the axially intermediate portion of the adjusting rod 25a is larger than the vertical dimension of the inner surface of the small-diameter hole 46. Is small enough to have the vertical gaps 92, 92.

  The first tilt friction plate disposed on the outermost side in the width direction of the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 constituting the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69 in the external thread portion 80 of the adjusting rod 25a. A nut 82 is screwed into a portion located outward in the width direction from 70. In the case of this example, of the external thread portion 80 of the adjustment rod 25a, between the inner surface of the nut 82 and the outer surface of the first tilt friction plate 70 disposed on the outermost side in the width direction, A thrust bearing 83 and a washer 84 are externally fitted in order from the outside in the width direction. In the case of this example, this washer 84 corresponds to one pressing portion of the pair of pressing portions described in the claims. Such a washer 84 is engaged with the outer end of the sleeve 91 in the width direction so that the sleeve 91 cannot rotate and can be displaced in the width direction. Accordingly, the washer 84 is also prevented from rotating with respect to the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76.

The expansion / contraction device 31 includes the adjustment rod 25a, an adjustment lever 85, and a cam device 86.
Of these, the adjustment lever 85 is made of synthetic resin or iron, and each of the second tilt friction plates constituting the tilt friction plate constituting body 68 at the tip end portion (left end portion in FIG. 4) of the adjustment rod 25a. The second tilt friction plate 71 disposed on the outermost side in the width direction among 71 and 71 is coupled and fixed to a portion protruding from the outer side surface in the width direction.
The cam device 86 is externally fitted between the adjustment lever 85 and the widthwise outer side surface of the second tilt friction plate 71 disposed on the outermost side in the width direction in the tip end portion of the adjustment rod 25a. Yes. Such a cam device 86 expands / contracts the axial dimension of the cam device 86 based on the relative rotation of the driving cam 87 and the driven cam 88, and the driven cam 88 includes: The tilt friction plate structure 68 is engaged in a state where displacement in the vertical direction and width direction is possible and rotation is prevented. On the other hand, the drive side cam 87 can be rotated around the adjustment rod 25 a by the adjustment lever 85. In the case of this example, the driven cam 88 corresponds to the other pressing portion of the pair of pressing portions described in the claims. The cam device can employ various types of structures that have been known so far, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The expansion / contraction device 31 having the above-described configuration expands / contracts the axial dimension of the cam device 86 by operating the adjustment lever 85, so that the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 88 and the nut 82. The distance from the inner side surface in the width direction is enlarged or reduced.

Hereinafter, in the structure of this example, the operation when the front and rear positions and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 are held at the adjusted positions will be described.
First, when the adjustment lever 85 is rotated upward (in the locking direction) from a state in which the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted, the distance between the drive side cam 87 and the driven side cam 88. And the axial dimension of the cam device 86 is increased, and the distance in the width direction between the inner side surface in the width direction of the driven cam 88 and the inner side surface in the width direction of the washer 84 is reduced. Then, the tilt friction plate constituting body 68 is pressed inward in the width direction by the driven cam 88, and each of the first tilt friction plate constituting the tilt friction plate constituting body 68, 70, each second. The tilt friction plates 71, 71 and the one support plate portion 23 a and the contact portions of the washers 53, 53, the inner side surface in the width direction of the one support plate portion 23 a and the one side wall portion 39. The surface pressure of the contact portion with the first sandwiched surface 47 increases. In other words, the first tilt friction plates 70, 70, the second tilt friction plates 71, 71, the washers 53, 53, the one support plate portion 23a, and the one side The surface pressure of each contact portion of the first sandwiched surface 47 of the side wall portion 39 increases. At this time, the one side wall 39 is not elastically deformed inward in the width direction (on the other side wall 40 side).

  On the other hand, as described above, when the distance in the width direction between the inner side surface in the width direction of the driven cam 88 and the inner side surface in the width direction of the washer 84 is reduced, the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69 is configured. The contact portion between each first tilt friction plate 70, 70 and each telescopic friction plate 76, 76, the innermost in the width direction of each telescopic friction plate 76, 76 constituting the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69. The contact portion between the arranged telescopic friction plate 76 and the outer side surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 23b, the inner surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 23b, and the second sandwiched portion of the piece member 38 The surface pressure of the contact portion with the surface 57 increases. As a result, the piece member 38 is displaced inward in the width direction with respect to the other side wall 40 inside the holding recess 52. Then, the width direction force (thrust) based on the displacement in the width direction of the piece member 38 is between the piece member side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 and the main body side inclined surface 54 of the holding recess 52. Based on the wedge effect generated between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 has the other side wall. The force in the direction of pressing the main body-side inclined surface 54 of the holding recess 52 formed in the portion 40 and the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 form the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a. It is converted (intensified) into a force in a direction of pressing inward in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a is between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 and a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11a opposite to the piece member-side pressing surface 59 in the radial direction. It is pinched. In this state, the inner column 10a is fitted and held without rattling with respect to the outer column 11a.

  On the other hand, in the above-described state, the outer column 11a mainly includes the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the second tilt friction plates 71 and 71 constituting the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69. Increase in contact pressure between contact portions and increase in contact pressure between contact portions between the first tilt friction plates 70 and 70 and the telescopic friction plates 76 and 76 constituting the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69. Based on the above, the support bracket 18a is held in a state where displacement in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction is restricted. In this way, the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position.

  Further, when adjusting the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, the adjustment lever 85 is rotated downward (unlock direction) from a state where the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be held. Let Then, the dimension in the axial direction of the cam device 86 is reduced, and the distance in the width direction between the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 88 and the inner surface in the width direction of the washer 84 is increased. As a result, the first tilt friction plates 70, 70 and the second tilt friction plates 71, 71 constituting the tilt friction plate structure 68, the contact portions between the washers 53, 53, the tilt A contact portion between the inner surface in the width direction of the washer 53 disposed on the innermost side in the width direction among the washers 53 and 53 constituting the friction plate structure 68 and the outer surface in the width direction of the one support plate portion 23a. In addition, the surface pressure at the contact portion between the width direction inner side surface of the one support plate portion 23a and the first sandwiched surface 47 of the one side wall portion 39 is reduced or lost. In other words, the first tilt friction plates 70, 70, the second tilt friction plates 71, 71, the washers 53, 53, the one support plate portion 23a, and the one side The surface pressure of each contact portion of the first sandwiched surface 47 of the side wall portion 39 is reduced or lost.

  On the other hand, as described above, when the distance in the width direction between the inner surface in the width direction of the driven cam 88 and the inner surface in the width direction of the washer 84 increases, the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69 is formed. The contact portion between each first tilt friction plate 70, 70 and each telescopic friction plate 76, 76, the innermost in the width direction of each telescopic friction plate 76, 76 constituting the tilt telescopic friction plate constituting body 69. The contact portion between the arranged telescopic friction plate 76 and the outer side surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 23b, the inner surface in the width direction of the other support plate portion 23b, and the second sandwiched portion of the piece member 38 The surface pressure of the contact portion with the surface 57 is also reduced or lost. Accordingly, the surface pressure at the contact portion between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a is also reduced or lost. In this state, the vertical and longitudinal positions of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjusting rod 25a can be displaced within the tilt adjusting long hole 24a and the telescopic adjusting long hole 22a. .

  In the case of the steering device of this example having the above-described configuration, the expansion / contraction device 31 reduces the distance in the width direction between the widthwise inner side surface of the driven cam 88 and the widthwise inner side surface of the washer 84. Thus, when the pair of support plate portions 23a and 23a press the first sandwiched surface 47 and the second sandwiched surface 57 inward in the width direction, the piece member 38 is moved to the holding recess 52. Of the inner column 10a between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 11a. It is comprised so that an outer peripheral surface may be pressed. That is, in the case of this example, when the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position, it is not necessary to elastically deform the pair of elastic displacement portions 21 and 21 (see FIG. 8) unlike the conventional structure described above. For this reason, between the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment rod 25a and the inner surface of the telescopic adjustment long hole 22a (the guide long hole 51 of the guide member 48 and the piece member side long hole 60 of the piece member 38), There is no need to provide a vertical gap for allowing elastic deformation (or the vertical gap can be reduced). As a result, the telescopic adjustment long hole 22a (the guide long hole 51 of the guide member 48 and the piece member 38 side of the piece member 38) even when a vertical load of a predetermined size or more is applied to the steering wheel 1. It is possible to reduce the backlash generated in the steering wheel 1 by suppressing the displacement of the adjustment rod 25a in the vertical direction inside the long hole 60) (or suppressing this displacement small).

In the case of this example, the inclination angle θ ₅₈ of the piece member-side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 with respect to a virtual plane passing through the central axis of the outer column 11a and parallel to the width direction, The inclination angle θ ₅₄ of the main body side inclined surface 54 of the holding recess 52 with respect to this virtual plane, and the center of the outer column 11a at the tangent to the inner end in the width direction in the cross-sectional shape of the piece member side pressing surface 59 through the axis, and the inclination angle theta ₅₉ relative to the virtual plane that exists in a direction parallel to the width direction, and restricted to a predetermined range, such as described above. Therefore, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 and the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 are disposed on the main body side in a state in which the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted positions. It is possible to prevent biting between the inclined surface 54 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a.

  In the case of this example, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 and the main body side of the holding recess 52 in a state where the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position. A wedge effect is produced at the contact portion with the inclined surface 54 and at the contact portion between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a. Therefore, the reaction force from the piece member-side inclined surface 58 and the reaction force from the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a act on the piece member 38, thereby preventing the piece member 38 from rattling. On the other hand, even in a state where the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 of the piece member 38 and the body-side inclined surface 54 of the holding recess 52 And the play of the piece member 38 can be prevented based on the engagement of the piece member-side pressing surface 59 of the piece member 38 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a. As a result, for example, even when the clearance between the inner surface of the piece member side long hole 60 of the piece member 38 and the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment rod 25a is large, the piece member 38 is stably kept inside the holding recess 52. Can be held.

  In the case of this example, since the piece member 38 is formed in a block shape that is long in the front-rear direction, the piece member 38 is prevented from falling in the axial direction when the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted. it can.

  In the case of this example, the contact portion between the piece member-side pressing surface 59 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 10a is a surface contact. Therefore, the holding force of the fitting holding portion between the outer column 11a and the inner column 10a can be stabilized. As a result, the contraction load (collapse load) between the outer column 11a and the inner column 10a at the time of the secondary collision can be stabilized.

Further, in the case of this example, the piece member-side inclined surface 58 is stretched over the entire surface and is aligned with the inner half of the piece member-side pressing surface 59 in the width direction and the front-rear direction. In other words, the abutting portion between the piece member-side inclined surface 58 and the main body-side inclined surface 54 of the holding recess 52 is formed with the piece member-side pressing surface 59 and the inner column in the width direction and the front-rear direction. It is aligned with the inner half in the width direction of the contact portion of the outer peripheral surface of 10a. For this reason, the inclination (falling) with respect to the up-down direction of the piece member 38 can be prevented.
In the case of this example, in the state where the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position, the other support plate portion regardless of the position of the adjustment rod 25a in the front-rear direction. The inner surface in the width direction of 23b and the outer surface in the width direction of the piece member 38 are brought into contact with each other on both sides in the front-rear direction across the central axis of the adjusting rod 25a (they are brought into contact in four or three places in total). I can do things. In particular, in a state where the adjusting rod 25a is located at a position other than the front end portion and the rear end portion of the telescopic adjustment long hole 22a, the width direction inner side surface of the other support plate portion 23b, and the width direction of the piece member 38 The outer side surface is brought into contact at positions that are symmetrical (or substantially symmetrical) on both sides in the front-rear direction across the central axis of the adjusting rod 25a (at four positions in the circumferential direction of the adjusting rod 25a). ) As a result, the piece member 38 can be prevented from falling (tilting) in the axial direction.

  The present invention is based on the premise of a structure having a telescopic mechanism capable of adjusting the front-rear direction position of the steering wheel, or a structure having a tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel, or does not include this tilt mechanism. It can be applied to any structure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5, 5a Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10, 10a Inner column 11, 11a Outer column 12, 12a Outer tube 13, 13a Inner Shaft 14 Electric motor 15 Housing 16 Car body 17 Axis 18, 18 a Support bracket 19 Displacement bracket 20 Slit 21 Elastic displacement portion 22, 22 a Telescopic adjustment long hole 23, 23 a, 23 b Support plate portion 24, 24 a Tilt adjustment long hole 25, 25a adjustment rod 26 adjustment nut 27 adjustment lever 28 head 29 gap 30 clamped portion 31 expansion / contraction device 32 multi-plate friction mechanism 33 electric power steering device 34 housing 35 holding cylinder 36 Support pipe 37 Clamped part main body 38 Piece member 39 One side wall part 40 The other side wall part 41 The rear wall part 42 The front wall part 43 The continuous plate part 44 The front and rear direction long hole 45 The large diameter hole part 46 The small diameter hole part 47 First 48 Guide member 49 Gutter part 50 Side wall part 51 Guide long hole 52 Holding recess part 53 Washer 54 Main body side inclined surface 55 Through hole 57 Second clamped surface 58 Piece member side inclined surface 59 Piece member side pressing surface 60 Block member side long hole 61 Mounting plate part 62 Coupling plate part 63 Notch 64 Capsule 65 Through hole 66 Shock absorbing member 67 Vertically long hole 68 Tilt friction plate structure 69 Tilt telescopic friction plate structure 70 First tilt friction plate 71 Second tilt friction plate 72 Friction plate side vertical slot 73 Friction plate side circular hole 74 Friction plate side arm 75 Engagement pin 76 Telescopic friction plate 77 Friction plate side front and rear Hole 78 Friction plate side oblong hole 79 Engaging convex part 80 Male thread part 81 Head part 82 Nut 83 Thrust bearing 84 Washer 85 Adjusting lever 86 Cam device 87 Drive side cam 88 Driven side cam 89 Spring 90 Sleeve 91 Sleeve 92 Vertical direction Gap

Claims (3)

A steering column composed of an outer column disposed on the rear side, and an inner column disposed on the front side and fitted and supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement;
A first through hole formed in a part of the outer column and extending in the width direction and extending in the axial direction of the outer column, and a first cover formed on one side surface in the width direction. A sandwiched portion having a sandwiching surface and a second sandwiched surface formed on the other side surface in the width direction;
A pair of support plate portions sandwiching the first sandwiched surface and the second sandwiched surface from both sides in the width direction and provided with second through holes in portions aligned with each other; A support bracket supported against,
An adjustment rod provided in a state of passing through the first through hole and the second through hole in the width direction;
A pair of pressing portions provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the pair of support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod;
An expansion / contraction device that expands / contracts an interval between the pair of pressing portions;
A steering device comprising:
The sandwiched portion is composed of a sandwiched portion main body fixed to a part of the outer column, and a piece member provided separately from the sandwiched portion main body,
The sandwiched portion main body is formed in a state where the first sandwiched surface formed on one side surface in the width direction, the other side surface in the width direction, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer column are opened, and a width is formed on a part of the inner surface. A holding recess having a body-side inclined surface that is inclined in a direction away from the outer column and an opening that opens to the inner peripheral surface of the outer column, and one end in the width direction is a piece in the width direction of the sandwiched body. A main body side through-hole formed in a state of opening in the side surface and extending in the axial direction of the outer column,
The piece member is provided inside the holding recess so as to be capable of displacement in the width direction with respect to the sandwiched portion main body, and the second sandwiched surface formed on the outer surface in the width direction, A first pressing surface formed on the side surface and facing the main body-side inclined surface; and formed on the outer column side of the first pressing surface of the inner side surface in the width direction, and through the opening A second pressing surface that is exposed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column and faces the outer peripheral surface of the inner column, and is formed so as to penetrate the piece member in the width direction and extend in the axial direction of the outer column. A piece member side through hole,
The first through hole is a telescopic long hole constituted by the main body side through hole and the piece member side through hole,
Steering device.   The outer portion is disposed between a width direction outer side surface of at least one support plate portion of the pair of support plate portions and a width direction inner side surface of at least one press portion of the pair of press portions. The first friction plate supported by a part of the column and the second friction plate supported by a part of the one support plate part are disposed so as to overlap in the width direction. Steering device described in 1. The steering apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the second through hole is a long hole for tilt adjustment formed in a state of extending in a vertical direction.

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