JP2022145498A - steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a steering device that can easily ensure desired impact absorption performance. In a steering device (1) according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a load absorbing mechanism (15) includes a large diameter shaft portion (106d) provided in an EA block (101) and a housing. A guide plate 103 having a long hole 140 that guides 106d and a resistance portion that overhangs the inside of the long hole 140 and is plastically deformed by the large-diameter shaft portion 106d during a secondary collision. and an EA block 101 which is provided on the EA block 101 so as to be slidable on the guide plate 103 at the time of secondary collision and which is made of a material having a smaller coefficient of friction than the EA block 101 . [Selection drawing] Fig. 6

Description

The present disclosure relates to steering devices.

BACKGROUND ART As a steering device, there is known a configuration including an inner column that rotatably supports a steering shaft and an outer column that supports the inner column movably in the longitudinal direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

In this type of steering system, when a predetermined load acts on the steering shaft, such as during a secondary collision, the inner column moves forward with respect to the outer column (so-called collapse stroke), which acts on the driver. It is equipped with a structure that mitigates impact loads. For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100003, at the time of a secondary collision, the inner column moves forward while a guide projection provided on the inner column side widens a guide groove formed in the outer column. As a result, sliding resistance is generated between the guide projection and the inner peripheral surface of the guide groove, and the impact load applied to the driver at the time of a secondary collision is said to be alleviated.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-347243

By the way, in the steering system, if sliding resistance is generated in an unexpected place at the time of a secondary collision, the desired load fluctuation cannot be obtained, and it may be difficult to secure the desired impact absorption performance.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a steering device that can easily ensure desired impact absorption performance.

In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure employs the following aspects.
A steering device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a shaft support that supports a steering shaft rotatably around an axis extending in the front-rear direction; and a load absorbing mechanism disposed between the shaft supporting portion and the housing, wherein the load absorbing mechanism is a sliding member provided on a first member of the shaft supporting portion and the housing. and a guide provided on a second member out of the shaft support portion and the housing, for guiding the sliding portion as the first member moves relative to the second member in the front-rear direction in the event of a secondary collision. a guide plate having a hole and a resistance portion that protrudes into the guide hole and is plastically deformed by the sliding portion at the time of the secondary collision; a low-sliding member provided on one of the guide plate and the first member in a state of being superimposed on the first member, wherein the low-sliding member has a lower friction than the one member; It is made of a material having a small modulus and is configured to be slidable on the other member of the guide plate and the first member at the time of the secondary collision.

According to this aspect, at the time of the secondary collision, the low-sliding member slides on the other member, so that the first member and the second member are more likely to slide than the guide plate and the shaft support portion slide. It is possible to reduce the sliding resistance generated between Thereby, a desired sliding resistance can be generated at a desired location (for example, between the resistance portion and the sliding portion). As a result, it is possible to stabilize the load fluctuation at the time of the secondary collision, and it is easy to secure the desired impact absorption performance.

In the steering device of the aspect described above, it is preferable that the low sliding member is provided on the first member and configured to be slidable on the guide plate.
According to this aspect, at the time of the secondary collision, the low-sliding member slides on the guide plate, so that the first member and the second member are more likely to move than when the guide plate and the shaft support portion slide. It is possible to reduce the sliding resistance generated during

In the steering device of the aspect described above, the first member is the shaft support portion, the second member is the housing, and the shaft support portion includes a pipe that rotatably supports the steering shaft, and a pipe extending from the pipe. a pedestal projecting outward in the radial direction, wherein the sliding portion is fixed to the pedestal in a state of projecting outward in the radial direction, and the housing accommodates the pedestal. Also, a slit is formed so that the pedestal can move forward at the time of the secondary collision, and the low-sliding member includes a first relief portion disposed between the guide plate and the pedestal in the radial direction; It is preferable to include a second lightening portion disposed around the base portion and facing the inner surface of the slit.
According to this aspect, at the time of a secondary collision, the sliding resistance generated with the guide plate can be reduced by the first reducing portion. At the time of secondary collision, the outer surface of the second lightening part slides on the inner surface of the slit, so that the outer surface of the pedestal part slides on the inner surface of the slit. It can also reduce sliding resistance. Moreover, since the outer surface of the second lightening portion comes into contact with the inner surface of the slit, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the shaft support portion around the axis at the time of a secondary collision. As a result, it is possible to prevent the low-sliding member from being caught on the inner surface of the slit during a secondary collision, and to perform a smooth collapse stroke.
During telescoping, the outer surface of the second relief portion slides on the inner surface of the slit. As a result, compared with the case where the outer surface of the pedestal portion slides on the inner surface of the slit, abnormal noise and sliding resistance generated during telescopic operation can be reduced.

In the steering device of the aspect described above, it is preferable that the low-sliding member is formed in a frame shape when viewed in the radial direction, and the pedestal portion is fitted inside the low-sliding member.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress rattling and falling off of the low-sliding member, and realize stable telescopic operation and collapse stroke over a long period of time.

In the steering device of the aspect described above, the low-sliding member has a relief portion positioned radially inward with respect to the first lightening portion in a portion positioned rearwardly with respect to the sliding portion. It is preferable that
According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress contact of deformation traces (such as burrs) generated by plastic deformation of the resistance portion by the sliding portion with the low-sliding member. As a result, it is possible to prevent the collapse stroke from being hindered by the deformation marks.

In the steering device of the aspect described above, it is preferable that the low sliding member is provided on the guide plate and configured to be slidable on the first member.
According to this aspect, at the time of a secondary collision, since the low-sliding member slides on the shaft support portion, the first member and the second member are more likely to slide than when the guide plate and the shaft support portion slide. It is possible to reduce the sliding resistance generated between

The steering apparatus according to the aspect described above further comprises a telescopic mechanism provided between the load absorbing mechanism and the housing for moving the load absorbing mechanism and the shaft support in the longitudinal direction with respect to the housing, wherein the telescopic mechanism is an actuator connected to the housing; an engaging portion connected to the actuator; and a feed mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the actuator to the shaft support portion via the portion and the engaged portion.
According to this aspect, at the time of the secondary collision, the contact between the engaging portion and the engaged portion restricts the forward and backward movement of the feed mechanism with respect to the actuator. As a result, the forward movement of the guide plate together with the feed mechanism can be suppressed in the event of a secondary collision. Therefore, a load can be effectively generated between the resistance portion and the sliding portion. As a result, desired impact absorption performance can be secured.

In the steering device of the aspect described above, a portion of the sliding portion located on the opposite side of the first member in the radial direction overlaps the guide plate in the radial direction, and the guide plate with respect to the sliding portion overlaps the guide plate. It is preferable that a restricting member is provided for restricting the movement of the radial direction.
According to this aspect, when the load acting between the sliding portion and the resistance portion increases during a secondary collision, the guide plate is pushed outward in the radial direction by the sliding portion. Then, the sliding portion of the guide plate tends to be separated from the guide hole. At this time, the guide plate comes into contact with the regulating member. This restricts the radial outward movement of the guide plate with respect to the housing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the sliding portion from separating from the guide plate, and to stabilize the energy absorbed by the load absorbing mechanism over the entire collapse stroke.

According to each aspect described above, desired impact absorption performance can be ensured.

1 is a perspective view of a steering device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a steering device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an EA block and an EA guide according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VI-VI of FIG. 3; FIG. It is a VII arrow directional view of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the steering device according to the first embodiment at the time of a secondary collision; FIG. 8 is a bottom view corresponding to FIG. 7 in the steering device according to the second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6 in a steering device according to a second embodiment; 11 is a sectional view corresponding to line XI-XI of FIG. 10; FIG.

Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, the same reference numerals may be assigned to corresponding configurations, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel", "perpendicular", "center", "coaxial", etc. not only strictly represent such arrangements, but also , or a state of relative displacement at an angle or distance that provides the same function.

(First embodiment)
[Steering device 1]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steering device 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a steering device 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The steering device 1 adjusts the rudder angle of the wheels as the steering wheel 2 is rotated.

The steering device 1 includes a housing 11 , a pipe (shaft support portion) 12 , a steering shaft 13 , a drive mechanism 14 and a load absorption mechanism 15 . The pipe 12 and the steering shaft 13 are each formed in a tubular shape extending along the axis O1. Therefore, in the following description, the direction in which the axis O1 of the pipe 12 and the steering shaft 13 extends is simply referred to as the shaft axial direction, the direction orthogonal to the axis O1 is referred to as the shaft radial direction, and the direction around the axis O1 is referred to as the shaft circumferential direction. Sometimes.

The steering device 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on the vehicle with the axis O1 crossing the front-rear direction. Specifically, the axis O1 of the steering device 1 extends upward toward the rear. In the following description, for convenience, in the steering device 1, the direction toward the steering wheel 2 in the axial direction of the shaft is simply referred to as the rearward direction, and the direction toward the side opposite to the steering wheel 2 is simply referred to as the forward direction (arrow FR). Among the radial directions of the shaft, the up-down direction when the steering device 1 is mounted on the vehicle is simply the up-down direction (arrow UP is up), and the left-right direction is simply the left-right direction (arrow LH is left).

<Housing 11>
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 11 includes a tilt bracket 21 and a housing body 22. As shown in FIGS.
The tilt bracket 21 is formed in a U shape opening downward when viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. The tilt bracket 21 includes a pair of left and right side frames 23a and 23b, mounting stays 24 formed on the side frames 23a and 23b, and a bridging portion 25 bridging the side frames 23a and 23b. I have.
As shown in FIG. 1, the side frames 23a and 23b extend in the front-rear direction while facing each other in the left-right direction.

The mounting stays 24 protrude outward in the left-right direction from the upper ends of the side frames 23a and 23b. The housing 11 is supported by the vehicle body via mounting stays 24 .
As shown in FIG. 2, the bridging portion 25 integrally bridges the upper end portions of the side frames 23a and 23b. The bridging portions 25 are provided at the front and rear end portions of the side frames 23a and 23b, respectively.

The housing body 22 is arranged inside the tilt bracket 21 . The housing body 22 has a holding cylinder 31 and a front extension portion 32 .

The holding cylinder 31 extends in the shaft axial direction (front-rear direction). A front bearing 35 is fitted (press-fitted) into the front end portion of the holding cylinder 31 . A slit 36 opening downward is formed in the lower portion of the holding cylinder 31 . The slit 36 extends in the front-rear direction behind the front bearing 35 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 , projecting walls (a first projecting wall 38 and a second projecting wall 39 ) are formed at the opening edge of the slit 36 in the holding tube 31 . The first protruding wall 38 protrudes downward from the right side opening edge of the slit 36 . The first projecting wall 38 extends in the front-rear direction along the right opening edge of the slit 36 .
The second protruding wall 39 protrudes downward from the left side opening edge of the slit 36 . The second projecting wall 39 extends in the front-rear direction along the left opening edge of the slit 36 . The second projecting wall 39 is formed with a recess 39a that opens downward.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the front extending portion 32 protrudes forward from the holding tube 31 . The front extending portion 32 is formed in a U shape opening downward when viewed from the front. The front extending portion 32 is connected to the opposing side frames 23 a and 23 b of the tilt bracket 21 via pivot shafts 40 . Thus, the housing body 22 is supported by the tilt bracket 21 so as to be rotatable around the pivot shaft 40 (around the axis O2 extending in the left-right direction).

<Pipe 12>
The pipe 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction of the shaft. The pipe 12 is inserted inside the holding cylinder 31 . The pipe 12 is configured to be movable with respect to the holding cylinder 31 in the axial direction of the shaft. As shown in FIG. 2 , a rear bearing 41 is fitted (press-fitted) to the rear end of the pipe 12 .

<Steering shaft 13>
The steering shaft 13 has an inner shaft 42 and an outer shaft 43 .
The inner shaft 42 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the axial direction of the shaft. The inner shaft 42 is inserted inside the pipe 12 . A rear end portion of the inner shaft 42 is press-fitted into the rear side bearing 41 inside the pipe 12 . As a result, the inner shaft 42 is rotatably supported within the pipe 12 about the axis O1. The steering wheel 2 is connected to the portion of the inner shaft 42 that protrudes rearward from the pipe 12 . The inner shaft 42 may be solid.

The outer shaft 43 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the axial direction of the shaft. The outer shaft 43 is inserted inside the pipe 12 . The inner shaft 42 is inserted inside the pipe 12 at the rear end of the outer shaft 43 . A front end portion of the outer shaft 43 is press-fitted into the front side bearing 35 inside the holding cylinder 31 . As a result, the outer shaft 43 is rotatably supported within the holding cylinder 31 about the axis O1.

The inner shaft 42 and the pipe 12 are configured to be movable in the shaft axial direction with respect to the outer shaft 43 and the housing 11 . A male spline, for example, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft 42 . The male splines are engaged with female splines formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft 43 . As a result, the inner shaft 42 is restricted from rotating relative to the outer shaft 43 and moves in the shaft axial direction with respect to the outer shaft 43 . However, the telescopic structure of the steering shaft 13 and the structure for restricting rotation can be changed as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the outer shaft 43 is arranged forward with respect to the inner shaft 42 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration in which the outer shaft 43 is arranged rearward with respect to the inner shaft 42 is also possible. There may be.

<Drive Mechanism 14>
As shown in FIG. 1, the drive mechanism 14 includes a tilt mechanism 45 and a telescopic mechanism 46. As shown in FIG. The tilt mechanism 45 is arranged on the left side of the housing 11, for example. The telescopic mechanism 46 is arranged on the right side of the housing 11, for example. The steering device 1 may be configured without the drive mechanism 14 or may be configured to include either the tilt mechanism 45 or the telescopic mechanism 46 of the drive mechanism 14 .

The tilt mechanism 45 is a so-called feed screw mechanism. The tilt mechanism 45 includes a tilt motor unit 51 , a tilt connection portion 52 and a tilt movable portion 53 . The tilt mechanism 45 is driven by the tilt motor unit 51 to switch between restricting and permitting rotation of the steering device 1 about the axis O<b>2 .
The tilt motor unit 51 is attached to the front end portion of the side frame 23a so as to protrude outward in the left-right direction from the side frame 23a.

The tilt connecting portion 52 includes a tilt wire 61, a tilt shaft 62, and a tilt coupling 63 that connects the tilt wire 61 and the tilt shaft 62 together.
The tilt coupling 63 is rotatably supported by the side frame 23a about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

The tilt wire 61 spans between the tilt motor unit 51 and the tilt coupling 63 . The tilt wire 61 is rotatable as the tilt motor 56 is driven. The tilt wire 61 is configured to be flexurally deformable. The connection member that connects the tilt gear box 55 and the tilt coupling 63 is not limited to the tilt wire 61 that is deformable.
The tilt shaft 62 bridges between the tilt coupling 63 and the tilt movable portion 53 . The tilt shaft 62 rotates together with the tilt wire 61 as the tilt motor unit 51 is driven. A male threaded portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tilt shaft 62 .

The tilt movable section 53 includes a link member 70 and a tilt nut 71 .
The link member 70 is formed in a U shape opening upward. The link member 70 is connected to each of the tilt bracket 21 and the housing body 22 . Specifically, the link member 70 is rotatably connected to the tilt bracket 21 (the side frames 23a and 23b) at the front end. The link member 70 is rotatably connected to the housing main body 22 (holding cylinder 31) at the rear end portion. Thus, the link member 70 is configured to be rotatable about an axis along the left-right direction between the tilt bracket 21 and the housing body 22 .

The tilt nut 71 is attached to the lower portion of the link member 70 so as to face outward (to the left) in the left-right direction. A female threaded portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tilt nut 71 . A tilt shaft 62 is engaged with the tilt nut 71 . The tilt nut 71 is configured such that its position on the tilt shaft 62 can be changed as the tilt shaft 62 rotates.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the telescopic mechanism 46 is a so-called feed screw mechanism. The telescopic mechanism 46 includes a telescopic motor unit (actuator) 81 , a telescopic connecting portion 82 , and a telescopic movable portion (feed mechanism) 83 . The telescopic mechanism 46 switches between restricting and permitting forward and backward movement of the pipe 12 (steering shaft 13 ) with respect to the housing 11 by driving the telescopic motor unit 81 .
The telescopic motor unit 81 is attached to the front extending portion 32 so as to protrude outward in the left-right direction. Therefore, the telescopic motor unit 81 is configured to be integral with the housing body 22 and rotatable around the axis O2 by the driving force of the tilt mechanism 45 . However, the telescopic motor unit 81 may be supported by the tilt bracket 21 via a wire or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the telescopic connecting portion 82 extends rearward from the telescopic motor unit 81 . The telescopic connecting portion 82 rotates around the axis as the telescopic motor unit 81 is driven. A male threaded portion (engagement portion) 82a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the telescopic connecting portion 82 .

The telescopic movable portion 83 is connected to the pipe 12 via the load absorbing mechanism 15 . A female threaded portion (engaged portion) 83 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the telescopic movable portion 83 . The male screw portion 82 a of the telescopic connecting portion 82 is meshed with the telescopic movable portion 83 . The telescopic movable portion 83 is engaged with the telescopic connecting portion 82 in the front-rear direction via a female threaded portion 83a and a male threaded portion 82a. The telescopic movable portion 83 is configured to be movable on the telescopic connecting portion 82 as the telescopic connecting portion 82 rotates.

<Load absorption mechanism 15>
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the load absorbing mechanism 15 connects between the telescopic movable portion 83 and the pipe 12 . The load absorbing mechanism 15 transmits the driving force of the telescopic mechanism 46 to the pipe 12 during telescopic operation or the like (when the load in the front-rear direction acting on the pipe 12 is less than a predetermined value), thereby moving the pipe 12 together with the telescopic movable portion 83. It is moved in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 11 . On the other hand, the load absorption mechanism 15 moves the pipe 12 forward with respect to the housing 11 independently of the telescopic mechanism 46 at the time of a secondary collision or the like (when the load acting on the pipe 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Specifically, the load absorbing mechanism 15 includes an EA (Energy Absorbing) block (shaft support) 101, an EA bolt 102, an EA plate (guide plate) 103, an EA cover 104, and an EA guide 105. ing.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the EA block 101 and EA guide 105. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VI-VI of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the EA block 101 is integrally made of carbon steel such as SS400. The EA block 101 is fixed downward on the front part of the pipe 12 . Specifically, the EA block 101 includes a fitting portion 110 and a pedestal portion 111 .
The fitting portion 110 is fitted into a through hole 109 (see FIG. 6) provided in the pipe 12 . A surface of the fitting portion 110 facing inward in the shaft radial direction is formed into a curved surface extending along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 12 .

The pedestal portion 111 continues below the fitting portion 110 . The pedestal portion 111 is formed in a rectangular shape that is larger than the fitting portion 110 when viewed from the top and bottom. The lower surface of the pedestal portion 111 is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the shaft radial direction. The pedestal portion 111 is arranged in a state of protruding downward from the pipe 12 . The pedestal portion 111 is exposed to the outside of the housing body 22 through the slit 36 . In the example of FIG. 3, the lower surface of the pedestal portion 111 is positioned below the projecting walls 38 and 39 . The EA block 101 is fixed to the pipe 12 by welding or the like to the pipe 12 at, for example, the boundary portion between the fitting portion 110 and the pedestal portion 111 . However, the method of fixing the EA block 101 and the pipe 12 can be changed as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the EA block 101 is formed with a mounting hole 113 penetrating the EA block 101 in the radial direction of the shaft. Two mounting holes 113 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In the following description, details of the mounting hole 113 will be described using one mounting hole 113 as an example.

The mounting hole 113 is a stepped hole having a small diameter portion 113a and a large diameter portion 113b.
The small diameter portion 113 a is formed across the fitting portion 110 and the base portion 111 in the EA block 101 . A female screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 113a.
The large diameter portion 113b has an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 113a. The large diameter portion 113b continues to the outside in the shaft radial direction with respect to the small diameter portion 113a. The large diameter portion 113b is open on the lower surface of the base portion 111. As shown in FIG. A hole stepped surface 113c connecting between the large diameter portion 113b and the small diameter portion 113a is formed as a flat surface intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the shaft radial direction.

The EA bolts 102 are individually fastened to the mounting holes 113 while projecting downward from the base portion 111 . The EA bolt 102 is made of a harder material than the EA block 101 . The EA bolt 102 is a so-called stepped bolt. The shaft portion 102a of the EA bolt 102 includes a small-diameter shaft portion 106b positioned at the distal end portion and a large-diameter shaft portion (sliding portion) 106d connected to the base end portion of the small-diameter shaft portion 106b via a bolt step surface 106c. I have.

A male threaded portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter shaft portion 106b. The small diameter shaft portion 106b is fastened within the small diameter portion 113a of the EA block 101 .
The bolt step surface 106c annularly protrudes outward in the radial direction (bolt radial direction) of the EA bolt 102 from the base end edge of the small-diameter shaft portion 106b. When the small-diameter shaft portion 106b is fastened to the small-diameter portion 113a, the bolt step surface 106c is close to or in contact with the hole step surface 113c. The EA bolt 102 is vertically positioned with respect to the EA block 101 by the bolt stepped surface 106c coming into contact with the hole stepped surface 113c.

The large-diameter shaft portion 106d protrudes downward from the EA block 101 with its upper end housed in the large-diameter portion 113b. The large-diameter shaft portion 106d is columnar and coaxial with the small-diameter shaft portion 106b. The upper end portion of the large diameter shaft portion 106d is surrounded by the large diameter portion 113b. In the EA bolt 102, the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter shaft portion 106d abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 113b, thereby preventing displacement (falling) of the EA bolt 102 in the bolt radial direction during a secondary collision or telescopic movement. regulate. In the illustrated example, the amount of protrusion of the large-diameter shaft portion 106d from the lower surface of the pedestal portion 111 is larger than the dimension of the portion accommodated in the large-diameter portion 113b.

A head portion (restricting member) 102b of the EA bolt 102 protrudes outward in the bolt radial direction from the base end portion of the large-diameter shaft portion 106d.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the EA plate 103 has a main plate 130 and a sub-plate 131. As shown in FIG.
The main plate 130 is formed in a crank shape when viewed from the front and back. The main plate 130 is made of a material (such as SPHC) having a lower hardness than the EA bolt 102 . Specifically, the main plate 130 includes an attachment piece 132 , an operation piece 134 and a support piece 135 .

The attachment piece 132 is attached to the telescopic movable portion 83 from above. That is, the EA plate 103 is integrally formed with the telescopic movable portion 83 so as to be movable back and forth.
The action piece 134 extends inward in the left-right direction from the lower edge of the attachment piece 132 . The operating piece 134 is arranged below the pipe 12 . Specifically, the rear end of the action piece 134 overlaps the EA bolt 102 in plan view. Long holes (first long hole 140 and second long hole 141) are formed in the operation piece 134 .

The support piece 135 extends upward from the edge of the operation piece 134 located on the opposite side of the connection piece 133 . The upper end of the support piece 135 is accommodated within the recess 39a. A guide rail 144 is provided in the recess 39a. The guide rail 144 is formed in a downwardly open U-shape and extends in the front-rear direction within the recess 39a. The guide rail 144 is fitted in the recess 39a. The guide rail 144 is made of a material (such as a resin material) having a smaller coefficient of friction than the inner surface of the recess 39a. A support piece 135 is accommodated inside the guide rail 144 . That is, the guide rail 144 guides the longitudinal movement of the main plate 130 (EA plate 103) with respect to the housing body 22 while restricting the lateral movement of the main plate 130 (EA plate 103).

The sub-plate 131 connects between the telescopic movable portion 83 and the operating piece 134 . Specifically, the outer end portion in the left-right direction of the sub-plate 131 is attached to the telescopic movable portion 83 from below. That is, the sub-plate 131 and the mounting piece 132 sandwich the telescopic movable portion 83 in the vertical direction. The laterally inner end of the sub-plate 131 is connected to the operation piece 134 .

7 is a view in the direction of arrow VII of FIG. 3. FIG.
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the long holes (guide holes) 140 and 141 described above pass through the operation piece 134 in the vertical direction and extend in the front-rear direction. Each long hole 140, 141 is formed symmetrically in plan view. A portion of the operation piece 134 located between the long holes 140 and 141 forms an extension portion 150 extending in the front-rear direction. The extension portion 150 includes a front constricted portion 151 , a rear constricted portion 152 and a wide portion 153 .
The front constricted portion 151 is located at the front end portion of the extension portion 150 . The front constricted portion 151 is recessed inward in the left-right direction with respect to the wide portion 153 .
The rear constricted portion 152 is located at the rear end portion of the extension portion 150 . The rear constricted portion 152 is recessed inward in the left-right direction with respect to the wide portion 153 . The lateral width of each constricted portion 151, 152 is set to be equal to or less than the distance L1 between each EA bolt 102 (large diameter shaft portion 106d). Note that the front constricted portion 151 is not an essential component.

EA bolts 102 are arranged at rear end portions (portions corresponding to the rear side constricted portions 152) in the long holes 140 and 141, respectively. The EA bolt 102 is fastened to the EA block 101 after being inserted into each of the long holes 140 and 141 from below. The EA bolt 102 is guided along the slots 140, 141 as it moves forward relative to the EA plate 103 during a secondary collision. As shown in FIG. 6, in the state where the EA bolt 102 is fastened to the EA block 101, the large diameter shaft portion 106d is arranged in the elongated holes 140, 141. As shown in FIG. When the EA bolt 102 is fastened to the EA block 101, the head 102b overlaps the EA plate 103 in plan view with a gap S between the head 102b and the EA plate 103. Specifically, the head portion 102b overlaps the peripheral portions of the long holes 140 and 141 of the EA plate 103 (operation piece 134).

As shown in FIG. 7, the width L2 of the wide portion 153 in the left-right direction is set to be larger than the distance L1 between the EA bolts 102 (large-diameter shaft portions 106d). A portion of the wide portion 153 that bulges outward in the lateral direction with respect to the constricted portions 151 and 152 constitutes a resistance portion 155 that protrudes into the elongated holes 140 and 141 . The resistance portion 155 overlaps the left-right inner end portion of each EA bolt 102 (large-diameter shaft portion 106d) in a front view. The resistance portion 155 is configured to be plastically deformable by sliding the large-diameter shaft portions 106d when a predetermined forward load is input to the pipe 12, such as during a secondary collision. . The resistance portion 155 cannot be deformed when the load acting on the EA block 101 through the pipe 12 is less than a predetermined value (for example, during telescopic movement). In other words, when the load acting on the pipe 12 is less than a predetermined value, the EA block is attached to the EA plate 103 while the EA bolts 102 are fitted in the elongated holes 140 and 141 (rear constricted portions 152). 101 relative movement is restricted.

A portion of the operation piece 134 located on the side opposite to the extending portion 150 (left-right direction outer side) with respect to the long holes 140 and 141 constitutes a guide 156 extending along the front-rear direction. The guide 156 is positioned outside in the left-right direction with respect to each EA bolt 102 and regulates the displacement of each EA bolt 102 to the outside in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the EA cover 104 restricts downward movement of the EA plate 103 with respect to the housing body 22 (EA bolt 102). The EA cover 104 is arranged in the lower part of the housing body 22 on the opposite side (left side) of the telescopic mechanism 46 with respect to the axis O1. The EA cover 104 partially covers the EA plate 103 from below.

The EA cover 104 has a regulation plate 161 and a sliding plate 162 .
The regulating plate 161 is made of a material (for example, metal material) that is more rigid than the sliding plate 162 . The regulation plate 161 extends in the front-rear direction with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. The regulation plate 161 includes an overlapping piece 161a and an attachment piece 161b.

The overlapping piece 161 a extends in the front-rear direction below the second projecting wall 39 . The overlapping piece 161a overlaps the left end of the operation piece 134 (the end opposite to the telescopic mechanism 46) from below. In the illustrated example, the overlapping piece 161 a overlaps the guide 156 on the left side of the extension 150 . The longitudinal dimension of the overlapping piece 161a is longer than the EA plate 103 (operation piece 134).

The attachment piece 161b protrudes outward and forward in the left-right direction from the overlapping piece 161a. The mounting piece 161b is fixed to the housing body 22 at a portion that is out of the locus of movement of the EA plate 104 during telescopic movement. The mounting piece 161b is fixed to the housing body 22 by, for example, bolts.

The sliding plate 162 overlaps the upper surface of the overlapping piece 161a. The sliding plate 162 is made of a material (for example, a resin material or the like) whose coefficient of friction is smaller than that of the regulating plate 161 . The sliding plate 162 is fixed to the overlapping piece 161a. The sliding plate 162 may be fixed by press-fitting a pin into the overlapping piece 161a or the like, by locking a pin having a barb claw to the overlapping piece 161a or the like, or by bonding or the like. good.

The sliding plate 162 is positioned between the overlapping piece 161 a and the operating piece 134 . The upper surface of the sliding plate 162 is close to or in contact with the lower surface of the operating piece 134 . The EA cover 104 may be configured without the sliding plate 162 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the EA guides 105 are arranged between the EA block 101 and the housing body 22 and between the EA block 101 and the EA plate 103 . The EA guide 105 reduces sliding resistance during telescopic movement and secondary collision. The EA guide 105 is made of a material having a lower coefficient of friction than at least the EA block 101 . As such a material, the EA guide 105 of this embodiment is integrally formed of a resin material (for example, POM, PA66, etc.). For the EA guide 105, any material other than the resin material can be used as long as the material has a lower coefficient of friction than the EA block 101, such as a material lower in hardness than the EA block 101, the EA bolt 102, and the EA plate 103. .

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the EA guide 105 includes a frame portion 171, a side projecting portion (second lightening portion) 172, and a lower projecting portion (first lightening portion) 173. ing.
The frame portion 171 is formed in a rectangular frame shape surrounding the EA block 101 (pedestal portion 111). The frame portion 171 includes side rail portions 171 a positioned on both sides in the left-right direction with respect to the base portion 111 , a front rail portion 171 b connecting the front ends of the side rail portions 171 a in front of the base portion 111 , and the base portion 111 . and a rear rail portion 171c connecting the rear end portions of the side rail portions 171a at the rear of the side rail portion 171a. Corners of the frame portion 171 (boundary portions of the crosspieces 171a to 171c) are rounded.

Of the frame portion 171 , the front portion of the side rail portion 171 a and the front rail portion 171 b protrude below the lower surface of the base portion 111 .
A relief portion 171d is formed in a portion of the frame portion 171 extending from the rear portion of the side rail portion 171a to the rear rail portion 171c. The relief portion 171d is a portion formed to have a lower vertical height than the front rail portion 171b from the rear portion of the side rail portion 171a to the rear rail portion 171c. Specifically, the relief portion 171d is formed by forming an inclined surface extending upward from the rear portion of the side rail portion 171a to the lower edge of the rear rail portion 171c toward the rear. Therefore, the lower end edge of the rear rail portion 171c is located at the highest position among the lower end edges of the frame portion 171. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the lower edge of the rear rail portion 171 c is flush with the lower surface of the EA block 101 or positioned above the lower surface of the EA block 101 . Note that the escape portion 171d is not limited to an inclined surface and may be formed in a stepped shape or the like as long as it is positioned above the front rail portion 171b. Also, the relief portion 171d is not an essential component.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the side protruding portions 172 protrude outward in the left-right direction from the front outer surface of the side rail portion 171a. The side protruding portion 172 is close to or in contact with the inner surface of the slit 36 in the left-right direction. The side projecting portion 172 is configured to be slidable on the inner surface of the slit 36 when the EA guide 105 moves in the slit 36 in the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the rear outer surface of the side rail portion 171 a is located inside the side projecting portion 172 in the left-right direction. Therefore, a gap P is formed between the rear outer surface of the side rail portion 171 a and the inner surface of the slit 36 to avoid contact between the EA guide 105 and the inner surface of the slit 36 . The rear end portion of the side protruding portion 172 extends inward in the left-right direction as it goes rearward and is formed into an inclined surface that continues to the rear outer surface of the side rail portion 171a. However, the side protruding portion 172 may be formed over the entire front-rear direction with respect to the side bar portion 171a.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower projecting portion 173 projects toward the inside of the frame portion 171 from the front portion of the side beam portion 171a and the front beam portion 171b. Specifically, the lower projecting portion 173 overlaps the lower surface of the EA block 101 in plan view. The lower protruding portion 173, the side protruding portion 172, the front portion of the side rail portion 171a, and the upper surface of the front rail portion 171b form a sliding surface 176 that approaches or abuts on the upper surface of the operating piece . The sliding surface 176 is positioned between the lower surface of the pedestal portion 111 and the upper surface of the operating piece 134, and is slidably provided on the upper surface of the operating piece 134 during a secondary collision.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the steering device 1 described above will be described. In the following description, tilt operation, telescopic operation, and collapse stroke at the time of secondary collision will be mainly described.

<Tilt operation>
As shown in FIG. 1, the tilt operation is performed by transmitting the driving force of the tilt motor unit 51 to the housing body 22 via the link member 70, thereby rotating the housing body 22 around the axis O2. Specifically, when the steering wheel 2 is adjusted upward, the tilt motor unit 51 is driven to rotate the tilt wire 61 and the tilt shaft 62, for example, in the first direction (loosening direction of the tilt nut 71). When the tilt shaft 62 rotates in the first direction, the tilt nut 71 moves backward with respect to the tilt shaft 62 . As the tilt nut 71 moves rearward, the housing body 22 rotates upward about the axis O2 with respect to the tilt bracket 21 . As a result, the steering wheel 2 rotates upward about the axis O2 together with the housing body 22, the pipe 12, the steering shaft 13, and the like.

On the other hand, when adjusting the steering wheel 2 downward, the tilt shaft 62 is rotated in the second direction (tightening direction of the tilt nut 71). Then, the tilt nut 71 moves forward with respect to the tilt shaft 62 . The forward movement of the tilt nut 71 causes the housing body 22 to rotate downward about the axis O<b>2 with respect to the tilt bracket 21 . As a result, the steering wheel 2 rotates downward about the axis O2 together with the housing body 22, the pipe 12, the steering shaft 13, and the like.

<Telescopic movement>
In the telescopic operation, the driving force of the telescopic motor unit is transmitted to the pipe 12 via the EA plate 103 and the EA block 101 to move the pipe 12 and inner shaft 42 back and forth with respect to the housing 11 and outer shaft 43 . Specifically, when the steering wheel 2 is moved rearward, the telescopic motor unit 81 is driven to rotate the telescopic connecting portion 82 in, for example, the first direction (loosening direction of the telescopic movable portion 83). When the telescopic connecting portion 82 rotates in the first direction, the telescopic movable portion 83 and the EA plate 103 move backward with respect to the telescopic connecting portion 82 . A driving force of the EA plate 103 is transmitted to the EA bolt 102 . At this time, the relative movement of the EA bolts 102 with respect to the EA plate 103 is restricted while each EA bolt 102 is fitted in the rear constricted portion 152 .
Therefore, the driving force of the EA bolt 102 is transmitted to the pipe 12 via the EA block 101 . As a result, the steering wheel 2 moves rearward as the pipe 12 moves rearward together with the inner shaft 42 .

On the other hand, when moving the steering wheel 2 forward, the telescopic connecting portion 82 is rotated, for example, in the second direction. When the telescopic connecting portion 82 rotates in the second direction (tightening direction of the telescopic movable portion 83 ), the telescopic movable portion 83 and the EA plate 103 move forward with respect to the telescopic connecting portion 82 . As the EA plate 103 moves forward, the driving force of the EA plate 103 is transmitted to the pipe 12 via the EA bolt 102 and the EA block 101 . As a result, the steering wheel 2 moves forward as the pipe 12 moves forward.

<Secondary collision>
Next, the operation at the time of secondary collision will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , at the time of a secondary collision (when the collision load is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the steering wheel 2 moves along with the pipe 12 , EA block 101 , EA bolt 102 and inner shaft 42 to the housing body 22 . and move forward with respect to the outer shaft 43 .

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation at the time of secondary collision.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a forward collision load acts on the pipe 12 through the steering wheel 2 during a secondary collision. At this time, the collision load acts on the EA plate 103 via the EA block 101 and the EA bolts 102 . However, in this embodiment, since the female threaded portion 83a of the telescopic movable portion 83 and the male threaded portion 82a of the telescopic connecting portion 82 are engaged in the front-rear direction, forward movement of the EA plate 103 with respect to the housing 11 is restricted. . Therefore, the steering shaft 13 , pipe 12 , EA block 101 and EA bolt 102 try to move forward with respect to the EA plate 103 and housing 11 .

In this embodiment, the distance L1 between the large-diameter shaft portions 106d of each EA bolt 102 is narrower than the width L2 of the wide portion 153. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the EA bolt 102 moves forward with respect to the EA plate 103 while the extension portion 150 is squeezed by the large-diameter shaft portion 106d. Specifically, when the large-diameter shaft portion 106d slides on the outer surface of the wide portion 153, the resistance portion 155 is plastically deformed (crushed) inward in the left-right direction. In this way, in the process in which the steering shaft 13 and the like move forward with respect to the EA plate 103 and the housing 11, the load generated when the large-diameter shaft portion 106d squeezes the extension portion 150 causes the driving in the event of a secondary collision. The impact load applied to the person is mitigated.

The load generated between the EA bolt 102 and the EA plate 103 changes the difference between the distance L1 between the large diameter shaft portions 106d and the width L2 of the wide portion 153, the thickness of the wide portion 153, and the like. can be adjusted by At the time of the secondary collision, in addition to the load when the extension portion 150 is squeezed by the large-diameter shaft portions 106d, for example, the sliding resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding cylinder 31 absorbs the impact load. can be relaxed. The sliding portion between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding cylinder 31 may be coated with a paint having a high coefficient of friction, or may be subjected to uneven processing.

Here, in this embodiment, the EA guide 105 (sliding surface 176) made of a material having a smaller coefficient of friction than the EA block 101 is provided between the EA block 101 and the EA plate 103. .
According to this configuration, at the time of a secondary collision, the sliding surface 176 slides on the upper surface of the operating piece 134, so that the EA block (one member) 101 and the EA plate (the other member) 103 slide. The sliding resistance generated between the EA plate 103 and the EA plate 103 can be reduced as compared with the case of moving. Thereby, a desired sliding resistance can be generated at a desired location (for example, between the resistance portion 155 and the large-diameter shaft portion 106d). As a result, it is possible to stabilize the load fluctuation at the time of the secondary collision, and it is easy to secure the desired impact absorption performance.

In this embodiment, the EA guide 105 includes a sliding surface 176 arranged between the EA plate 103 and the pedestal portion 111, a side projecting portion 172 facing the inner surface of the slit 36 around the pedestal portion 111, It was configured to include
According to this configuration, during a secondary collision, the sliding resistance generated between the sliding surface 176 and the EA plate 103 can be reduced as described above. At the time of the secondary collision, the outer surface of the lateral projecting portion 172 slides on the inner surface of the slit 36 , so that the housing main body 101 22 can also be reduced. Moreover, since the outer surface of the side projecting portion 172 contacts the inner surface of the slit 36, the rotation of the pipe 12 about the axis O1 can be suppressed at the time of the secondary collision.
This prevents the EA guide 105 from getting caught on the inner surface of the slit 36 at the time of a secondary collision, so that the collapse stroke can be performed smoothly.
On the other hand, the outer surface of the lateral projecting portion 172 slides on the inner surface of the slit 36 also during telescopic operation. As a result, compared to the case where the outer surface of the EA block 101 slides on the inner surface of the slit 36, abnormal noise and sliding resistance generated during the telescopic operation can be reduced.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the sliding surface 176 and the side protruding portion 172 are formed integrally with the EA guide 105, so the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the pedestal portion 111 is fitted inside the EA guide 105 .
According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress rattling and falling off of the EA guide 105, and realize stable telescopic operation and collapse stroke over a long period of time.

In this embodiment, the EA guide 105 is configured such that a relief portion 171 d positioned above the sliding surface 176 is formed in a portion positioned behind the EA bolt 102 .
According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress contact with the EA guide 105 of deformation marks (such as burrs) generated by the large-diameter shaft portion 106 d squeezing the extension portion 150 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the collapse stroke from being hindered by the deformation marks.

In this embodiment, the telescopic connecting portion 82 connected to the telescopic motor unit 81 and the female threaded portion 83a connected to the EA plate 103 and engaged with the male threaded portion 82a of the telescopic connecting portion 82 in the front-rear direction. 82a and a telescopic movable portion 83 for transmitting the driving force of the telescopic motor unit 81 to the shaft support portion (EA block 101 and pipe 12) via the female screw portion 83a.
According to this configuration, at the time of a secondary collision, the male threaded portion 82a of the telescopic connecting portion 82 and the female threaded portion 83a of the telescopic movable portion 83 come into contact with each other, so that the telescopic movable portion 83 moves forward with respect to the telescopic connecting portion 82. movement is restricted. As a result, the forward movement of the EA plate 103 together with the telescopic connecting portion 82 can be suppressed in the event of a secondary collision. Therefore, a load can be effectively generated between the extension portion 150 and the large-diameter shaft portion 106d.
As a result, desired impact absorption performance can be secured.

In the present embodiment, the EA cover 104 is vertically overlapped with the EA plate 103 to restrict the downward movement of the EA bolt 102 .
According to this configuration, when the load acting between the large-diameter shaft portion 106d and the extension portion 150 increases during a secondary collision, the EA plate 103 is pushed downward by the large-diameter shaft portions 106d. Then, the large-diameter shaft portion 106 d of the EA plate 103 tries to leave the elongated holes 140 and 141 . At this time, the operating piece 134 contacts the EA cover 104 via the sliding plate 162 . This restricts the downward movement of the EA plate 103 with respect to the housing body 22 (large-diameter shaft portion 106d). As a result, it is possible to prevent the large-diameter shaft portion 106d from separating from the EA plate 103, and to stabilize the energy absorbed by the load absorbing mechanism 15 over the entire collapse stroke.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the head portion 102b of the EA bolt 102 overlaps the EA plate 103 in plan view. Therefore, the downward movement of the EA plate 103 with respect to the EA bolt 102 can also be restricted by the head portion 102b at the time of the secondary collision.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a low sliding member 200 is provided on the EA plate 103 instead of the lower projecting portion 173 (see FIG. 5). FIG. 9 is a bottom view corresponding to FIG. 7 in the steering device 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6 in the steering device 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line XI-XI of FIG.
In the steering device 1 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the low sliding member 200 is attached to the upper surface of the EA plate 103 while overlapping the pipe 12, the EA block 101 and the EA plate 103 when viewed from above and below. there is Specifically, the low sliding member 200 includes a facing portion 200a and a mounting portion 200b.

The facing portion 200a is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction, with the vertical direction being the thickness direction. The facing portion 200a extends in the front-rear direction at a portion of the EA plate 103 (action piece 134) including the upper surface of the extension portion 150. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the front end portion of the facing portion 200 a reaches a portion of the upper surface of the action piece 134 that is located forward of the extension portion 150 . A rear end portion of the facing portion 200a reaches a portion of the upper surface of the action piece 134 located rearward of the extending portion.

The facing portion 200a is located between the operating piece 134 and the EA block 101. As shown in FIG. The facing portion 200a is configured to be slidable on the lower surface of the EA block 101 during a secondary collision. Therefore, it is sufficient that the range in the front-rear direction of the facing portion 200a is provided at least on the locus of movement of the EA block 101 at the time of the secondary collision.

The width of the facing portion 200a in the left-right direction is preferably narrower than the minimum width of the extension portion 150 (constricted portions 151 and 152). That is, the facing portion 200a is positioned inside the resistance portion 155 in the left-right direction. This can suppress interference between the facing portion 200a and the large-diameter shaft portion 106d during a secondary collision.
Moreover, there is a vertical gap between the resistance portion 155 and the lower surface of the EA block 101 . As a result, deformation traces (such as burrs) generated by plastically deforming the resistance portion 155 can be prevented from coming into contact with the low sliding member 200 and the EA block 101 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the collapse stroke from being hindered by the deformation marks.

The mounting portions 200b are provided at both ends in the front-rear direction of the facing portion 200a. The attachment portion 200b protrudes upward from the facing portion 200a. The attachment portion 200b is held by the operation piece 134 while penetrating the operation piece 134 in the vertical direction.

The second embodiment has the following effects in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
That is, by providing the low sliding member 200 to the plate-like EA plate (one member) 103, the sliding resistance between the EA block (the other member) 101 and the EA plate 103 can be reduced. Therefore, simplification of the configuration and cost reduction can be achieved.

In the second embodiment, in addition to the low-sliding member 200, the configuration including the EA block 101 (the side projecting portion 172) has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the steering device 1 of the second embodiment, at least the low sliding member 200 should be provided.
In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the low sliding member 200 is provided on the lower surface of the extension portion 150 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The low sliding member 200 may be slidably provided on the EA plate 103 between the EA plate 103 and the EA block 101 (or the pipe 12).

Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Configuration additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the foregoing description, but only by the appended claims.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the axis O1 intersects in the front-rear direction has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The axis O1 may coincide with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the telescopic mechanism 46 is a feed screw mechanism has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration. The telescopic mechanism 46 may use, for example, gears.
In the above-described embodiment, the so-called electric steering device 1 capable of telescopic operation and tilting operation by the motor units 51 and 81 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The steering device 1 according to the present disclosure may be employed in a manual steering device 1 that switches back-and-forth movement and regulation of the pipe 12 according to the tightening load between the pipe and the housing.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the EA bolt 102 is fixed to the pipe (shaft support) 12 via the EA block (shaft support) 101 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The EA bolt 102 may be directly fixed to the pipe (shaft support) 12 (a configuration without the EA block 101 may also be used).
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the steering shaft 13 is rotatably inserted into the inside (insertion hole) of the pipe 12 that constitutes the shaft support portion has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The shaft support portion is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it is configured to rotatably support the steering shaft 13 . For example, the shaft support portion may have an insertion hole into which the steering shaft 13 is inserted, and may be configured to rotatably support the steering shaft 13 . In this case, the shaft support portion may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape or the like having an insertion hole.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the EA guide 105 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame has been described. The shape and the like can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the lower protruding portion 173 as the first relief portion and the side protruding portion 172 as the second relief portion has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the extension portion 150 is plastically deformed by the EA bolt 102 fixed to the EA block 101 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. A sliding portion that deforms the extension portion 150 may be formed integrally with the EA block 101 .

In the above-described embodiment, the EA bolt 102 (large diameter shaft portion 106d) as a sliding portion is provided on the pipe 12 side (first member), and the EA plate 103 as a guide plate is provided on the housing 11 side (second member). Although the configuration provided in has been described, it is not limited to this configuration.
The sliding portion may be provided on the housing 11 side (second member), and the guide plate may be provided on the pipe 12 side (first member).

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the resistance portion 155 extends in the front-rear direction along both side edges of the extension portion 150 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The resistance portion may be provided so as to be plastically deformable on a portion of the movement locus of the sliding portion. The resistance portion may be, for example, a plurality of protrusions or the like intermittently provided on both side edges of the extension portion 150 .
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the cross-sectional shape of the large-diameter shaft portion 106d is circular has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The cross-sectional shape of the large-diameter shaft portion 106d may be oval, polygonal, or the like.

In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

1: Steering device 11: Housing (first member, second member)
12: Pipe (shaft support, second member, first member)
13: Steering shaft 15: Load absorbing mechanism 36: Slit 46: Telescopic mechanism 81: Telescopic motor unit (actuator)
82a: Male screw portion (engagement portion)
83a: female threaded portion (engaged portion)
83: Telescopic moving part (feeding mechanism)
101: EA block (shaft support, one member, the other member)
102b: head (restricting member)
103: EA plate (guide plate, other member, one member)
104: EA cover (regulating member)
105: EA guide (low sliding member)
106d: Large-diameter shaft portion (sliding portion)
111: pedestals 140, 141: long holes (guide holes)
155: Resistance portion 171d: Relief portion 172: Side projecting portion (second relief portion)
173: Lower projecting portion (first relief portion)
200: low sliding member O1: axis

Claims (8)

a shaft supporting portion that supports the steering shaft so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction;
a housing that is supported by the vehicle body and supports the shaft support portion so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction;
a load absorbing mechanism disposed between the shaft support and the housing;
The load absorption mechanism is
a slide portion provided on a first member of the shaft support portion and the housing;
A guide hole provided in a second member of the shaft support portion and the housing for guiding the sliding portion as the first member moves relative to the second member in the front-rear direction at the time of a secondary collision; a guide plate having a resistance portion that protrudes into the guide hole and is plastically deformed by the sliding portion at the time of the secondary collision;
a low-sliding member provided on one member of the guide plate and the first member in a state of being superimposed on the guide plate and the first member in a radial direction that intersects the axis when viewed from the front-rear direction; , and
The low sliding member is made of a material having a coefficient of friction smaller than that of the one member, and is configured to be slidable on the other of the guide plate and the first member at the time of the secondary collision. steering gear. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the low sliding member is provided on the first member and configured to be slidable on the guide plate. The first member is the shaft support,
wherein the second member is the housing;
The shaft supporting portion is
a pipe that rotatably supports the steering shaft;
a pedestal projecting outward in the radial direction from the pipe,
The sliding portion is fixed to the pedestal portion in a state of protruding outward in the radial direction,
The housing is formed with a slit that accommodates the pedestal and allows the pedestal to move forward during the secondary collision,
The low sliding member is
a first relief portion disposed between the guide plate and the base portion in the radial direction;
3. The steering device according to claim 2, further comprising a second lightening portion arranged around the base portion and facing the inner surface of the slit. The low sliding member is formed in a frame shape when viewed from the radial direction,
4. The steering device according to claim 3, wherein the pedestal is fitted inside the low sliding member. 3. A relief portion located radially inward with respect to the first lightening portion is formed in a portion of the low-sliding member located rearwardly of the sliding portion. The steering device according to claim 4. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the low sliding member is provided on the guide plate and configured to be slidable on the first member. a telescopic mechanism provided between the load absorbing mechanism and the housing for moving the load absorbing mechanism and the shaft support in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing;
The telescopic mechanism is
an actuator coupled to the housing;
An engaging portion connected to the actuator and an engaged portion connected to the load absorbing mechanism and engaged with the engaging portion in the front-rear direction, the engaging portion and the engaged portion being interposed therebetween. The steering apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a feed mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the actuator to the shaft support portion. A portion of the sliding portion located on the side opposite to the first member in the radial direction overlaps the guide plate in the radial direction, and the guide plate moves in the radial direction with respect to the sliding portion. 8. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a regulating member that regulates the

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