JPH0342375A - Telescoping steering column device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform smooth expansion and contraction without being influenced by bending of a steering shaft by a method wherein a small part the inner diameter of which approximately coincides with the outer diameter of an inner column is formed to the end part of an outer column, and the inner peripheral part of the small part is brought into slide contact with the outer peripheral part of the intermediate part of the inner column. CONSTITUTION:In a telescopic type steering column 4 formed with outer and inner columns 2 and 3, a lock bracket 10 is secured on the outer peripheral surface of an outer column 2, and a nut piece 14 is secured to the central part of a protrusion plate part 11. A lock member 16 is engaged internally of an opening 15 formed in the side of the outer column 2, and the end surface of a lock screw 18 threadedly joined with a nut piece 14 is brought into contact with the lock member 16. In this case, the outer column 2 is formed such that the inner diameter thereof is higher than the outer diameter of the inner column 3, and a small part 22 the inner diameter of which approximately coincides with the outer diameter of the inner column 3 is formed to the the end part of the outer column 2. The inner peripheral part of the small part 22 is brought into slide contact with the outer peripheral part of the intermediate part of the inner column 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The telescoping steering column device according to the present invention extends and contracts the entire length of a steering column through which a steering shaft is inserted, and a steering wheel provided at an end of the steering shaft. Used to adjust the position according to the driver's physique and driving posture.

(Prior art) A telescoping steering column device (so-called telescopic steering device) is used as a device to adjust the position of the steering wheel according to the driver's physique and driving posture.
It has been known.

3 to 5 show an example of such a telescoping steering column device.

In Figs. 3 to 5, reference numeral 1 denotes an adjustment lever of a telescoping steering column device. By operating this adjustment lever 1, a steering column 4 is formed in which an outer column 2 and an inner column 3 are combined in a telescopic manner. The steering wheel ( (not shown).

That is, the steering column 4 constituting the telescoping steering column device is composed of an outer column 2 and an inner column 3, each of which is formed in a cylindrical shape and combined with each other in a telescopic manner. Inside the inner column 3, an intermediate portion of the steering shaft 5 is supported via a pair of rolling bearings 7.8. A serration engagement portion 9 is provided at the intermediate portion of the steering shaft 5, so that the steering shaft 5 also expands and contracts as the steering column 4 expands and contracts.

Further, a lock bracket 10 formed by bending a metal plate into a U-shape is fixed to the intermediate portion of the outer column 2. That is, this lock bracket 10 has mounting plate parts 12 and 12 by bending both sides of a tension plate part 11 provided at the center at right angles in the same direction. When fixing to the column 2, insert the outer column 2 into the circular holes 13.13 formed in each mounting plate part 12.12, and
The peripheral edge of each circular hole 13, 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 2 are welded.

With the lock bracket 10 fixed to the middle part of the outer column 2 in this manner, the center of the tension plate part 11 protruding to the side of the outer column 2 (downward in FIG. 4, left in FIG. 5) A nut piece 14 is fixed to the part.

Further, on the side surface of the outer column 2, the nut piece 14
A rectangular opening 15 is formed in the portion facing the opening 15, and a locking member 16 is fitted inside this opening 15 so as to be freely displaceable in the inside and outside directions (vertical direction in FIG. 4, horizontal direction in FIG. 5). are doing. The inner surface 16a of the locking member 16 fitted inside the opening 15 in this manner is an arc-shaped concave surface, and this inner surface 16a is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 3.

Furthermore, a lock screw 18 is screwed into a screw hole 17 provided in a nut piece 14 fixed at the center of the tension plate section 11. The inner end surface of this lock screw 18 (the upper end surface in FIG. 4, the right end surface in FIG. With the end portion fixed, the inner surface 16a of the lock member 16 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3 by rotation of the lock screw 18 as the adjustment lever 1 is operated.

Further, a convex portion 20 is provided on the inner surface of the locking member 16, and a convex portion 20 is provided on the side surface of the inner column 3 facing the convex portion 20 in the axial direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 4, the front and back in FIG. 5). By forming elongated holes 21 extending in the respective directions, and by fitting the convex portion 20 loosely into the elongated holes 21, displacement of the inner column 3 in the axial direction with respect to the outer column 2 is allowed, while displacement in the torsional direction is allowed. It is designed to prevent rotation.

In the telescoping steering column device configured as described above, when adjusting the overall length of the steering column 4,
Do it as follows.

To perform the adjustment work, first operate the adjustment lever 1 to move the lock screw 18 backward (to the left in FIG. Release the force that was pressing against the surface,
The inner column 3 is in a freely displaceable state inside the outer column 2.

In this state, a steering wheel (not shown) fixed to the end of the steering shaft 5 is pushed and pulled to adjust the longitudinal position of the steering wheel. As the steering wheel is pushed and pulled, the serration engagement portion 9 provided in the middle of the steering shaft 5 is displaced, and the serration engagement portion 9 is disposed on the outside of the steering shaft 5.
The inner column 3, which is provided via a pair of rolling bearings 7.8, is displaced in the longitudinal direction.

As a result, once the front and back position of the steering wheel has been adjusted, the lock screw 18 is moved forward (to the right in FIG. 5) by operating the adjustment lever 1, and the lock screw 18 is used to lock the The member 16 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3. As a result, the locking member 16
A strong frictional force acts between the inner surface 16a of the inner column 3 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 3, and the inner column 3 is supported inside the outer column 2 without being able to be displaced, and the steering wheel is It remains supported in position.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the case of the conventional telescoping steering column device that is configured and operates as described above, there are problems to be solved as described below.

That is, in the case of the conventional telescoping steering column device, by making the inner diameter of the outer column 2 and the outer diameter of the inner column 3 almost the same, it is possible to prevent the inner column 3 from shaking inside the fixed outer column 2. However, with such a structure, if a force is applied that pushes a part of the inner column 3 outward due to bending of the steering shaft 5, etc., the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3 and the outer Since the frictional force acting between the inner peripheral surface of the column 2 and the inner circumferential surface of the column 2 becomes large and the steering column 4 expands and contracts, the force required to displace the inner column 3 becomes unnecessarily large.

The telescoping steering column device of the present invention eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The telescoping steering column device of the present invention, like the conventional telescoping steering column device described above, has outer columns each formed in a cylindrical shape and combined with each other in a telescopic manner. and an inner column, a lock bracket fixed to an intermediate portion of the outer column with a partially provided tension plate protruding to the side of the outer column, and a lock bracket fixed to a central portion of the outer column. a screw hole provided therein; an opening formed in a side surface of the outer column in a portion facing the screw hole; a locking member that abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the inner column at the opening portion; The lock screw is screwed together, and has an inner end engaged with the locking member and an outer end fixed to the base end of the adjustment lever.

However, in the telescoping steering column device of the present invention, the inner diameter of the outer column is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner column, and at the end of the outer column, the inner diameter is larger than that of the inner column. Form a small diameter part that almost matches the outer diameter, and make the inner circumferential surface of this small diameter part,
It is brought into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the inner column.

(Function) With the telescoping steering column device of the present invention configured as described above, the action itself when adjusting the length of the steering column is the same as that of the conventional telescoping steering column device described above. .

However, in the case of the telescoping steering column device of the present invention,
Since the inner diameter of the outer column is made slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner column, even if a force is applied that pushes a part of the inner column outward due to a bend in the steering shaft, etc., this inner column There is no strong frictional force acting between the outer circumferential surface of the column and the inner circumferential surface of the outer column, and the steering column can be expanded and contracted with light force.

In addition, when fixing the inner column to the outer column, the outer circumferential surface of the inner column is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the outer column by the small diameter portion formed at the end of the outer column and the tip of the inner column. Since the inner column makes contact with the outer column at two positions, it is possible to reliably prevent the inner column from rattling against the outer column.

(Example) Next, the present invention will be explained in more detail while explaining the illustrated embodiment.

Figures 1 and 2 show examples of the present invention, with Figure 1 showing the state when the steering column is extended and retracted, and Figure 2 showing the state in which the inner column is fixed to the outer column, respectively. FIG. 4 is a cutaway view taken along arrow A in FIG. 3;

The steering column 4 constituting the telescoping steering column device of the present invention has an outer column 2 and an inner column 3 each formed in a cylindrical shape, and combined with each other in a telescopic manner, similar to the conventional telescoping steering column device. It consists of a pair of rolling bearings 7.8 inside the inner column 3, and
G\ supports the middle part of the steering shaft 5. By providing a serration engagement portion 9 in the intermediate portion of the steering shaft 5, the steering shaft 5
It is also made to expand and contract.

Further, on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion of the outer column 2, first to
As shown in Figure 2, a lock bracket 10 is fixed. As in the case of the conventional structure described above, this lock bracket 1° is made by bending a metal plate into a U-shape, so that it can be attached to both sides of the tension plate part 11 provided in the center at right angles in the same direction. When the lock bracket 1o is fixed to the middle part of the outer column 2, each mounting plate part 12.12 is provided with a bent mounting plate part 12.12.
The outer column 2 is inserted into the circular holes 13.13 formed in , and the peripheral edge of each circular hole 13.13 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer column 2 are welded.

With the lock bracket 10 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion of the outer column 2 in this manner, the central portion of the tension plate portion 11 that protrudes to the side of the outer column 2 (downward in FIGS. 1 and 2) is , fixing the nut piece 14.

Further, on the side surface of the outer column 2, the nut piece 14
A rectangular opening 15 is formed in the part facing the opening 15, and a locking member 16 is installed inside this opening 15 in the inner and outer directions (first to second
It is fitted so that it can be freely displaced in the vertical direction (in the figure). The inner surface 16a of the locking member 16 fitted inside the opening 15 in this manner is an arc-shaped concave surface, and this inner surface 16a
is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3.

Further, a nut piece 1 fixed to the center part of the tension plate part 11 is provided.
A lock screw 18 is screwed into a screw hole 17 (see FIG. 5) provided in 4. The inner end surface of this lock screw 18 (the upper end surface in FIGS. 1 and 2) is brought into contact with the outer surface of the lock member 16, and the base end of the adjustment lever 1 is fixed to the outer end of this lock screw 18. The inner surface 16a of the lock member 16 can be pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 3 by the rotation of the lock screw 18 as the adjustment lever 1 is operated.

Further, a circular through hole 23 is provided in the center of the locking member 16.
A cylindrical protrusion 24 is formed at the center of the inner end surface of the lock screw 18, and is rotatably inserted through the through hole 23.

Then, on the side surface of the inner column 3, the protrusion 2
A long hole 21 extending in the axial direction is formed in the portion facing the locking member 16, and a portion of the protruding portion 24 protruding from the inner surface 16a of the locking member 16 is formed in the long hole 21 extending in the axial direction.
I am having them play games.

Furthermore, in the telescoping steering column device of the present invention, the inner diameter R of the outer column 2 is formed to be slightly larger (RED) than the outer diameter of the inner column 3, and the steering wheel of the outer column 2 is At the side end (right end in FIGS. 1 and 2), the inner diameter r thereof almost matches the outer diameter of the inner column 3 (r'=D
) A small diameter aperture portion 22 is formed. The inner circumferential surface of this narrow diameter portion 22 is brought into sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion of the inner column 3.

With the telescoping steering column device of the present invention constructed as described above, the operation itself when adjusting the length of the steering column 4 is substantially the same as that of the conventional telescoping steering column device described above.

That is, when performing adjustment work, first tighten the lock screw 1.
By operating the adjustment lever 1 whose base end is fixed to the outer end of the lock screw 18, as shown in FIG.
1 and 2), and the lock screw 18 releases the force pressing the lock member 16 against the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3, allowing the inner column 3 to be freely displaced inside the outer column 2. state.

In this state, a steering wheel (not shown) fixed to the end of the steering shaft 5 is pushed and pulled to adjust the longitudinal position of the steering wheel. As the steering wheel is pushed and pulled, the serration engagement portion 9 provided in the middle of the steering shaft 5 is displaced, and the outer side of the steering shaft 5 is
The inner column 3 provided via a pair of rolling bearings 7.8 is displaced in the front-rear direction.

However, in this case, in the telescoping steering column device of the present invention, since the inner diameter R of the outer column 2 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner column 3, bending of the steering shaft 5, etc. Even if a force is applied to push a part of the inner column 3 outward due to
There is no strong frictional force acting between the steering column 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the steering column 4, and the steering column 4 can be expanded and contracted with a light force.

That is, when the force pressing the locking member 16 against the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 3 is released, the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 3 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer column 2 are connected to the narrow diameter portion 22. Since the sliding contact is made only in a narrow area of the inner circumferential surface of the steering column 4, the steering column 4 can be extended and contracted with a light force as described above.

As mentioned above, when the front and back position of the steering wheel is adjusted as a result of displacing the inner column 3 with respect to the outer column 2, by operating the adjustment lever 1, the lock screws 18 (first to 2), and the lock member 16 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3 by the inner end surface of the lock screw 18 located around the protrusion 24. As a result, a strong frictional force acts between the inner surfaces 1, 6a of the locking member 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 3, and the inner column 3 is supported inside the outer column 2 without being able to be displaced. The steering wheel remains supported at the adjusted position.

In this way, the inner column 3 is compared to the outer column 2.
When fixed, as shown in FIG. This ensures that the inner column 3 is prevented from wobbling relative to the outer column 2 by contacting the outer column 3 at two positions: and the tip of the inner column 3 (the left end in FIGS. 1 and 2).

In this case, since a slight bending force corresponding to the inclination of the inner column 3 acts on the steering shaft 5 rotatably supported inside the inner column 3, a bending force is applied to the steering shaft 5, which is provided in the middle of the steering shaft 5. This prevents the serration engaging portion 9 from wobbling.

(Effects of the Invention) Since the telescoping steering column device of the present invention is configured and operates as described above, it is necessary to slide the inner column relative to the outer column due to bending of the steering shaft, etc. The force never increases,
Regardless of the bending of the steering shaft, the steering column can be expanded and contracted with light force.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figures 1 and 2 show examples of the present invention, with Figure 1 showing the state when the steering column is extended and retracted, and Figure 2 showing the state in which the inner column is fixed to the outer column, respectively. Fig. 3 is a side view of a steering device incorporating a telescoping steering column device, and Fig. 4 shows an example of a conventional telescoping steering column device. , a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 are views corresponding to the BB cross section in FIG. 3. 1: Adjustment lever, 2: Outer column, 3: Inner column, 4 Steering column, 5: Steering shaft, 7.8: Rolling bearing, 9: Serration engagement part,
10: Lock bracket, 11: Tension plate, 12:
Mounting plate part, 13: circular hole, 14: nut piece, 15: opening,
16; locking member, 16a: inner surface, 17: screw hole, 1
8: lock screw, 20: convex portion, 21: long hole, 22: narrow diameter portion, 23: through hole, 24: protruding portion.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) An outer column and an inner column, each of which is formed into a cylindrical shape and are combined with each other in a telescopic manner, and a tension plate part provided in a part of the middle part of the outer column on the side of the outer column. A lock bracket fixed in a protruding state, a screw hole provided in the center of the tension plate, and a side surface of the outer column,
An opening formed in a portion facing the screw hole and a locking member that abuts the outer peripheral surface of the inner column at the opening portion are screwed into the screw hole, and the inner end is attached to the locking member. In a telescoping steering column device, the inner diameter of the outer column is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner column, and , a small diameter part is formed at the end of the outer column, the inner diameter of which substantially matches the outer diameter of the inner column, and the inner circumferential surface of this small diameter part is brought into sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface of the middle part of the inner column. A telescoping steering column device featuring: