JP5929616B2 - Steering wheel position adjustment device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a position adjustment device for a steering wheel for adjusting at least one of a front / rear position and a vertical position of a steering wheel in accordance with a driver's physique and driving posture.

  The steering apparatus for an automobile is configured as shown in FIG. 9, and transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 in accordance with the rotation of the input shaft 3. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5, and the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with a cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. doing. 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 tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front / rear position according to the driver's physique and driving posture are widely known in the past. It has been. In order to constitute the tilt mechanism, the steering column 6 is supported with respect to the vehicle body 10 so as to be capable of swinging displacement about the pivot 11 installed in the left-right direction. Further, a displacement bracket 12 fixed to a portion near the rear end of the steering column 6 is supported with respect to a support bracket 13 supported on the vehicle body 10 so as to be able to be displaced in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. Among these, in order to configure a telescopic mechanism that enables displacement in the front-rear direction, the steering column 6 has a structure in which an outer column 14 and an inner column 15 are telescopically combined to expand and contract, and the steering shaft 5 The outer shaft 16 and the inner shaft 17 are combined with each other so as to be able to transmit torque and extend and contract by spline engagement or the like. Note that the illustrated example also incorporates an electric power steering apparatus that reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 18 as an auxiliary power source.

  When the tilt mechanism or telescopic mechanism is a manual structure excluding an electric type, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted or fixed at the adjusted position based on the operation of the adjustment lever. I am trying to do it. As for the structure of such a manual tilt mechanism and telescopic mechanism, various structures have been widely known and practiced. For example, in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 9, a telescopic adjustment long hole 19 that is long in the axial direction of the outer column 14, which is the front-rear position adjustment direction, is formed in the displacement bracket 12 fixed to the outer column 14. doing. The support bracket 13 includes a pair of support plate portions 20 that sandwich the displacement bracket 12 from both the left and right sides. The support plate portions 20 are aligned with each other at portions that are aligned with each other. An adjustment long hole 21 is formed. Both of these tilt adjusting long holes 21 are generally in a partial arc shape centered on the pivot 11. Then, an adjusting rod 22 is inserted into both the tilt adjusting long holes 21 and the telescopic adjusting long holes 19. The adjustment rod 22 is provided with a pair of pressing portions in a state where both the support plate portions 20 are sandwiched from both sides in the left-right direction, and operates based on an operation of an adjustment lever 23 (for example, see FIG. 10 described later). The expansion / contraction device can expand and contract the interval between the two pressing portions.

  When adjusting the vertical position or the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1, the distance between the pressing parts is increased by swinging the adjustment lever 23 in a predetermined direction (generally downward). As a result, the frictional force acting between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 20 and the outer side surfaces of the displacement bracket 12 is reduced. In this state, the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted within a range in which the adjusting rod 22 can be displaced within the tilt adjusting long holes 21 and the telescopic adjusting long holes 19. After adjustment, the adjustment lever 23 is swung in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (generally upward), thereby reducing the distance between the pressing parts. Accordingly, the frictional force is increased and the steering wheel 1 is held at the adjusted position.

  Further, the steering device described above is provided with the steering wheel 1 in order to relieve the impact load applied to the driver when a secondary collision occurs in which a driver's body hits the steering wheel 1 in the event of a collision. Has a function to allow the to move forward. For this purpose, specifically, a structure is employed in which the support bracket 13 is supported to the vehicle body 10 so as to be able to be detached forward by an impact during a secondary collision. In the case of the steering device having such a structure, if the force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position, that is, the holding force of the outer column 14 against the support bracket 13 is weak, a secondary collision occurs. The outer column 14 may move carelessly with respect to the support bracket 13. When the support bracket 13 is moved, the impact applied to the support bracket 13 changes, so that it may be difficult to design an impact absorbing mechanism based on the support bracket 13 being detached from the vehicle body 10.

  For example, in a telescopic steering device that adjusts the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1, when a secondary collision occurs in a state where the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 is the middle or rear end, the steering wheel 1 falls within the adjustable range. There is a possibility of moving to the front end position vigorously. Under such circumstances, the support bracket 13 is detached from the vehicle body 10 after the steering wheel 1 is displaced to the front end position. In this state, since this steering wheel 1 is in a state of being displaced violently forward, it is difficult to tune the detachment load required for detaching the support bracket 13 from the vehicle body 10.

  Further, in the tilt type steering device that adjusts the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, when a secondary collision occurs in a state where the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 is intermediate or lower end, the steering wheel 1 is adjusted at the upper end of the adjustable range. There is a possibility to move to the position vigorously. Under such circumstances, the positional relationship between the airbag inflated behind the steering wheel 1 and the driver's body may not necessarily be appropriate from the viewpoint of driver protection.

  On the other hand, in order to increase the holding force of the outer column 14 with respect to the support bracket 13 without increasing the operating amount and operating force of the adjusting lever 23, the number of friction surfaces for securing this holding force is set. It is preferable to increase. In view of such circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which the number of the friction surfaces is increased by overlapping the friction plates supported by the steering column and the friction plates supported by the support bracket in the left-right direction. Have been described. However, in the case of the structure described in Patent Document 1, a configuration is employed in which each friction plate is supported with respect to the steering column or the support bracket so as to be capable of only displacement in the left-right direction. For this reason, the number of friction plates required to increase the number of friction surfaces increases. Therefore, the increase in the lateral dimension, the number of parts, and the weight caused by increasing the friction surface increases.

[Explanation about undisclosed prior invention]
As a steering wheel position adjusting device considered in view of such circumstances, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-035139 has a structure as shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 to hold the steering wheel in the adjusted position with a small number of friction plates. A structure that increases the number of friction surfaces that contribute to this is disclosed. In the structure of the prior invention, the swing friction plates 24 and 24 are sandwiched between the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 20a and 20a constituting the support bracket 13a and the left and right outer surfaces of the displacement bracket 12a, respectively. Yes. The displacement bracket 12a is provided integrally with the outer column 14a on the lower side of the front end of the outer column 14a. Based on the presence of the slit 25 provided in the center portion in the width direction, the width dimension is extended and the outer bracket 14a is extended. The inner diameter of the front end of the column 14a can be elastically expanded / contracted. A telescopic steering column 6a is configured by fitting the rear end of the inner column 15a into the front end of the outer column 14a.

  The two oscillating friction plates 24, 24 support their rear end portions on the left and right outer surfaces of the displacement bracket 12a or the outer column 14a so as to be capable of oscillating displacement about the oscillating support shaft 26, respectively. doing. In addition, a guide long hole 27 is formed in an intermediate portion or a tip portion of the both oscillating friction plates 24 and 24. The swing support shaft 26 is provided at a position off the extension line of the guide long hole 27. The swing support shaft 26 is installed in the vertical direction formed on the support plate portions 20a and 20a on the extension line of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a formed in the displacement bracket 12a. The long tilt adjusting long holes 21a are out of the extension line of the 21a. And the adjustment rod 22a is inserted in these long holes 27, 19a, and 21a. Further, a pair of pressing portions 28a, 28b are provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the support plate portions 20a, 20a at both ends of the adjusting rod 22a. The adjustment lever 23 provided at one end of the adjustment rod 22a is rotated about the adjustment rod 22a, so that the distance between the pressing portions 28a and 28b can be enlarged or reduced. The expansion / contraction mechanism for expanding / contracting the distance between the pressing portions 28a, 28b by the rotation of the adjusting lever 23 includes a cam device including a driving cam and a driven cam, and a screw including a bolt and a nut. Various structures that are conventionally known, such as devices, can be employed.

  The installation position of the swing support shaft 26 and the length direction of each of the long holes 27, 19a, 21a are regulated as described above, and the adjusting rod 22a is inserted into each of the long holes 27, 19a, 21a. Therefore, even when the steering wheel is displaced in any direction, the both oscillating friction plates 24 and 24 are oscillated and displaced about the both oscillating support shafts 26. On the other hand, in a state where the distance between the pressing portions 28a and 28b is reduced so as to hold the steering wheel in the adjusted position, the swinging friction plates 24 and 24 are arranged on the left and right outer surfaces of the displacement bracket 12a. And between the support plate portions 20a and 20a. If it is attempted to move the front / rear position or the vertical position of the steering wheel from this state, the both side surfaces of the both oscillating friction plates 24, 24, the left and right outer surfaces of the displacement bracket 12a, and the both support plate portions 20a, It will rub against the inner surface of 20a strongly.

  For example, when the steering wheel is moved to the adjustable front end position, the swinging friction plate 24 assumes the posture shown in FIG. 11A, and when the steering wheel is positioned at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction, FIG. The posture shown in (B) of FIG. Although not shown, when the steering wheel is moved to an adjustable rear end position, the swing friction plate 24 swings further upward than the state (B). In short, when the steering wheel is to be moved from a state where the steering wheel is held at a desired position, the first, The second swing friction plates 24, 24 need to swing around the swing support shaft 26. For this reason, even with a small number of oscillating friction plates 24, 24, the force for holding the steering wheel in the adjusted position can be increased, and the driver protection during the secondary collision can be easily enhanced.

  As described above, the structure of the prior invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 is excellent, but the rocking friction plate 24 is largely swung in the vertical direction as the steering wheel is adjusted. Accordingly, considering that the rocking friction plate 24 does not hit the driver's knee regardless of the position of the steering wheel, the degree of freedom in design is reduced.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-035511

  The present invention has been invented to realize a structure capable of increasing the force for holding the steering wheel in the adjusted position while ensuring the degree of freedom of design in view of the circumstances as described above.

The steering wheel position adjustment device of the present invention includes a steering column, a displacement bracket, a column side through hole, a steering shaft, a support bracket, a vehicle body side through hole, an adjustment rod, a pair of pressing portions, And an adjustment lever.
Of these, the steering column is cylindrical.
The displacement bracket is fixed to a part of the steering column.
The column-side through hole is provided in the displacement bracket so as to penetrate the displacement bracket in the width direction.
The steering shaft is rotatably supported inside the steering column, and a steering wheel is supported and fixed to a rear end portion protruding from a rear end opening of the steering column.
The support bracket includes a pair of left and right support plate portions that sandwich the displacement bracket from the left and right sides, and is supported by the vehicle body.
Further, the vehicle body side through hole is provided in a portion where the both support plate portions are aligned with each other.
The adjustment rod is provided in a state of being inserted through the column side through hole and the both vehicle body side through holes in the width direction.
Further, the both pressing portions are provided at both end portions of the adjusting rod at portions protruding from the outer surfaces of the both supporting plate portions.
Further, the adjusting lever is provided at one end of the adjusting rod, and rotates around the adjusting rod (including a case where the adjusting lever rotates with the adjusting rod), thereby expanding or reducing the distance between the pressing portions. .
Then, at least one of the vehicle body side through hole and the column side through hole is a long adjustment hole which is long in a direction in which the position of the steering wheel should be adjustable.

In particular, in the case of the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention, in the portion between the side surface of one of the support plate portions and the counterpart member facing the side surface of the one support plate portion, The first and second oscillating friction plates are sandwiched with the first and second oscillating friction plates being overlapped with each other. As the steering wheel is adjusted, both the first and second oscillating friction plates oscillate one by one and do not oscillate at the same time ( different phases with respect to the steering wheel position adjustment direction). Oscillate with ) .

  When implementing the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above, preferably, the one support plate portion or the mating member is parallel to the adjusting rod as in the invention described in claim 2. A swing support shaft is provided. The base end portions of the first and second swing friction plates are pivotally supported on the swing support shaft. At the same time, the guide length provided in the first half (the front end portion to the intermediate portion) of the first and second swing friction plates sandwiched between the side surface of the one support plate portion and the counterpart member. The adjustment rod is engaged with the hole such that only the displacement along these guide long holes is possible. Then, by increasing the distance between the two pressing portions, the surface pressure of the contact portion between the side surface of the one supporting plate portion and the counterpart member that holds the first and second swing friction plates is reduced. When the adjustment rod is displaced along the long slot for adjustment in a lost state, the adjustment rod is displaced along the long guide holes. As a result, the first rocking friction plate is moved along with the displacement of the adjustment rod in a partial range of the range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced within the adjustment slot (the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted). The second oscillating friction plate does not oscillate while oscillating about the oscillating support shaft. On the other hand, in the same range, the first swing friction plate does not swing with the displacement of the adjustment rod, and the second swing friction plate swings about the swing support shaft.

  When the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, for example, as in the invention described in claim 3, the steering column is connected to the rear end portion of the inner column and the front end portion of the outer column. Is a telescopic steering column formed by fitting so as to allow relative displacement in the axial direction. The displacement bracket is provided in the outer column, and the column side through hole is a long hole for telescopic adjustment that is long in the axial direction of the outer column. The swing support shaft is provided on one side surface of the outer column in the width direction. And, in the partial range of the range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced in the telescopic adjustment long hole, the length direction of the portion of the guide long hole of the first oscillating friction plate engaged with the adjustment rod Alternatively, the tangential direction does not coincide with the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole, and the length direction or tangential direction of the engaging portion of the adjustment rod in the guide long hole of the second rocking friction plate The length direction of the long hole for telescopic adjustment coincides. On the other hand, in another range, the length direction or tangential direction of the engaging portion of the adjusting rod, and the length direction of the telescopic adjusting long hole in the guide long hole of the first swing friction plate And the length direction or tangential direction of the engaging portion of the adjusting rod in the guide long hole of the second rocking friction plate does not match the length direction of the telescopic adjusting long hole.

  Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 4, the front end portion of the steering column is supported with respect to the vehicle body so as to be capable of swinging displacement about a pivot axis parallel to the adjustment rod. Further, the vehicle body side through hole is a long hole for tilt adjustment which is long in the vertical direction, and the swing support shaft is provided on a side surface of the one support plate portion. A length direction of a portion of the guide long hole of the first swing friction plate engaged with the adjustment rod in a partial range of the range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced in the tilt adjustment long hole. Alternatively, the tangential direction does not coincide with the length direction or tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole, and the length direction of the engaging portion of the adjusting rod in the guide long hole of the second rocking friction plate or The tangential direction coincides with the length direction or tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole. Similarly, in other ranges, a length direction or a tangential direction of a portion of the guide swing hole of the first swing friction plate engaged with the adjustment rod, and a length direction or a tangential direction of the tilt adjustment slot And the length direction or tangential direction of the engagement portion of the adjustment rod and the length direction or tangential direction of the tilt adjustment long hole coincide with each other in the guide long hole of the second swing friction plate. do not do.

When the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention as described above is implemented, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 5, the adjustment rod can be displaced within the adjustment long hole. A range is provided in which both the first and second swing friction plates do not swing.
When the invention described in claim 5 is carried out, it is preferable that, as in the invention described in claim 6, the range in which the first and second oscillating friction plates do not oscillate is set within the steering wheel. Is a range from the state located at the end of the adjustable range to the state located at the middle part.

According to the steering wheel position adjusting device of the present invention configured as described above, after the steering wheel is adjusted regardless of the impact load applied to the steering wheel at the time of the secondary collision while ensuring the freedom of design. The force held at the position can be increased.
That is, in the case of the present invention, in a part of the range in which the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted, only the first swing friction plate swings and the second swing friction plate does not swing. On the other hand, in the same range, the first oscillating friction plate does not oscillate, and only the second oscillating friction plate oscillates. Therefore, the magnitude (oscillation angle) at which the first and second oscillating friction plates oscillate can be reduced as compared with the above-described structure of the previous invention, and the degree of freedom in design can be secured. .

The side view which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. The expanded aa sectional view of Drawing 1. A state (A) in which the steering wheel is moved to the rear end position of the adjustable range, a state (B) in which the steering wheel is moved to an intermediate position, and a state (C) in which the steering wheel is moved forward from the state shown in (B). The side view equivalent to the center part of FIG. 1 which abbreviate | omits and shows a support bracket in the state (D) moved to the front-end position, respectively. The figure similar to FIG. 3 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure similar to FIG. 3 which shows the 3rd example. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 4th example. Similarly, in the state (A) in which the steering wheel is moved to the lower end position of the adjustable range, the state (B) in which the steering wheel is moved to the intermediate position, and the state (C) in which the steering wheel is moved to the upper end position, respectively. The side view equivalent to the center part of FIG. 1 shown in the abbreviated state. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 5th example of embodiment of this invention. The partial cutting schematic side view which shows an example of the position adjustment apparatus of the steering wheel conventionally known. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows an example of the structure which concerns on a prior invention. Similarly, in the state (A) in which the steering wheel is moved to the front end position of the adjustable range and the state (B) in which the steering wheel is moved to the intermediate position, the support bracket is omitted and corresponds to the central portion of FIG. Side view.

[First example of embodiment]
1 to 3 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6. The steering wheel position adjusting device of this example is similar to the structure according to the previous invention described above. The steering column 6a, the displacement bracket 12a, the telescopic adjusting long hole 19a which is a column side through hole, the steering shaft 5a, , Support bracket 13a, tilt adjustment long holes 21a and 21a which are through holes on the vehicle body side, adjustment rod 22a, a pair of pressing portions 28a and 28b, adjustment lever 23, swing support shaft 26a, First and second swinging friction plates 29 and 30 are provided.
Among these, the steering column 6a is a telescopic steering column formed by fitting the rear end portion of the inner column 15a disposed on the front side and the front end portion of the outer column 14a disposed on the rear side so as to be capable of axial displacement. And the whole is cylindrical. The displacement bracket 12a is integrally formed with the outer column 14a by die-casting a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy. The displacement bracket 12a is capable of elastically expanding and contracting the entire width by a slit 25 formed at the center in the width direction. The telescopic adjustment long hole 19a is a part of the displacement bracket 12a, and is provided at a position that is aligned with the slit 25 so as to penetrate the displacement bracket 12a in the width direction.

  Further, the steering shaft 5a can transmit torque by spline engagement between the front end portion of the outer shaft 16a disposed on the rear side and the rear end portion of the inner shaft 17a disposed on the front side, and can expand and contract. Combining possible combinations. Such a steering shaft 5a has an intermediate portion rear end portion of the outer shaft 16a at the rear end portion of the outer column 14a, and an intermediate portion front end portion of the inner shaft 17a at the front end portion of the inner column 15a. Like single-row deep groove ball bearings, each is rotatably supported by a rolling bearing capable of hindering radial load and thrust load. Therefore, the steering shaft 5a expands and contracts with the expansion and contraction of the steering column 6a. A steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 9) is supported and fixed at a portion of the rear end portion of the outer shaft 16a protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the outer column 14a.

  The support bracket 13a is formed by bending a metal plate, such as a steel plate, which can ensure the required strength and rigidity. The mounting plate portion 31 for supporting the vehicle body, and the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 31. And a pair of support plate portions 20a, 20a that are parallel to each other. The distance between the inner side surfaces of the two support plate portions 20a and 20a substantially coincides with the sum of the width dimension of the displacement bracket 12a and the plate thickness of the first and second oscillating friction plates 29 and 30. Further, the long hole 21a for tilt adjustment is formed in a portion where both the support plate portions 20a and 20a are aligned with each other, and has a partial arc shape centering on a pivot 11a provided at the front end portion of the steering column 6a. is there. The support bracket 13a having such a configuration allows the vehicle body to drop forward due to an impact load applied to the vehicle body at the time of a secondary collision, but in a state where the steering column 6a can ensure sufficient rigidity in a normal state. To support.

  The adjustment rod 22a is provided in a state of being inserted through the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a and the tilt adjustment long hole 21a in the width direction. The pressing rods 28a and 28b are provided at both ends of the adjusting rod 22a and protruded from the outer surfaces of the supporting plate portions 20a and 20a. The interval between the portions 28a and 28b can be enlarged or reduced. The structure for enlarging / reducing the space between the pressing portions 28a, 28b by the adjusting lever 23 is not particularly limited. Any conventionally known screw type or cam type structure can be employed. Regardless of which structure is adopted, the adjusting lever 23 is provided at one end of the adjusting rod 22a, and rotates around the adjusting rod 22a, thereby expanding or reducing the distance between the pressing portions 28a, 28b.

  Further, the swing support shaft 26a is provided in parallel with the adjustment rod 22a on one side surface (left side surface in FIG. 2) of the outer column 14a, which is a portion that is displaced together with the displacement bracket 12a. Further, the installation position of the swing support shaft 26a is set to a position that is off the extension line of any of the long holes 19a and 21a of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a and the tilt adjustment long hole 21a. Specifically, the swing support shaft 26a is disposed above the extension line of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a and behind the extension line of the tilt adjustment long hole 21a.

  Further, the first and second oscillating friction plates 29, 30 can ensure the required strength and rigidity of a steel plate or the like, and are one side in the width direction of the displacement bracket 12a, A substantially elliptical flat plate member formed of a metal plate capable of increasing the friction coefficient of the contact portion with the inner surface of one of the support plate portions 20a, 20a (left side in FIG. 2) of the support plate portion 20a. It is. The first and second oscillating friction plates 29, 30 are overlapped with each other, and the rear upper part of each of the first and second oscillating friction plates 29, 30 is arranged between the first and second oscillating friction plates 29, 30. Oscillating displacement centering on the (single) oscillating support shaft 26a that is common to each other. The first oscillating friction plate 29 of the first and second oscillating friction plates 29 and 30 has an L-shaped first guide elongated hole 32 at the tip or intermediate portion, and the second oscillating friction plate. 30 has the crank-shaped 2nd guide long hole 33 in the front-end | tip part or intermediate part, respectively. The first and second oscillating friction plates 29 and 30 are overlapped with each other, and the front half that is the front half of each of the first and second oscillating friction plates 29 and 30 is disposed on one side surface of the displacement bracket 12a and the one support plate. The adjusting rod 22a is inserted into the first and second guide long holes 32 and 33 while being sandwiched between the inner surface of the portion 20a. The first and second guide long holes 32 and 33 are formed in a direction from a base end portion which is an end portion on the swing support shaft 26a side to a distal end which is an end portion on the opposite side to the swing support shaft 26a. The distance from the oscillating support shaft 26a is increased even a little at a time. That is, in the process in which the adjusting rod 22a is displaced along the first and second guide long holes 32 and 33 in accordance with the position adjustment of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction, The direction in which the distance from the shaft 26a changes (either in the extension direction or in the shortening direction) is not reversed. With this configuration, the swinging friction plates 29 and 30 can be swung and displaced when the steering column 6a is expanded and contracted.

  In the case of this example, when adjusting the front-rear position or the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, the adjustment lever 23 is swung in a predetermined direction to widen the distance between the pressing portions 28a, 28b. As a result, the inner diameter of the front end portion of the outer column 14a is elastically expanded based on the presence of the slit 25 of the displacement bracket 12a, and the outer peripheral portion of the front end portion of the outer column 14a and the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the inner column 15a. The surface pressure of the fitting portion with the surface is reduced or lost. At the same time, the contact portion between the outer surface of the first swing friction plate 29 and the inner surface of the one support plate portion 20a, the inner surface of the second swing friction plate 30 and the outer surface of the displacement bracket 12a. The contact portion, the contact surface pressure between the inner surface of the first swing friction plate 29 and the outer surface of the second swing friction plate 30, and the outer surfaces of the support plate portions 20a and 20a The surface pressures of the abutting portions with the inner surfaces of the pressing portions 28a and 28b are reduced or lost, respectively. Therefore, in this state, the position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted within a range in which the adjustment rod 22a can be displaced within the telescopic adjustment long holes 19a and the tilt adjustment long holes 21a, 21a.

  In the present example as described above, when the outer column 14a is displaced in the front-rear direction in order to adjust the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1, the first and second swing friction plates 29, 30 are Next, I will explain the movement. FIG. 3A shows a state where the steering wheel 1 is moved to an adjustable rear end position. In this state, the length direction of the first guide slot 32 of the first swing friction plate 29, the length direction of the second guide slot 33 of the second swing friction plate 30, and the telescopic adjustment slot 19a. The length direction is all consistent. Accordingly, when the outer column 14a is displaced forward from this state, the adjustment rod 22a is only displaced along the holes 19a, 32, 33 as shown in FIGS. Thus, the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 are not swung and displaced. In the state shown in FIG. 3B, the displacement bracket in which the adjusting rod 22a is moved in the rear direction (actually, the adjusting rod 22a remains at the same position and the telescopic adjusting long hole 19a is formed. 12a moves forward), the length direction of the first guide long hole 32 and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a coincide with each other at the portion where the adjustment rod 22a is engaged. On the other hand, the length direction of the second guide long hole 33 and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a do not coincide with each other. For this reason, when the outer column 14a is further displaced forward from the state shown in FIG. 3B, the first swing friction plate 29 is changed as shown in FIGS. However, the second swing friction plate 30 swings about the swing support shaft 26a. In the state shown in FIG. 3 (C), the length direction of the first guide long hole 32 and the telescopic adjustment at the part where the adjustment rod 22a is engaged with respect to the rear, which is the moving direction of the adjustment rod 22a. The length direction of the second guide long hole 33 and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a do not coincide with each other. Accordingly, when the outer column 14a is further displaced forward from the state shown in FIG. 3C and moved to the front end position, the first column as shown in FIG. While the swinging friction plate 29 swings around the swinging support shaft 26a, the second swinging friction plate 30 does not swing. On the other hand, when the outer column 14a is displaced rearward from the front end position to the rear end position, on the contrary to the case where the outer column 14a is displaced forward as described above, (D) → (C) → (B ) → (A), both the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 swing.

  According to the steering wheel position adjusting apparatus of the present example configured as described above, the steering wheel 1 is adjusted regardless of the impact load applied to the steering wheel 1 at the time of a secondary collision while ensuring the degree of freedom of design. The force held at the later position can be increased. That is, in the case of this example, similarly to the structure according to the previous invention described above, one side in the width direction of the displacement bracket 12a in a state where the adjustment lever 23 is operated and the distance between the pressing portions 28a, 28b is reduced. And the first and second swinging friction plates 29 and 30 are strongly sandwiched between the support plate portion 20a and the inner surface of one of the support plate portions 20a. As a result, the force (position holding force) for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position can be increased regardless of the forward impact load applied from the steering wheel 1 to the outer column 14a during the secondary collision.

  Furthermore, in the case of this example, with the position adjustment of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction, the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 swing one by one and do not swing simultaneously. For this reason, the swing angle of the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 can be suppressed to be smaller than that of the structure according to the previous invention, and the design of the steering wheel position adjusting device is free. The degree can be secured. In this example, the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 that swing and displace are provided only on one side in the width direction of the steering column 6a. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the steering wheel position adjusting device can be secured even in this case. Incidentally, the magnitude of the resistance against the oscillating displacement of both the oscillating friction plates 29, 30 based on the engagement between the adjusting rod 22a and the both guide elongated holes 32, 33 is the oscillating support shaft 26a. It can be adjusted by the inclination angle of the guide long holes 32 and 33 with respect to the tangential direction with respect to the circular arc centered at. Specifically, the resistance can be increased as the inclination angle is decreased.

  In the case of this example, when the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 is at the adjustable rear end position (the state shown in FIG. 3A), an impact load directed forward at the time of the secondary collision is applied. However, the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 do not tend to swing. Therefore, at the moment of occurrence of the secondary collision, the force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position cannot be increased as compared with the conventional structure shown in FIG. Same as the case). However, even in such a case, after the steering wheel 1 has moved to the intermediate position of the adjustable range {state shown in FIG. 3B}, the steering wheel 1 can be further displaced forward. The second rocking friction plate 30 needs to be swung, and resistance to displacement of the steering wheel 1 forward increases. That is, in the initial stage of the occurrence of the secondary collision, the resistance to the forward displacement of the steering wheel 1 can be reduced, and the resistance can be increased after the secondary collision has progressed to some extent. Therefore, although depending on other conditions such as the vehicle type, the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 is an adjustable rear end position, and even when the distance between the steering wheel 1 and the driver's body is short. The driver's body protection can be enhanced.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 4 also shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6. In the case of this example, the swing support shaft 26b that pivotally supports the first and second swing friction plates 29, 30 is located above the extension line of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a, and the tilt adjustment long hole 21a. It is installed in front of the extension line (see FIG. 1).

  In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the state where the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 9) is moved to the adjustable rear end position, the first guide length of the first swing friction plate 29 is obtained. The length direction of the hole 32 and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a do not coincide, and the length direction of the second guide long hole 33 of the second swing friction plate 30 and the telescopic adjustment length The length direction of the hole 19a coincides. Therefore, when the outer column 14a is displaced forward from this state, the first swing friction plate 29 swings about the swing support shaft 26b as shown in FIGS. In contrast, the second swing friction plate 30 does not swing. In the state shown in FIG. 4B, the length direction of the first guide long hole 32 and the telescopic adjustment for the rear of the adjustment rod 22a in the moving direction of the adjustment rod 22a. While the length direction of the long hole 19a coincides with each other, the length direction of the second guide long hole 33 and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a do not coincide with each other. For this reason, when the outer column 14a is further displaced forward from the state shown in FIG. 4B, the first swing friction plate 29 is changed as shown in FIGS. However, the second oscillating friction plate 30 oscillates. In the state shown in FIG. 4C, the first guide elongated hole 32 and the second guide elongated hole 33 of the portion with which the adjusting rod 22a is engaged with respect to the rear in the moving direction of the adjusting rod 22a. The length direction and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19a all coincide. Therefore, when the outer column 14a is further displaced forward from the state shown in FIG. 4C to the front end position, as shown in FIG. Both the second oscillating friction plates 29 and 30 are not oscillated and displaced. On the other hand, when the outer column 14a is displaced rearward from the front end position to the rear end position, in contrast to the case where it is displaced forward as described above, (D) → (C) → (B ) → (A), both the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 swing.

In the case of the steering wheel position adjusting apparatus of this example as well, as in the case of the first example of the above-described embodiment, the first and second both oscillating friction plates 29 and 30 are each oscillated. Move, but not swing at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position regardless of the impact load applied to the steering wheel 1 at the time of the secondary collision while ensuring the degree of design freedom.
In the case of this example, the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 is set to an adjustable rear end position {state shown in FIG. 4A} to intermediate position {state shown in FIG. 4B}. At some point, the force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position can be increased. For this reason, although it depends on the type of the vehicle, at the moment of occurrence of the secondary collision, the support bracket 13a (see FIGS. 1 and 2) holding the outer column 14a is detached to be detached from the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 9). The load can be easily tuned.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the first example of the embodiment described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Third example of embodiment]
FIG. 5 also shows a third example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6. In the case of this example, the displacement bracket 12b is provided above the outer column 14b. The swing support shaft 26c that pivotally supports the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 is located below the extension line of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19b, and the tilt adjustment long hole 21a (FIG. 1). It is installed in front of the extended line (see below).

In the case of this example, as in the case of the second example of the embodiment described above, the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 9) is moved to the adjustable rear end position {the state shown in FIG. }, The length direction of the first guide long hole 32 of the first swing friction plate 29 does not coincide with the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19b, and the length of the second guide long hole 33 is long. The direction coincides with the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19b. Accordingly, when the outer column 14a is displaced forward from this state, the first swing friction plate 29 swings about the swing support shaft 26b as shown in FIGS. In contrast, the second swing friction plate 30 does not swing. In the state shown in FIG. 5B, the length direction of the first guide long hole 32 and the telescopic adjustment are the portions where the adjustment rod 22a is engaged with the rear in the moving direction of the adjustment rod 22a. While the length direction of the long hole 19b coincides with each other, the length direction of the second guide long hole 33 and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19b do not coincide with each other. For this reason, when the outer column 14a is further displaced forward from the state shown in FIG. 5B, the first swing friction plate 29 is changed as shown in FIGS. However, the second oscillating friction plate 30 oscillates. In the state shown in FIG. 5C, the first guide slot 32 and the second guide slot 33 of the part where the adjusting rod 22a engages with respect to the rear, which is the moving direction of the adjusting rod 22a, are formed. The length direction and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole 19b all coincide. Therefore, when the outer column 14a is further displaced forward from the state shown in FIG. 5C to the front end position, as shown in FIG. Both the second oscillating friction plates 29 and 30 are not oscillated and displaced. On the other hand, when the outer column 14a is displaced rearward from the front end position to the rear end position, in contrast to the case where it is displaced forward as described above, (D) → (C) → (B ) → (A), both the first and second swing friction plates 29 and 30 swing.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the second example of the embodiment described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
FIGS. 6-7 has shown the 4th example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claim 1, 2, and 4. FIG. In the case of this example, the inner surface of one pressing portion 28a of the pair of pressing portions 28a, 28b and the supporting plate portion 20a of one of the pair of supporting plate portions 20a, 20a (left side in FIG. 6). 1st and 2nd rocking | fluctuation friction plates 29a and 30a are pinched in the state which mutually overlap | superposed between the outer side surfaces. The base end portions (upper end portions) of the first and second swing friction plates 29a and 30a are pivotally supported on a swing support shaft 26d provided on the outer surface of the one support plate portion 20a. Further, the first and second guide long holes 32a and 33a of the first and second swing friction plates 29a and 30a are formed in accordance with the vertical position adjustment of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 9). The distance from the swinging support shaft 26d becomes longer in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of both guide long holes 32a and 33a. In the case of this example, the first and second swing friction plates 29a and 30a do not swing simultaneously with the adjustment of the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 9), but swing either one by one. .

  That is, in the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the steering wheel 1 is moved to the adjustable lower end position, the first guide slot 32a of the first swing friction plate 29a The tangential direction and the tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole 21a coincide with each other, whereas the tangential direction of the second guide long hole 33a of the second rocking friction plate 30a and the tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole 21a. Does not match. Accordingly, when the outer column 14a (see FIG. 1) is displaced upward from this state and the adjustment rod 22a is raised, the first swing friction plate 29a is moved as shown in FIGS. While not swinging, the second swing friction plate 30a swings about the swing support shaft 26d. In the state shown in FIG. 7B, the tangential direction of the first guide long hole 32a and the tilt adjusting portion are engaged with the adjusting rod 22a with respect to the upper direction in which the adjusting rod 22a moves. The tangential direction of the long hole 21a does not coincide with each other, and similarly, the tangential direction of the second guide long hole 33a and the tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole 21a coincide with each other. For this reason, when the outer column 14a is further displaced upward from the state shown in FIG. 7B to the upper end position, as shown in FIG. The first swing friction plate 29a swings, and the second swing friction plate 30a swings. On the other hand, when the outer column 14a is displaced backward from the upper end position to the lower end position, contrary to the above-described upward displacement, (C) → (B) → (A) in FIG. The first and second swing friction plates 29a and 30a swing in this order.

As described above, in the case of the present example, as the steering wheel 1 is adjusted in the vertical position, the first and second oscillating friction plates 29a and 30a are replaced with the first and second oscillating friction plates 29a and 30a. Either one of them will swing, but will not swing at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position regardless of the impact load applied to the steering wheel 1 at the time of the secondary collision while ensuring the degree of design freedom.
Since the configuration and operation of other parts are the same as those in the first example of the above-described embodiment, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 8 shows a fifth example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1 to 6. In the case of this example, one side in the width direction of the displacement bracket 12a (left side in FIG. 8) and the inner side of one of the pair of support plate 20a, 20a (left side in FIG. 8) Between the first and second swing friction plates 29, 30 between the inner surface of one of the pressing portions 28a and 28b and the outer surface of the one supporting plate portion 20a. The first and second oscillating friction plates 29a and 30a are sandwiched in a state where they are overlapped with each other.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the first example of the above-described embodiment and the fourth example of the above-described embodiment, overlapping illustration and description are omitted.

The present invention is not limited to a tilt / telescopic steering device capable of adjusting the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel as in the illustrated embodiment, or as a telescopic steering device capable of adjusting only the front / rear position, or Also, it can be implemented as a tilt steering device that can adjust only the vertical position.
Further, the present invention and the structure according to the above-described invention can be implemented in combination. In short, for example, in the structure of the first example of the above-described embodiment, the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 9) is vertically moved between the outer surface of one support plate portion 20a and the inner surface of the pressing portion 28a. Along with the position adjustment in the direction, a swing friction plate that swings in the entire range of the position adjustment may be held. However, with respect to the oscillating friction plate that oscillates over this entire range, it is preferable to keep the oscillating angle small by appropriately regulating the inclination angle of the guide slot.

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 Car body 11, 11a Axis 12, 12a Displacement bracket 13, 13a Support bracket 14, 14a , 14b Outer column 15, 15a, 15b Inner column 16, 16a Outer shaft 17, 17a Inner shaft 18 Electric motor 19, 19a, 19b Telescopic adjustment long hole 20, 20a Support plate portion 21, 21a Tilt adjustment long hole 22, 22a Adjustment rod 23 Adjustment lever 24 Oscillating friction plate 25 Slit 26, 26a to 26d Oscillation support shaft 27 Guide long hole 28a, 28b Pressing portion 29, 29a First oscillation friction plate 30, 30a Second oscillation friction plate 1 mounting plate portion 32,32a first guide slot 33,33a second guide slot

Claims (6)

A cylindrical steering column;
A displacement bracket fixed to a part of the steering column;
In this displacement bracket, a column side through hole provided in a state of penetrating the displacement bracket in the width direction,
A steering shaft for supporting and fixing a steering wheel to a rear end portion protruding from a rear end opening of the steering column in a state of being rotatably supported inside the steering column;
A pair of left and right support plate portions sandwiching the displacement bracket from both left and right sides, and a support bracket supported by the vehicle body;
A vehicle body side through hole provided in a portion of the two support plate portions aligned with each other;
An adjustment rod provided in a state of inserting both the vehicle body side through hole and the column side through hole in the width direction;
A pair of pressing portions provided at portions projecting from the outer surfaces of the support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod;
An adjustment lever that is provided at one end of the adjustment rod, and that expands and contracts the distance between the pressing parts by rotating around the adjustment rod;
A steering wheel position adjusting device in which at least one of the vehicle body side through hole and the column side through hole is a long adjustment hole which is long in a direction in which the position of the steering wheel should be adjustable. In
The first and second oscillating friction plates are provided between the side surfaces of one of the support plate portions and the counterpart member facing the side surface of the one support plate portion. The second and second oscillating friction plates are held in a state where they are overlapped with each other. As the steering wheel is adjusted , either the first or second oscillating friction plate oscillates one by one. A steering wheel position adjusting device characterized by not swinging at the same time .   The one support plate portion or the counterpart member is provided with a swing support shaft parallel to the adjustment rod, and the first and second swing friction plates have their base end portions supported by the swing support shaft. The adjustment rods are supported in guide long holes provided in the front half portions of the guide plate and supported between the side surfaces of the one support plate and the mating member. The displacement of the first support plate portion sandwiching the first and second oscillating friction plates and the side surfaces of the first and second swinging friction plates are increased by widening the distance between the two pressing portions. When the adjustment rod is displaced along the adjustment slot while the surface pressure of the contact portion with the mating member is reduced or lost, the adjustment rod is displaced along the guide slots. Out of the range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced within the adjustment slot. In part of the range, the first oscillating friction plate oscillates about the oscillating support shaft as the adjustment rod is displaced, whereas the second oscillating friction plate does not oscillate, The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the first swing friction plate does not swing with the displacement of the adjustment rod, and the second swing friction plate swings. The steering column is a telescopic steering column formed by fitting a front end portion of an outer column to a rear end portion of an inner column so that relative displacement in an axial direction is possible, and the displacement bracket is provided on the outer column. The column side through hole is a telescopic adjustment long hole that is long in the axial direction of the outer column, and the swing support shaft is provided on one side surface in the width direction of the outer column,
In a part of the range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced within the telescopic adjustment long hole, the length direction or tangent of the portion of the guide long hole of the first rocking friction plate engaged with the adjustment rod The direction and the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole do not coincide with each other, the length direction or the tangential direction of the engaging portion of the adjustment rod in the guide long hole of the second rocking friction plate, By matching the length direction of the telescopic adjustment slot, only the first oscillating friction plate of the first and second oscillating friction plates is oscillated and displaced,
Similarly, in another range, the length direction or the tangential direction of the engagement portion of the adjustment rod in the guide long hole of the first swing friction plate is matched with the length direction of the telescopic adjustment long hole. The length direction or tangential direction of the engaging portion of the adjusting rod in the guide long hole of the second rocking friction plate does not coincide with the length direction of the telescopic adjusting long hole, thereby The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein only the second oscillating friction plate of the first and second oscillating friction plates is oscillating and displaced. The front end portion of the steering column is supported to the vehicle body so as to be able to swing and swing about a pivot parallel to the adjustment rod, and the vehicle body side through hole is a long adjustment hole for tilt adjustment. The swing support shaft is provided on a side surface of the one support plate part,
In a part of the range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced in the tilt adjustment long hole, the length direction or tangent of the portion of the guide long hole of the first rocking friction plate engaged with the adjustment rod The length direction or tangential direction of the portion of the guide rocking hole of the second rocking friction plate that engages with the adjusting rod without matching the direction with the length direction or tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole And by matching the length direction or tangential direction of the tilt adjusting slot, only the first oscillating friction plate of the first and second oscillating friction plates is oscillated and displaced,
Similarly, in another range, a length direction or a tangential direction of a portion of the guide swing hole of the first swing friction plate engaged with the adjustment rod, and a length direction or a tangential direction of the tilt adjustment slot. The length direction or tangential direction of the engaging portion of the adjusting rod in the guide long hole of the second rocking friction plate matches the length direction or tangential direction of the tilt adjusting long hole. 4. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein only the second oscillating friction plate of the first and second oscillating friction plates is oscillated and displaced by not performing the operation. .   5. The range according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a range in which the first and second swing friction plates do not swing is provided in a range in which the adjustment rod can be displaced in the adjustment slot. The steering wheel position adjusting device described in the above item.   The range in which both the first and second swing friction plates do not swing is the range from the state where the steering wheel is positioned at the end of the adjustable range to the state where the steering wheel is also positioned in the middle. The steering wheel position adjusting device according to claim 5.

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