JP2011006056A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device which facilitates a work for manufacturing and assembling an engaging part of an outer column and a clamp member, and is less liable to deterioration when unclamping the clamp member.SOLUTION: In this steering device, since an energizing force of a plate spring 86 always acts on the clamp members 8A, 8B, play does not occur between the clamp members 8A, 8B and the outer column 1 and a feeling of operation is not worsened when unclamping the clamp members 8A, 8B during tilt telescopic release. Furthermore, it does well with clearance-fit for performing mutual fitting of engaging projections 83A, 83B and engaging recessed parts 12A, 12B, and the manufacture of the engaging parts becomes easy and manufacturing cost can be reduced because a function of the engaging parts does not cause a great problem even if its dimensional error is large.

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering device, in particular, an outer column and an inner column that are slidably fitted in an axial direction, thereby adjusting a telescopic position of the steering wheel, or causing a collapsing movement of the steering wheel during a secondary collision. The present invention relates to a steering device that absorbs a load.

  There is a steering device in which an outer column and an inner column are slidably fitted in an axial direction to adjust a telescopic position of a steering wheel or absorb an impact load at the time of a secondary collision. In such a steering device, the distance bracket for clamping the inner column by reducing the diameter of the outer column is formed integrally with the outer column.

  For example, in the case of an outer column made of a steel pipe, a press-formed distance bracket is welded to the outer column and fixed integrally. In addition, there is also an outer column and a distance bracket that are integrally formed by aluminum die casting. However, in the conventional configuration in which the distance bracket is welded to the outer column or integrally formed by die casting, the structure of the outer column becomes complicated, resulting in a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

  In the steering device of Patent Document 1, the outer column and the clamp member are formed by forming the outer column and the clamp member (distance bracket) as separate parts, and press-fitting the engagement protrusion of the clamp member into the engagement recess of the outer column. This simplifies the structure and reduces manufacturing costs. However, the steering device of Patent Document 1 requires strict dimensional accuracy for press-fitting the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess with an appropriate interference in order to assemble the clamp member and the outer column without backlash. Further, when the clamp member is unclamped due to wear of the press-fitting portions of the engaging protrusions and the engaging recesses, there is a possibility that the press-fitting portion is loose and the operational feeling is lowered.

JP 2006-69524 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering device that is easy to manufacture and assemble an engagement portion between an outer column and a clamp member, and is less likely to play when the clamp member is unclamped.

  The above problem is solved by the following means. That is, the first invention is an inner column, a hollow outer column that is fitted on the inner column so as to be relatively slidable in the axial direction, and has a slit formed over a predetermined length in the axial direction. A vehicle body mounting bracket that can be attached to the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket, and an engagement protrusion that engages with an engagement recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, A pair of left and right clamp members having an inner peripheral surface that holds the outer peripheral surface of the column, a connecting member that engages with the pair of clamp members, and presses the clamp member against the outer peripheral surface of the outer column; Tighten the left and right side plates and reduce the diameter of the outer column via the clamp member so that it cannot move relative to the outer column in the axial direction. A steering device characterized by comprising a clamping device for clamping the inner column.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the steering device of the first aspect, a gap in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the clamp member that holds the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. A steering device characterized in that a relief surface is formed.

  A third invention is the steering device according to the first invention, wherein the engaging projection is a projection elongated in the axial direction of the outer column.

  A fourth invention is the steering device according to the first invention, wherein the engagement protrusion is a protrusion that is long in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer column.

  A fifth invention is characterized in that, in the steering device of the first invention, the engagement protrusion of the clamp member engages with an engagement recess formed in an outer peripheral surface of the outer column with a clearance fit. Steering apparatus.

  A sixth invention is the steering device according to the first invention, wherein the connecting member is an urging member that presses the clamp member against an outer peripheral surface of the outer column.

  A seventh invention is the steering device according to the sixth invention, wherein the urging member is a leaf spring.

  An eighth invention is the steering device according to the sixth invention, wherein the urging member is a plurality of wire springs.

  According to a ninth invention, in the steering device according to any of the seventh to eighth inventions, the biasing member includes an arc portion having a larger radius of curvature than the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, and the arc portion. Engagement grooves formed in the clamp member, each of which is formed by a straight portion formed at each end of the straight portion and a bent portion formed at the tip of the straight portion and bent toward the axial center of the outer column. The steering device is characterized in that the bent portion is engaged to form a sub-assembled product in which the urging member and the clamp member are integrated.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is the steering apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention, wherein the bent portion is bent at an acute angle from the straight portion toward the axial center of the outer column. .

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is the steering device according to any of the seventh to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the biasing member is on the vehicle body lower side of the outer column and the pair of clamp members is on the vehicle body lower side. The steering device is characterized in that both ends thereof are respectively engaged with the lower surface of the outer member and the clamp member is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the outer column.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is the steering device according to any of the seventh to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the biasing member is on the vehicle body lower side of the outer column and the pair of clamp members is on the vehicle body front side. And a rear side of the vehicle body are engaged with each other, and a clamp member is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the outer column.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the steering device according to any of the seventh to eighth aspects of the present invention, the biasing member is formed with a protrusion that constantly contacts the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. This is a featured steering apparatus.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the steering device according to any one of the seventh to eighth aspects, the urging member is provided with a buffer member that constantly contacts the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. A steering apparatus characterized by the above.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the steering device according to any of the seventh to eighth aspects, the biasing member includes an arc portion having a larger radius of curvature than the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, and the arc portion. A steering device characterized by comprising a straight part formed at each end of each of the first and second parts, wherein the straight part is fixed to the clamp member with a bolt, and the biasing member and the clamp member are integrated. is there.

  A steering device according to the present invention includes a pair of left and right clamp members having an engagement protrusion that engages with an engagement recess formed on an outer peripheral surface of an outer column, and an inner peripheral surface that holds the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. The biasing member is provided as a connecting member that engages with the pair of clamp members and presses the clamp member to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column.

  Therefore, the engagement protrusion can be easily engaged with the engagement recess, and the urging force of the urging member always acts on the clamp member, so that the clamp member can be firmly fixed to the outer column. In addition, since the urging force of the urging member always acts on the clamp member, there is no play between the clamp member and the outer column when the clamp member is unclamped when the tilt / telescopic release is released, and the operational feeling is reduced. Also does not happen.

  Further, in the steering device according to the present invention, a clearance surface having a clearance in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the clamp member, so that accuracy is required when molding the clamp member. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the clamp member can be reduced.

  Further, the steering device according to the present invention can be handled as a sub-assembly in which the urging member and the clamp member are integrated by engaging the bent portion of the urging member with the engagement groove formed in the clamp member. Therefore, the work of assembling the clamp member becomes efficient.

1 is an overall view of a steering device of the present invention. It is the perspective view of the principal part which looked at the steering apparatus of Example 1 of this invention from the vehicle body rear side. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the state which assembled | attached the clamp member to the outer column of FIG. 2, and was seen from the vehicle body rear side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer column alone shown in FIG. 4, with the surface on the vehicle body lower side facing upward and viewed from the vehicle body rear side. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. It is the P section expanded sectional view of FIG. It is Q arrow view of FIG. It is a perspective view showing a clamp member simple substance of Example 1 of the present invention, and showing a clamp member on the left side as seen from the vehicle body rear side among a pair of left and right clamp members. FIG. 10 is a view on arrow R in FIG. It is a front view which shows the leaf | plate spring single-piece | unit of Example 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the sub assembly | attachment goods which assembled | attached the leaf | plate spring of FIG. 11 to the clamp member. It is the perspective view which showed the state just before assembling the sub assembly | attachment goods which assembled | attached the leaf | plate spring of FIG. 12 to the clamp member to the outer column, and was seen from the vehicle body rear side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram viewed from an arrow S in FIG. 14 and corresponding to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a clamp member is assembled to an outer column of Example 3 of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the clamp member alone of FIG. 16 and showing the left clamp member as seen from the rear side of the vehicle body among the pair of left and right clamp members. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which assembled | attached the clamp member to the outer column of Example 4 of this invention, and is FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a clamp member is assembled to an outer column according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 20 is a bottom view as seen from the vehicle body lower side in FIG. 19. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which a clamp member is assembled to an outer column of Example 6 of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 22 is a view as viewed in the direction of arrow T in FIG. 21, corresponding to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a clamp member is assembled to an outer column according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 23, corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a clamp member is assembled to an outer column according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 25, which is a sectional view cut along a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the outer column. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the ninth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 28 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow U in FIG. 27, and is a view corresponding to FIG.

  In the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a tilt / telescopic steering device that adjusts both the tilt position and the telescopic position of a steering wheel will be described.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall view of a steering device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the steering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an upper steering shaft 41 having a steering wheel 5 attached to the rear side of the vehicle body (the right side in FIG. 1) is rotatably supported in the hollow cylindrical outer column 1. Yes. An inner column 2 is fitted to the outer column 1 on the front side of the vehicle body (left side in FIG. 1) so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The outer column 1 is attached to the vehicle body 6 by an upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3.

  A lower-side vehicle body mounting bracket 7 is attached to the vehicle body 6 on the vehicle body front side of the inner column 2, and a bracket 21 fixed to the vehicle body front side of the inner column 2 is attached to the lower-side vehicle body mounting bracket 7 on the tilt center axis 211. It is pivotally supported so that it can tilt.

  A lower steering shaft 42 is rotatably supported on the inner column 2, the lower steering shaft 42 is spline-fitted with the upper steering shaft 41, and the rotation of the upper steering shaft 41 is transmitted to the lower steering shaft 42.

  The left end of the lower steering shaft 42 is connected to the intermediate shaft 72 via the upper universal joint 71, and the left end of the intermediate shaft 72 is connected to the pinion shaft 74 via the lower universal joint 73. The left end of the pinion shaft 74 is connected to the steering gear 75, and the rotation of the steering wheel 5 is transmitted to the steering gear 75, so that the steering angle of the wheel can be changed.

  3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a clamp member is assembled to the outer column of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer column alone shown in FIG. 4, with the surface on the vehicle body lower side facing upward and seen from the vehicle body rear side. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a P portion of FIG. 6, and FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows a single clamp member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a left clamp member as seen from the rear side of the vehicle body among a pair of left and right clamp members. FIG. 10 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a front view showing a single plate spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a sub-assembled product in which the leaf spring of FIG. 11 is assembled to the clamp member. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sub-assembled product obtained by assembling the leaf spring of FIG. 12 to the clamp member immediately before being assembled to the outer column, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of left and right flange portions 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B for attaching the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 to the vehicle body 6 are formed on the upper portion of the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3. A pair of left and right clamp members 8A and 8B are sandwiched between the inner side surfaces 321A and 321B of the left and right side plates 32A and 32B that are formed integrally with the flange portions 31A and 31B and extend in the vertical direction so as to be telescopically movable and tilted. Has been.

  The clamp members 8A and 8B are composed of a pair of members having a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis 18 of the outer column 1, and are inside the clamp members 8A and 8B (on the central axis 18 side of the outer column 1). Arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces (inner peripheral surfaces) 82 </ b> A and 82 </ b> B formed on the outer column 1 surround the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1.

  On the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B, rectangular engagement protrusions 83A and 83B that are long in the axial direction are integrally formed on a horizontal line passing through the central axis 18 of the outer column 1. Yes. The engaging protrusions 83A and 83B are formed radially toward the center of the outer column 1. Engaging recesses 12A and 12B are formed in the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 so as to penetrate the inner peripheral surface 13, and the engaging protrusions 83A and 83B of the clamp members 8A and 8B are fitted into the engaging recesses 12A and 12B. ing. The fit between the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B is a clearance fit.

  The outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 8A and 8B by the engagement between the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B. Further, when the outer column 1 is telescopically adjusted with respect to the inner column 2, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 8A and 8B can be integrally slid in the axial direction. If a bush having a small friction coefficient is interposed between the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer column 1 and the outer peripheral surface 25 of the inner column 2, the outer column 1 can be moved with a light force with respect to the inner column 2. . There may be no bush having a small friction coefficient interposed between the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer column 1 and the outer peripheral surface 25 of the inner column 2. In order to move the outer column 1 with respect to the inner column 2 with a light force, at least one of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer column 1 and the outer peripheral surface 25 of the inner column 2 is coated with a low friction material. Also good.

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 10, the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B are provided on the lower end of the vehicle body of the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B. 84A for positively abutting 11 (FIGS. 7 and 10 show only the left clamp member 8A of the pair of left and right clamp members as viewed from the rear of the vehicle body), 84B is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 1 is disposed between the contact surfaces 84A and 84B and the engaging protrusions 83A and 83B on the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B. 11, relief surfaces 85 </ b> A and 85 </ b> B having a radial gap δ are formed. Accordingly, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are molded, the areas of the contact surfaces 84A and 84B that require accuracy are reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the clamp members 8A and 8B can be reduced.

  Further, the most effective position for firmly holding the clamp members 8A and 8B on the outer column 1 by forming the contact surfaces 84A and 84B for positively contacting the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. Thus, the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82 </ b> A and 82 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. In the first embodiment, the contact surfaces 84A and 84B are formed at the vehicle body lower ends of the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B, but the contact surfaces 84A and 84B are arbitrary ones of the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B. It can be arranged at a position on the circumference. Since the outer column 1 is formed with slits 14, the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 tends to expand in the vicinity of the slits 14. Therefore, it is preferable to form the contact surfaces 84A and 84B apart from the slit 14 because the parallelism between the outer surfaces 87A and 87B of the clamp members 8A and 8B is easily obtained.

  The clamp members 8A and 8B may have the same shape that can be used regardless of whether they are arranged on the left or right. The clamp members 8A and 8B are formed by a die casting method in which a molten metal such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy is press-fitted into a mold. The clamp members 8A and 8B are preferably formed by separate left and right parts because machining after casting can be omitted as compared with the case of forming them integrally. The material of the clamp members 8A and 8B may be resin or sintered metal.

  Next, a connecting member that presses the clamp members 8A and 8B against the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 will be described. In the first embodiment, one leaf spring (biasing member) 86 having a wide width in the axial direction of the outer column 1 is used as a connecting member. FIG. 11 is a front view showing the free state of the leaf spring 86. As shown in FIG. 11, the leaf spring 86 includes an arc portion 861, straight portions 862 and 862, and bent portions 863 and 863.

  That is, the arc portion 861 is formed in an arc shape centering on the central axis 18 of the outer column 1. The straight portions 862 and 862 are formed to extend from both ends of the arc portion 861 in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 11) to the vehicle body lower side (lower side in FIG. 11). The bent portions 863 and 863 are formed at the lower ends of the straight portions 862 and 862 on the vehicle body lower side.

  The radius of curvature of the arc portion 861 is slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. Further, the bent portions 863 and 863 are bent at an angle of 90 degrees (right angle) with respect to the straight portions 862 and 862 from the lower ends of the straight portions 862 and 862 toward the central axis 18 side of the outer column 1. . As shown in FIG. 11, in the free state of the leaf spring 86, the distance in the vehicle width direction (the distance in the left-right direction in FIG. 11) L3 of the straight portions 862, 862 goes to the vehicle body lower side (the lower side in FIG. 11). It is formed so as to become gradually narrower. That is, the straight portions 862 and 862 are formed to be inclined at an angle α on the vehicle body lower side with respect to a plane parallel to a vertical plane passing through the central axis 18 of the outer column 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the axial width of the leaf spring 86 is W1. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B are formed on the outer surfaces 87A and 87B of the clamp members 8A and 8B. The rectangular grooves 88A and 88B have an axial width of W2 and are formed so as to be retracted to the central axis 18 side of the outer column 1 from the outer surfaces 87A and 87B.

  The width W2 of the rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B is slightly wider than the width W1 of the leaf spring 86, and the straight portions 862 and 862 are fitted into the rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B with a proper clearance fit. The depth T1 of the rectangular grooves 88A and 88B is slightly larger than the plate thickness T2 of the straight portions 862 and 862.

  As shown in FIG. 7, contact surfaces 881A and 881B are formed at the vehicle body lower ends of the rectangular grooves 88A and 88B. The contact surfaces 881A and 881B have a very small area, and positively contact the lower end of the inner surface 8621 of the straight portions 862 and 862 (FIG. 7 shows a pair of left and right clamp members as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body. Only the left clamp member 8A is shown).

  Engagement grooves 883A and 883B are formed at the vehicle body lower ends of the contact surfaces 881A and 881B, and the bent portions 863 and 863 at the lower ends of the straight portions 862 and 862 are engaged. The depth of the engagement grooves 883A and 883B in the vehicle width direction is formed to be slightly larger than the length of the bent portions 863 and 863 in the vehicle width direction.

  Further, flank surfaces 882A and 882B are formed in the rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B. The flank surfaces 882A and 882B are formed on the vehicle body upper side (the upper side in FIG. 7) of the contact surfaces 881A and 881B, and have a clearance β in the vehicle width direction between the linear surfaces 862 and 862 and the inner side surface 8621. .

  Therefore, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are molded, the area of the contact surfaces 881A and 881B that require accuracy is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the clamp members 8A and 8B can be reduced. Further, by forming the contact surfaces 881A and 881B for positively contacting the inner surfaces 8621 of the straight portions 862 and 862, the urging force of the leaf spring 86 is set at the most effective position of the clamp members 8A and 8B. Can be granted.

  In order to assemble the clamp members 8A and 8B to the outer column 1, first, the leaf spring 86 is joined to and integrated with the clamp members 8A and 8B to make a sub-assembly. That is, the straight portions 862 and 862 of the leaf spring 86 are inserted into the rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B of the clamp members 8A and 8B, and the bent portions 863 and 863 are engaged with the engaging grooves 883A and 883B.

  Then, the urging force of the leaf spring 86 acts on the contact surfaces 881A and 881B from the straight portions 862 and 862, and the clamp members 8A and 8B are perpendicular to the central axis 18 of the outer column 1 as shown in FIG. It is inclined by an angle α toward the central axis 18 with respect to a plane parallel to the plane.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the leaf spring 86 is coupled to the clamp members 8A and 8B and integrated, the leaf spring 86 and the clamp members 8A and 8B are arranged in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the paper surface of FIG. The relative movement in three directions in the orthogonal direction is restricted and combined. Therefore, the leaf spring 86 and the clamp members 8A and 8B can be managed, transported and assembled as an integrated sub-assembly, and the work of assembling the clamp members 8A and 8B becomes efficient.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the sub-assembled product is held by hand and is fitted on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 from the vehicle body front side end surface 17 of the outer column 1. At this time, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 12, a force is applied to the clamp members 8A and 8B by hand against the urging force of the leaf spring 86, so that the clamp members 8A and 8B are connected to the central axis of the outer column 1. A plane parallel to the vertical plane passing through 18 is expanded by being inclined by an angle γ in a direction away from the central axis 18.

  Then, since the inner side surfaces of the engaging protrusions 83A and 83B of the clamp members 8A and 8B are positioned radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1, the clamp members 8A and 8B are connected to the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. Can be easily fitted. After that, while the clamp members 8A and 8B are pushed into the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1, the angular phases of the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B of the clamp members 8A and 8B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B of the outer column 1 are matched. Then, as described above, since the fit between the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B is a clearance fit, the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B can be easily engaged with the engagement recesses 12A and 12B. Can be combined.

  Even after the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B are fitted in the engagement recesses 12A and 12B, the urging force of the leaf spring 86 always acts on the clamp members 8A and 8B, so that the clamp members 8A and 8B are applied to the outer column 1. It can be firmly fixed. Further, since the urging force of the leaf spring 86 always acts on the clamp members 8A and 8B, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are unclamped at the time of tilt / telescopic release, there is no play between the clamp members 8A and 8B and the outer column 1. Does not occur, and the operational feeling does not deteriorate.

  Further, the fit between the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B is a clearance fit, and even if the fit has a large dimensional error, the engagement projection function can be achieved. Therefore, the engagement portion can be easily manufactured and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The fit between the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B is not limited to the clearance fit, and may be an interference fit or a fit fit.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in Example 1, the clamp members 8 </ b> A and 8 </ b> B are assembled to the outer column 1, and the inner peripheral surface 8611 of the arc portion 861 of the leaf spring 86 and the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. Although a gap is formed between the two, there may be no gap. The material of the leaf spring 86 is preferably a metal material such as a steel material in terms of urging force and durability, but may be a non-metal material such as a resin material. A plurality of leaf springs 86 may be arranged in the axial direction of the outer column 1.

  The inner column 2 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface 13 of the outer column 1 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 3, an upper steering shaft 41 is rotatably supported on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the inner column 2 via a bearing 23.

  The clamp members 8A and 8B are formed with long telescopic grooves 81A and 81B (FIGS. 3 and 4) that are long in the axial direction of the outer column 1, and are tilted long grooves 33A and 33B formed on the side plates 32A and 32B. The tightening rod 34 is inserted into the long grooves 81A and 81B from the right side of FIG. The long tilt grooves 33 </ b> A and 33 </ b> B are formed in a substantially arc shape with the tilt center axis 211 as the center.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a head 341 is formed on the right side of the tightening rod 34, and the head 341 is in contact with the outer surface of the side plate 32B. A rotation preventing portion 342 having a rectangular cross section slightly narrower than the groove width of the tilting long groove 33B is formed on the left outer diameter portion of the head portion 341. The anti-rotation portion 342 is fitted into the long tilt groove 33B to prevent the tightening rod 34 from rotating with respect to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 and slides the tightening rod 34 along the long tilt groove 33B when adjusting the tilt position. Move.

  A fixed cam 343, a movable cam 344, a thrust bearing 345, and an adjustment nut 346 are externally fitted in this order on the outer periphery of the left end of the tightening rod 34, and a female screw 348 formed on the inner diameter portion of the adjustment nut 346 is attached to the tightening rod 34. It is screwed into a male screw 347 formed at the left end.

  An operation lever 349 is fixed to the left end surface of the movable cam 344, and the cam lock mechanism is configured by the movable cam 344 and the fixed cam 343 that are integrally operated by the operation lever 349. The fixed cam 343 engages with the long tilt groove 33A and is not rotated with respect to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3, and slides the fixed cam 343 along the long tilt groove 33A when adjusting the tilt position.

  When the operation lever 349 is rotated during tilt / telescopic tightening, the peak of the movable cam 344 rides on the peak of the fixed cam 343 and pushes the fixed cam 343 to the right side of FIG. Pull. Thereby, the side plates 32A and 32B are tightened, and the clamp members 8A and 8B are tightened. Since the contact surfaces 84A and 84B of the clamp members 8A and 8B are in contact with the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1, the outer column 1 is reduced in diameter when the clamp members 8A and 8B are tightened.

  At the time of tilt / telescopic release, the operation lever 349 is rotated in the reverse direction, the valley of the movable cam 344 enters the peak of the fixed cam 343, and the force pushing the fixed cam 343 to the right is released, and at the same time the clamping rod 34 is moved to the left. Release the pulling force. Thereby, the side plates 32A and 32B are separated from each other, and the clamping of the clamp members 8A and 8B is released. As a result, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 8A and 8B can be clamped / unclamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3 at a desired tilt / telescopic position.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a slit 14 is formed on the lower surface of the outer column 1. The vehicle body front side end portion (left side in FIG. 5) of the slit 14 is not opened to the vehicle body front side end surface 17 of the outer column 1, and a closed end portion 141 </ b> A cut in a direction perpendicular to the slit 14 is formed. Yes. The closed end portion 141 </ b> A is cut to about half of the outer diameter of the outer column 1.

  Moreover, the closed end 141B on the vehicle body rear side of the slit 14 is formed in a semicircular arc shape and is not cut. A diameter D of the semicircular arc-shaped closed end portion 141 </ b> B is formed larger than a width W <b> 4 of the parallel portion 142 of the slit 14. By increasing the width of the closed end portion 141B where the stress is most concentrated, the stress concentration on the closed end portion 141B is reduced. In order to ensure the bending strength of the outer column 1 and the rigidity against vibration, it is preferable that the closed end 141B on the rear side of the vehicle body is not cut.

  Further, the axial length L1 (FIG. 5) of the slit 14 is formed longer than the axial length L2 (FIG. 4) of the clamp members 8A and 8B. Within the range of the axial length L1 of the slit 14, the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces (inner peripheral surfaces) 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B hold the outer column 1 so that the outer column 1 is efficient. Reduce to diameter.

  Thus, since both ends of the slit 14 are closed, the fluctuation of the operation force of the operation lever 349 is small. Further, since the closed end portion 141A on the front side of the vehicle body is cut to about half of the outer diameter of the outer column 1, the force required to elastically deform the outer column 1 is small, and the operation lever 349 is operated. The force required for this can be kept small.

  Further, since both ends of the slit 14 are closed, the outer column 1 is deformed when the outer column 1 is in a component state, and variation in the inner diameter dimension of the outer column 1 caused by the deformation is reduced. As a modification, the slit 14 may be open to the vehicle body front side end surface 17 of the outer column 1. Alternatively, the slit 14 may be formed only in the axial range where the clamp members 8A and 8B are in contact with the outer column 1.

  The clamp members 8A and 8B described above are disposed at positions where the slit 14 is sandwiched from both sides. Therefore, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are tightened, the outer column 1 is reduced in diameter, and the inner column 2 can be held with a strong clamping force.

  After the clamp members 8A and 8B and the outer column 1 are unclamped with respect to the upper side body mounting bracket 3, the steering wheel 5 is slid and the outer column 1 is slid in the axial direction with respect to the inner column 2 to achieve a desired telescopic. Adjust to position. Further, after adjusting to a desired tilt position with the tilt center axis 211 as a center, the clamp members 8A and 8B are clamped to the upper-side vehicle body mounting bracket 3.

  In the first embodiment described above, the engaging protrusions 83A and 83B are formed on the horizontal line passing through the central axis 18 of the outer column 1, but the engaging protrusion can be formed at an arbitrary phase position. Furthermore, one engaging protrusion 83A, 83B is formed on each of the clamp members 8A, 8B, but a plurality of engaging protrusions 83A, 83B may be formed. Further, the engaging protrusions 83A and 83B have a rectangular shape that is long in the axial direction, but may have any shape such as a cylindrical protrusion that has a short axial direction. In the first embodiment described above, the tightening rod 34 is disposed on the vehicle body lower side than the central axis 18 of the outer column 1, but is formed by projecting the clamp members 8 </ b> A and 8 </ b> B to the vehicle body upper side of the outer column 1. The tightening rod 34 may be disposed between the vehicle body 6 and the central axis 18 of the outer column 1.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the second embodiment of the present invention, is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 is a view taken in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 14 and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  The second embodiment is an example in which two leaf springs (biasing members) 86 of the first embodiment are changed to a pair of wire springs (biasing members). That is, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the second embodiment, a pair of wire springs (biasing members) 89 and 89 that are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are used as the urging members. Yes. The free state of the wire spring 89 is completely the same as the free state of the leaf spring 86 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The wire spring 89 includes an arc portion 891, straight portions 892 and 892, and a bent portion (not shown, but the same shape as the bent portions 863 and 863 of the first embodiment).

  As shown in FIG. 15, the wire diameter of the wire spring 89 is W3. 14 and 15, only the outer surface 87 </ b> A of the left clamp member 8 </ b> A as seen from the rear side of the vehicle body can be seen from the pair of left and right clamp members, so the left clamp member 8 </ b> A will be described. The shape of the right clamp member 8B is the same as the shape of the left clamp member 8A. On the outer surface 87A of the left clamp member 8A, rectangular concave grooves 880A and 880A that are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer column 1 and slightly wider than the wire diameter W3 of the wire spring 89 are formed.

  The straight portions 892 and 892 are fitted into the rectangular grooves 880A and 880A with an appropriate clearance fit. The depths of the rectangular concave grooves 880A and 880A are slightly larger than the wire diameter W3 of the straight portions 892 and 892.

  Although not shown, a contact surface that positively contacts the lower end of the inner surface of the straight portions 892 and 892 is formed at the vehicle body lower ends of the rectangular grooves 880A and 880A, as in the first embodiment. Further, as in the first embodiment, an engagement groove is formed at the lower end of the abutting surface of the vehicle body so as to engage the bent portions at the lower ends of the straight portions 892 and 892.

  Further, in the rectangular concave grooves 880A and 880A, as in the first embodiment, a clearance surface is formed on the vehicle body upper side (the upper side in FIG. 15) of the contact surface. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are molded, the area of the contact surface that requires accuracy is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the clamp members 8A and 8B can be reduced. Further, by applying a contact surface for positively contacting the inner surface of the straight portions 892 and 892, the urging force of the wire spring 89 is applied to the most effective position of the clamp members 8A and 8B. Can do.

  The procedure for making the sub spring assembly by coupling the wire spring 89 to the clamp members 8A and 8B and integrating it, and the procedure for holding the sub assembly by hand and fitting it to the outer column 1 are carried out. Since it is the same as that of Example 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Also in the wire spring 89 of the second embodiment, the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B are fitted to each other so that the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B are fitted into the engagement recesses 12A and 12B. It can be easily engaged. Further, even after the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B are engaged with the engagement recesses 12A and 12B, the urging force of the wire spring 89 always acts on the clamp members 8A and 8B, so that the clamp members 8A and 8B are connected to the outer column. 1 can be firmly fixed.

  Further, since the urging force of the wire spring 89 always acts on the clamp members 8A and 8B, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are unclamped at the time of tilt / telescopic release, there is no play between the clamp members 8A and 8B and the outer column 1. Does not occur, and the operational feeling does not deteriorate.

  Further, the engagement between the engagement protrusions 83A and 83B and the engagement recesses 12A and 12B may be a clearance fit, and even if the dimensional error is large, there is no significant inconvenience in the function of the engagement portion. The part can be manufactured easily, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In the second embodiment, an example of two pairs of wire springs 89 has been described. However, two or more wire springs 89 separated in the axial direction of the outer column 1 may be used.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the clamp member alone of FIG. 16 and showing the left clamp member of the pair of left and right clamp members as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 3 is an example in which the engagement protrusion of the outer column is changed to a protrusion that is long in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the outer column. That is, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the clamp members 8 </ b> A and 8 </ b> B have a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis 18 of the outer column 1. It is composed of a pair of members. Further, arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces (inner peripheral surfaces) 82A and 82B formed inside the clamp members 8A and 8B (on the central axis 18 side of the outer column 1) enclose the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. Yes.

  Engagement protrusions 830A and 830B having rectangular shapes that are long in the direction perpendicular to the central axis 18 of the outer column 1 are integrally formed on the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B. The engaging protrusions 830A and 830B are formed radially toward the center of the outer column 1. Engaging recesses 120A and 120B are formed in the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 so as to penetrate the inner peripheral surface 13, and the engaging protrusions 830A and 830B of the clamp members 8A and 8B are engaged with the engaging recesses 120A and 120B. is doing. The fit between the engagement protrusions 830A and 830B and the engagement recesses 120A and 120B is a clearance fit.

  The outer column 1 is prevented from rotating with respect to the clamp members 8A and 8B by the engagement between the engagement protrusions 830A and 830B and the engagement recesses 120A and 120B. Further, when the outer column 1 is telescopically adjusted with respect to the inner column 2, the outer column 1 and the clamp members 8A and 8B can be integrally slid in the axial direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B are positively attached to the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 at the vehicle body lower end of the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B. 84A and 84B are formed for contact surfaces (only the left clamp member 8A of the pair of left and right clamp members as viewed from the rear of the vehicle body is shown in FIG. 17). Yes.

  Further, the arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82B of the clamp members 8A and 8B have flank surfaces having a radial clearance between the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 and portions other than the contact surfaces 84A and 84B. 85A and 85B are formed. Therefore, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are molded, the area of the contact surfaces 84A and 84B that require accuracy can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the clamp members 8A and 8B can be reduced.

  In addition, by making contact surfaces 84A and 84B for positively contacting the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1, at the most effective position for holding the clamp members 8A and 8B on the outer column 1, Arc-shaped inner peripheral surfaces 82A and 82 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 4 is an example in which the assembled biasing member is not easily detached from the clamp member. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, one leaf spring 86 having a wide width in the axial direction of the outer column 1 is used as the urging member. The free state of the leaf spring 86 is completely the same as the free state of the leaf spring 86 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the leaf spring 86 includes an arc portion 861, straight portions 862 and 862, and bent portions 864 and 864.

  Since the arc portion 861 and the straight portions 862 and 862 have exactly the same shape as the leaf spring 86 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. The bent portions 864 and 864 are bent at an acute angle with respect to the straight portions 862 and 862 from the lower ends of the straight portions 862 and 862 toward the central axis 18 side of the outer column 1.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B, the contact surfaces 881A and 881B, and the relief surfaces 882A and 882B are formed in the clamp members 8A and 8B. Engagement grooves 884A and 884B formed at the vehicle body lower ends of the contact surfaces 881A and 881B are formed at an acute angle with respect to the outer surfaces 87A and 87B of the clamp members 8A and 8B. The bent portions 864 and 864 at the lower ends of the straight portions 862 and 862 engage with the engaging grooves 884A and 884B.

  In order to assemble the clamp members 8A and 8B to the outer column 1, the straight portions 862 and 862 of the leaf spring 86 are inserted into the rectangular concave grooves 88A and 88B of the clamp members 8A and 8B, and the bent portions 864 and 864 are engaged grooves. Engage with 884A, 884B. Then, the leaf spring 86 and the clamp members 8A and 8B are coupled by restricting relative movement in three directions in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. In particular, when the load in the vertical direction in FIG. 18 acts on the leaf spring 86, the bent portions 864 and 864 are unlikely to come off from the engaging grooves 884A and 884B.

In order to externally fit the sub-assembled product to the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1, the clamp members 8 </ b> A and 8 </ b> B are connected to the central axis of the outer column 1 against the urging force of the leaf spring 86 as in the first embodiment. A plane parallel to the vertical plane passing through 18 is inclined by an angle γ in a direction away from the central axis 18. In Example 4, the engagement grooves 884A and 884B and the bent portions 864 and 864 are used.
However, since it is formed at an acute angle with respect to the straight portions 862, 862, the bent portions 864, 864 are difficult to be detached from the engaging grooves 884A, 884B, and handling as a sub-assembly is facilitated. Efficiency is improved.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 20 is a bottom view seen from the lower side of the vehicle body in FIG. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 5 is an example in which the urging member is attached to the vehicle body lower side of the outer column 1 and to the vehicle body lower side of the clamp member. That is, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in the fifth embodiment, the wire spring 91 is used as the biasing member. Cylindrical pins 92 are fixed to lower surfaces 831A and 831B formed on the lower side of the vehicle body of the clamp members 8A and 8B, respectively. The lower end of the pin 92 slightly protrudes from the lower surfaces 831A and 831B. The wire spring 91 is formed in an arc shape to give elasticity, and both ends thereof are wound around the protruding portions of the pins 92 and 92 to connect the clamp members 8A and 8B. There may be a plurality of wire springs 91.

  A sub-assembly in which the wire spring 91 is assembled to the clamp members 8A, 8B is opposed to the urging force of the wire spring 91, and the upper side of the clamp members 8A, 8B on the vehicle body is a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the outer column 1. The clamp members 8 </ b> A and 8 </ b> B can be firmly fixed to the outer column 1 by opening in a fan shape in a direction away from the central axis with respect to a parallel plane and fitting the outer surface 11 of the outer column 1.

  Further, since the urging force of the wire spring 91 always acts on the clamp members 8A and 8B, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are unclamped at the time of tilt / telescopic release, there is no play between the clamp members 8A and 8B and the outer column 1. Does not occur, and the operational feeling does not deteriorate. In the fifth embodiment, since the shape of the wire spring 91 and the engaging portion that engages the wire spring 91 with the clamp members 8A and 8B is simplified, the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 22 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow T in FIG. 21 and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  The sixth embodiment is an example in which the urging member is attached to the vehicle body lower side of the outer column 1 and to the vehicle body front side and vehicle body rear side of the clamp member. That is, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in the sixth embodiment, the wire spring 91 is used as the urging member as in the fifth embodiment. A cylindrical pin 92 is fixed to the front surfaces 832A and 832B formed on the front side of the vehicle body of the clamp members 8A and 8B and the rear surfaces 833A and 833B formed on the rear side of the vehicle body. The tips of the pins 92 slightly protrude from the front surfaces 832A and 832B and the rear surfaces 833A and 833B. The wire spring 91 is formed in an arc shape in order to give elasticity, and both ends thereof are wound around the projecting portions of the pins 92 and 92 so that the clamp members 8A and 8B are attached at two locations on the vehicle body front side and vehicle body rear side. Link.

  The sub-assembled product in which the wire springs 91 and 91 are assembled to the clamp members 8A and 8B is resisted against the urging force of the wire springs 91 and 91, and the vehicle body upper side of the clamp members 8A and 8B is set to the central axis of the outer column 1. The clamp members 8 </ b> A and 8 </ b> B can be firmly fixed to the outer column 1 by opening in a fan shape in a direction away from the central axis with respect to a plane parallel to the vertical plane that passes through and fitting on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. it can.

  Further, since the urging force of the wire springs 91 and 91 always acts on the clamp members 8A and 8B, when the clamp members 8A and 8B are unclamped when the tilt / telescopic release is performed, the clamp members 8A and 8B and the outer column 1 are There will be no backlash and the feeling of operation will not be reduced. In the sixth embodiment, since the shape of the wire spring 91 and the engaging portion that engages the wire spring 91 with the clamp members 8A and 8B is simplified, the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 23, which corresponds to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 7 is a modified example of Example 1 in which the urging member is positively brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer column to prevent the sound generated by the contact between the urging member and the outer column. is there. That is, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the seventh embodiment, the leaf spring 86 is used as the urging member as in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the leaf spring 86 includes an arc portion 861, straight portions 862 and 862, and bent portions 863 and 863, and the bent portions 863 and 863 are formed in the engaging grooves 883A and 883B of the clamp members 8A and 8B. By engaging, the leaf spring 86 is coupled to and integrated with the clamp members 8A and 8B.

  Two arc-shaped projections 865 and 865 projecting toward the central axis 18 of the outer column 1 are formed on the arc portion 861 of the leaf spring 86, and the tips of the projections 865 and 865 are the outer periphery of the outer column 1. Each is in contact with the surface 11. In the seventh embodiment, the projections 865 and 865 of the leaf spring 86 are positively brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1, so that the sound generated when the leaf spring 86 and the outer column 1 come into contact with each other due to vibration during traveling. Can be prevented in advance.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the vehicle body, corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 25, which is a sectional view cut along a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the outer column. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  Example 8 is a modification of Example 7, in which the urging member is positively brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer column to prevent the sound generated by the contact between the urging member and the outer column. is there. That is, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in the eighth embodiment, the leaf spring 86 is used as the urging member as in the seventh embodiment. As in the seventh embodiment, the leaf spring 86 includes an arc portion 861, straight portions 862 and 862, and a bent portion (not shown), and the bent portion engages with the clamp members 8A and 8B. Are combined with the clamp members 8A and 8B.

  A band (buffer member) 866 formed of an elastic member such as rubber or resin is wound around the arc portion 861 of the leaf spring 86, and the band 866 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. In the eighth embodiment, the band 866 is positively brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1 to prevent the sound generated when the leaf spring 86 and the outer column 1 are in contact with each other due to vibration during traveling. Can do.

  Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 27 shows a state in which the clamp member is assembled to the outer column of the ninth embodiment of the present invention, is a perspective view seen from the rear side of the vehicle body, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 28 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow U in FIG. 27 and corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. In the following description, only structural parts different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

  The ninth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which the urging member is fixed to the clamp members 8A and 8B with bolts. That is, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the ninth embodiment, the leaf spring 86 is used as the urging member as in the first embodiment. The leaf spring 86 is composed of an arc portion 861 and straight portions 862 and 862, and the bent portions (not shown) 863 and 863 of the first embodiment are not formed. The straight portions 862 and 862 are fastened to the clamp members 8A and 8B with bolts 867 and 867, and the leaf spring 86 is coupled to the clamp members 8A and 8B to be integrated. If the bolts 867 and 867 are tightened, the plate spring 86 and the clamp members 8A and 8B are more securely connected.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a tilt / telescopic steering apparatus has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a telescopic steering apparatus in which only the telescopic position can be adjusted. In the above embodiment, the arc portion 861 of the leaf spring 86 and the arc portion 891 of the wire spring 89 are disposed on the vehicle body upper side of the outer peripheral surface 11 of the outer column 1. You may arrange | position to a vehicle body lower side. Further, the shapes of the arc portion 861 of the leaf spring 86 and the arc portion 891 of the wire spring 89 are not limited to the arc shape, and may be rectangular. Moreover, in the said Example, although contact surface 84A, 84B is formed elongate over the full length of the axial direction length of clamp member 8A, 8B, several contact surface with the short length of an axial direction is used. The clamp members 8A and 8B may be spaced apart in the axial direction. In the above embodiment, the outer column 1 is disposed on the vehicle body rear side and the inner column 2 is disposed on the vehicle body front side. However, the outer column 1 may be disposed on the vehicle body front side and the inner column 2 may be disposed on the vehicle body rear side. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer column 11 Outer peripheral surface 12A, 12B Engagement recessed part 120A, 120B Engagement recessed part 13 Inner peripheral surface 14 Slit 141A, 141B Closed end part 142 Parallel part 17 Car body front side end surface 18 Center axis 2 Inner column 21 Bracket 211 Tilt center axis 22 Inner peripheral surface 23 Bearing 25 Outer peripheral surface 3 Upper side body mounting bracket 31A, 31B Flange portion 32A, 32B Side plate 321A, 321B Inner side surface 33A, 33B Long slot for tilt 34 Tightening rod 341 Head 342 Non-rotating portion 343 Fixed cam 344 Movable Cam 345 Thrust bearing 346 Adjustment nut 347 Male screw 348 Female screw 349 Operation lever 41 Upper steering shaft 42 Lower steering shaft 5 Steering wheel 6 Vehicle body 7 Lower side vehicle body mounting bracket DOO 71 upper universal joint 72 the intermediate shaft 73 lower universal joint 74 the pinion shaft 75 steering gear 8A, 8B clamp members 81A, 81B telescopic long grooves 82A, 82B arc-shaped inner peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface)
83A, 83B Engagement projections 830A, 830B Engagement projections 831A, 831B Lower surface 832A, 832B Front surface 833A, 833B Rear surface 84A, 84B Contact surface 85A, 85B Relief surface 86 Leaf spring (biasing member)
861 Arc portion 8611 Inner peripheral surface 862 Linear portion 8621 Inner side surface 863 Bending portion 864 Bending portion 865 Protrusion 866 Band (buffer member)
867 Bolt 87A, 87B Outer side surface 88A, 88B Rectangular concave groove 880A Rectangular concave groove 881A, 881B Abutting surface 882A, 882B Relief surface 883A, 883B Engaging groove 884A, 884B Engaging groove 89 Wire spring (biasing member)
891 Arc portion 892 Straight portion 91 Wire spring (biasing member)
92 pins

Claims (15)

Inner column,
A hollow outer column having a slit formed on the inner column so as to be relatively slidable in the axial direction and formed over a predetermined length in the axial direction;
Body mounting bracket that can be mounted on the body,
It has an engaging projection that is slidably sandwiched between the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket and engages with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, and holds the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. A pair of left and right clamp members having an inner peripheral surface;
A coupling member that engages with each of the pair of clamp members and presses the clamp member against the outer peripheral surface of the outer column;
A clamping device that clamps the inner column in such a manner that the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket are tightened and the outer column is reduced in diameter via the clamp member so that the inner column cannot move relative to the outer column in the axial direction. A steering apparatus characterized by comprising: The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a clearance surface having a radial gap with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the clamp member that holds the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engaging protrusion is a protrusion that is long in an axial direction of the outer column. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engaging protrusion is a protrusion that is long in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer column. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement protrusion of the clamp member is engaged with an engagement recess formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer column by a clearance fit. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is an urging member that presses the clamp member against an outer peripheral surface of the outer column. The steering apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a leaf spring. The steering apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the urging member is a plurality of wire springs. In the steering apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8,
The biasing member is
An arc portion having a larger radius of curvature than the outer peripheral surface of the outer column;
Straight portions respectively formed at both ends of the arc portion;
Each of the straight portions is formed at the tip, and is composed of a bent portion that is bent toward the axial center of the outer column,
A steering device, wherein the bent portion is engaged with an engaging groove formed in the clamp member, and the biasing member and the clamp member are integrated. The steering apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
The bent part is
A steering device, wherein the steering device is bent at an acute angle from a straight portion toward an axis of the outer column. In the steering apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8,
The biasing member is
A steering device characterized in that both ends of the outer column engage with the lower surface of the pair of clamp members on the vehicle body lower side of the outer column and press the clamp member against the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. . In the steering apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8,
The biasing member is
Both ends of the pair of clamp members are engaged with the vehicle body front side and vehicle body rear side of the outer column on the vehicle body lower side, and the clamp member is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. Steering device. In the steering apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8,
In the biasing member,
A steering device characterized in that a protrusion is formed that always contacts the outer peripheral surface of the outer column. In the steering apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8,
In the biasing member,
A steering device, wherein a buffer member that is always in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer column is attached. In the steering apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 8,
The biasing member is
An arc portion having a larger radius of curvature than the outer peripheral surface of the outer column;
It is composed of straight portions formed at both ends of the arc portion,
A steering device, wherein the straight portion is fixed to the clamp member with a bolt, and the biasing member and the clamp member are integrated.

Images