JP2013154743A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a structure that can strike a balance at a high level between the securing of a fatigue strength for a steering force relating to at least one steering force transmission shaft among a plurality of steering force transmission shafts and the securing of absorption performance of impact energy joined along with an impact accident and running on a curbstone of a steering wheel.SOLUTION: In a base end nearest part of a pinion shaft 8a that constitutes a steering gear unit 7a that is a kind of the steering force transmission shaft, a small diameter part 28 that becomes a part that absorbs the impact energy is installed. Together with this, a hardness distribution of a mode where the hardness of an outside diameter part is raised compared with the hardness of an inner diameter part is given to this small diameter part 28. This hardness distribution is given to this small diameter part 28 by a method or the like to give the shot peening work for an outer peripheral surface of this small diameter part 28 after forming this small diameter part 28.

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a steering device for giving a steering angle to a steering wheel of a vehicle such as an automobile. Specifically, with respect to the steering force transmission shaft constituting the steering device, ensuring fatigue strength against steering force and securing impact energy absorption performance that accompanies vehicle collision accidents and curbing of steering wheels, A structure that is compatible at a high level is realized.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a conventionally known steering device. In this steering apparatus, a steering shaft 3 is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of a cylindrical steering column 2 supported by a vehicle body 1. A steering wheel 4 is fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 3 protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column 2. When this steering wheel 4 is rotated, this rotation is caused by the pinion shaft 8 (input) constituting the rack and pinion type steering gear unit 7 via the steering shaft 3, the universal joint 5a, the intermediate shaft 6 and the universal joint 5b. Shaft). When the pinion shaft 8 rotates, a pair of tie rods 10, 10 connected to both ends of the rack shaft 9 constituting the steering gear unit 7 are pushed and pulled to form a pair of left and right steering wheels. A steering angle corresponding to the amount of operation is provided.

  The steering device shown in FIG. 8 is an electric power steering device including an electric assist device 12 using an electric motor 11 as an auxiliary power source. The electric assist device 12 is a part of a steering force transmission path for transmitting the steering force input from the steering wheel 4 to the two steered wheels, and is provided between the steering shaft 3 and the universal joint 5a. It is assembled. When the torque is applied from the steering wheel 4 to the steering shaft 3, the electric assist device 12 detects the direction and magnitude of the torque. Then, by generating an auxiliary torque based on the detected direction and magnitude of the torque and the vehicle speed signal, the universal joint 5a is made to have a torque larger than the torque input from the steering wheel 4 to the steering shaft 3. Rotate. As a result, the force required to operate the steering wheel 4 is reduced.

  Further, in the case of the steering apparatus shown in FIG. 8, a structure capable of adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel 4 and a structure capable of protecting the driver at the time of a secondary collision (collision where the driver's body hits the steering wheel 4). In order to realize the above, as the steering column 2 and the steering shaft 3, telescopic types are used. Furthermore, the steering wheel 4 is prevented from being pushed up toward the driver by preventing the impact at the time of a primary collision (a collision in which the front part of the vehicle body collides with an object such as another vehicle) from being transmitted to the steering shaft 2. In order to realize a possible structure, a telescopic type is used as the intermediate shaft 6. In the case of the steering apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the inner and outer shafts 13 and 14 that constitute the steering shaft 3 and are combined so that torque transmission is possible between the ends of each other by serration engagement, Inner and outer shafts 15 and 16, which are combined with each other so as to transmit torque by serration engagement or the like, constituting the intermediate shaft 6, the pinion shaft 8, the rack shaft 9, and the both The tie rods 10 and 10 correspond to “steering force transmission shafts” described in the claims.

  By the way, regarding the steering device as described above, with the recent increase in the output of the electric assist device 12, each member constituting the steering force transmission path (in particular, the electric assist device 12 and the both steering devices). There is an increasing demand for improvement in fatigue strength for each member present between the ring. On the other hand, when a vehicle equipped with the steering device as described above causes a collision accident or a steering wheel is climbed on a curb due to an error in driving operation, each member constituting the steering force transmission path from the side of the steering wheel In addition, an impact external force (compression load, tensile load, bending moment, torque, etc.) having a magnitude exceeding the maximum value of the steering force (including auxiliary torque) may be applied. Even in such a case, there is an increasing demand for improving the impact energy absorption performance of the steering device in order to prevent the occurrence of destruction that would cause the steering function to be lost.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, regarding a steering device having the same basic structure as that of FIG. 8 described above, a pinion shaft constituting a steering gear unit (a steering force existing between a power assist device and a pair of steering wheels). A structure is described in which a small diameter portion (fragile portion) having a smaller outer diameter than the other portions adjacent in the axial direction is formed by cutting in a portion near the base end of the transmission shaft. In the case of such a conventional structure, when a shocking torque is applied to the pinion shaft from the side of the steering wheel due to a collision accident or climbing on the curb of the steering wheel, the small diameter portion has priority over other parts. Torsional deformation. Based on this torsional deformation, the impact energy input from the steering wheel side to the steering force transmission path can be absorbed. For this reason, the impact external force added to members other than the said pinion shaft among each member which comprises a rudder force transmission path | route can be relieved.

  However, in the case of the above-described conventional structure, it is difficult to achieve a high level of ensuring the impact energy absorption performance and ensuring the fatigue strength against the steering force with respect to the small diameter portion of the pinion shaft. That is, in the case of the conventional structure described above, the small diameter portion of the pinion shaft is formed by simply reducing the outer diameter of the portion near the base end of the pinion shaft. Therefore, if the outer diameter of the small diameter portion is reduced in order to sufficiently secure the torsional deformation amount of the small diameter portion so as to sufficiently absorb the impact energy, the fatigue strength of the small diameter portion is ensured. Things get harder. On the other hand, if the outer diameter of the small diameter portion is increased to sufficiently ensure the fatigue strength of the small diameter portion, it is difficult to ensure the impact energy absorption performance. Therefore, in the case of the above-described conventional structure, it is difficult to achieve both a high level of securing the impact energy absorption performance and ensuring the fatigue strength against the steering force with respect to the small diameter portion of the pinion shaft.

JP 2007-186185 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention relates to securing of fatigue strength with respect to steering force and at the time of collision accident and climbing of the curb of a steered wheel with respect to at least one steering force transmission shaft among a plurality of steering force transmission shafts. The invention was invented in order to realize a steering device that can achieve a high level of securing the performance of absorbing applied impact energy.

The steering device of the present invention includes a plurality of steering force transmission shafts that constitute a steering force transmission path for transmitting a steering force input from a steering wheel to a pair of steering wheels.
In particular, in the steering device of the present invention, at least one of the steering force transmission shafts of these steering force transmission shafts is a portion in the axial direction that does not engage with other members, and another portion adjacent in the axial direction. It has a small-diameter portion whose outer diameter is smaller than that. Further, the hardness distribution of the aspect in which the hardness of the outer diameter portion (outer periphery portion) is made higher than the hardness of the inner diameter portion (center portion) is given to the small diameter portion. In addition, the hardness distribution is determined by forming the small diameter portion on the small diameter portion and then subjecting the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion to surface hardening treatment, and the outer peripheral surface of a part of the steering force transmission shaft in the axial direction. After the surface hardening treatment is performed, a method of forming a small-diameter portion in the portion, and plastic processing in which a processing degree of the outer diameter portion is larger than a processing degree of the inner diameter portion in a part in the axial direction of the steering force transmission shaft. It is given by any one method selected from among the methods of forming the small diameter portion in the portion based on what is applied.
As the surface hardening treatment, for example, a shot peening process can be adopted, and a surface hardening heat treatment such as induction hardening, carburizing, and nitriding can be adopted.
Further, in the case of adopting a method of forming a small diameter portion on the outer peripheral surface of a part in the axial direction of the steering force transmission shaft as a method for imparting the hardness distribution, the small diameter portion is formed. May be formed by any processing method, but particularly when formed by cutting, a part of the hardened layer formed by the surface hardening process remains on the surface layer portion of the small-diameter portion after forming. To.
In addition, as the plastic processing in which the processing degree of the outer diameter portion is larger than that of the inner diameter portion, for example, diameter reduction processing by rolling can be employed.

When implementing the steering device of the present invention, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 2, the outer diameter surface of the small diameter portion is long in the axial direction of the small diameter portion, and from the outer diameter side of the small diameter portion. Display a reference line whose shape is straight.
Further, in the case of implementing the steering device of the present invention, when an electric assist device using an electric motor as an auxiliary power source is provided in a part of the steering force transmission path, it is preferable that the invention described in claim 3 is used. Similarly, a steering force transmission shaft having the small-diameter portion is provided at a part of the steering force transmission path between the electric assist device and the two steering wheels.
Further, when carrying out the present invention, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 4, the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is used, and the steering force input from the steering wheel is applied to the both steered wheels. When transmitting, the rotation axis rotates around its own central axis.

  In the case of the steering device of the present invention configured as described above, an impact external force (compressive load) is applied to each member constituting the steering force transmission path from the side of the steering wheel due to a vehicle collision accident or climbing on the curb of the steering wheel. When a tensile load, bending moment, torque, etc.) are applied, the small-diameter portion provided on the steering force transmission shaft undergoes plastic deformation preferentially over other parts. Based on this plastic deformation, impact energy input from the steering wheel side to the steering force transmission path is absorbed. For this reason, an impact external force applied to members other than the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion among the members constituting the steering force transmission path can be reduced.

In particular, in the case of the present invention, with respect to the small-diameter portion provided on the steering force transmission shaft, it is possible to achieve both a high level of securing the impact energy absorption performance and ensuring the fatigue strength against the steering force.
That is, in the case of the present invention, even when the outer diameter of the small diameter portion is reduced in order to sufficiently secure the impact energy absorption performance, the hardness of the outer diameter portion is set to the inner diameter portion. Since the hardness distribution of the aspect made high compared with hardness of this is provided, the fatigue strength of this small diameter part is fully securable. Therefore, in the case of the present invention, with respect to this small diameter portion, it is possible to achieve both a high level of securing the impact energy absorption performance and the fatigue strength.

Further, in the case of the present invention, when a shocking external force is applied to each member constituting the steering device due to a collision accident or the curbing of the steering wheel, the driver can easily and surely recognize the applied fact.
That is, when the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is a rotating shaft (claim 4) such as a steering shaft, an intermediate shaft, or a pinion shaft constituting a steering gear unit, shock torque is applied to the rotating shaft. Then, the small diameter portion is torsionally deformed. Further, when the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is a displacement shaft such as a tie rod, the small diameter portion is bent and deformed when a shocking compressive load or bending moment is applied to the displacement shaft. As a result of such torsional deformation and bending deformation, the neutral posture of the steering wheel for changing the vehicle straight is changed. This change can be easily and reliably recognized by the driver. For this reason, the driver can be urged to repair, and the danger associated with continuing operation of the damaged vehicle can be avoided.

  In addition, when the configuration of the invention described in claim 2 is adopted, when the small diameter portion is twisted or bent by applying a shocking external force to the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion, The shape of the reference line displayed on the outer peripheral surface viewed from the outer diameter side of the small diameter portion changes from a linear shape long in the axial direction of the small diameter portion to a linear shape or a non-linear shape inclined with respect to the axial direction. To do. This change can be easily discerned even by an inexperienced worker. For this reason, as long as the vehicle is brought into a repair shop, even an inexperienced worker can easily and reliably determine that an abnormality has occurred in the steering force transmission shaft, and can perform appropriate repair / replacement work.

The enlarged view equivalent to the XX cross section of FIG. 8 which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows the neutral position of a steering wheel with the state (A) before applying shock torque, and the state (B) after applying. The figure which looked at the said small diameter part from the outer diameter side which shows the reference line displayed on the outer peripheral surface of a small diameter part with the state (A) before applying shock torque, and the state (B) after adding. The partial side view of the inner shaft which comprises the intermediate shaft which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The partial side view of the inner shaft which comprises the steering shaft which shows the 3rd example. The top view of a tie rod which shows the 4th example. The partial side view of a tie rod which shows the same 5th example. The partially cut side view which shows an example of the steering apparatus known conventionally.

[First example of embodiment]
1 to 3 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. It should be noted that the feature of this example is that the steering assist device 12 (see FIG. 8) among a plurality of steering force transmission shafts constituting a steering force transmission path in relation to a steering device having a basic structure similar to the conventional structure shown in FIG. 8) and a pair of steering wheels, which is a structure of a pinion shaft 8a constituting a steering gear unit 7a, which is a rotating shaft. Since the structure and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 8, the overlapping illustrations and explanations are omitted or simplified. Hereinafter, the characteristic part of this example and FIG. The description will focus on the parts not described in the conventional structure shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the steering gear unit 7a includes a casing 17, the pinion shaft 8a, a rack shaft 9a, and a pressing means 18. The casing 17 is fixed to the vehicle body, and includes a first cylindrical portion 19 (a cylindrical portion disposed in the front and back direction in FIG. 1) for housing the rack shaft 9a, and the pinion shaft. The second cylinder part 20 for accommodating 8a and the third cylinder part 21 for accommodating the pressing means 18 are integrally provided. The rack shaft 9a is provided on the inner diameter side of the first cylindrical portion 19 so as to be capable of displacement only in the axial direction. The pinion shaft 8a can only rotate with respect to the second cylindrical portion 20 by a pair of rolling bearings 22a and 22b with only the tip and intermediate portions inserted into the inner diameter side of the second cylindrical portion 20. It is supported by. In this state, the rack teeth 23 formed on the front surface of the rack shaft 9a and the pinion teeth 24 formed near the front end of the intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pinion shaft are engaged with each other. The pressing means 18 biases the rack shaft 9a toward the pinion shaft 8a while being provided on the inner diameter side of the third cylindrical portion 21. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the meshing state of the meshing portion from becoming inappropriate regardless of the separation force acting on the meshing portion of the pinion tooth 24 and the rack tooth 23 when the pinion shaft 8a rotates. ing. For such a pressing means 18, various structures have been known so far and are not characteristic features of this example, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, in the steering gear unit 7a configured as described above, the distal end portion of the intermediate shaft 6 (see FIG. 8) can be freely attached to the proximal end portion of the pinion shaft 8a protruding outside the second cylindrical portion 20. Torque transmission is possible via the joint 5b. For this purpose, a serration shaft portion 25 is provided at the base end portion of the pinion shaft 8a, and this serration shaft portion 25 can transmit torque by serration engagement to the base portion of one yoke 26 constituting the universal joint 5b. It is fixed to the joint. In addition, by engaging a flange portion of a bolt (not shown) used for fixing this connection with a locking groove 27 formed over the entire circumference in the axial direction intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface of the serration shaft portion 25, The serration shaft portion 25 is prevented from slipping out from the inside of the base portion of the yoke 26. Further, the base end portions of a pair of tie rods 10 and 10 (see FIG. 8) are connected to both ends of the rack shaft 9a through ball joints (not shown). In this state, when the pinion shaft 8a rotates based on the operation of the steering wheel 4 (see FIG. 8), the rotational motion of the pinion shaft 8a is converted into the linear motion of the rack shaft 9a. As a result, the tie rods 10 and 10 are pushed and pulled, and a desired steering angle is given to the left and right steering wheels.

The configuration and operation described above are substantially the same as those of a conventionally known steering device, but in the case of this example, particularly at the portion near the base end of the pinion shaft 8a, A small-diameter portion 28 having a smaller outer diameter than the other portions adjacent to both sides in the axial direction is formed in a portion protruding outside the second cylindrical portion 20 (portion that does not engage with other members). . At the same time, the small-diameter portion 28 is given a hardness distribution in which the hardness of the outer diameter portion (outer peripheral portion) is higher than the hardness of the inner diameter portion (central portion). As a method for imparting such a hardness distribution to the small diameter portion 28, in the case of this example, any one of the following methods (1) to (3) is adopted.
(1) The small-diameter portion 28 is formed by performing plastic working such as cutting or forging on a portion near the base end of the pinion shaft 8a. Thereafter, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 28 is subjected to various surface hardening treatments such as shot peening, surface hardening heat treatment such as induction hardening, carburization, nitriding, etc. A hardened layer is formed on the surface layer part.
(2) By subjecting the outer peripheral surface of the portion near the base end of the pinion shaft 8a to various surface hardening treatments such as shot peening, surface hardening heat treatment such as induction hardening, carburizing, and nitriding, A hardened layer is formed on the surface layer portion which is the outer diameter portion of the portion. Then, the said small diameter part 28 is formed by giving plastic working, such as cutting and forging, to the said part. At this time, at least a part of the hardened layer formed by the surface hardening treatment remains on the surface layer portion which is the outer diameter portion of the small diameter portion 28 after the formation.
(3) By subjecting the portion near the base end of the pinion shaft 8a to plastic processing such that the processing of the outer diameter portion becomes larger than that of the inner diameter portion, such as diameter reduction processing by rolling, Simultaneously with the formation of the small-diameter portion 28, the small-diameter portion 28 is given a hardness distribution in which the hardness of the outer-diameter portion is higher than the hardness of the inner-diameter portion.

  Further, in the case of this example, the small-diameter portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 28 (in the illustrated example, the small-diameter portion 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the portion adjacent to the small-diameter portion 28 on both axial sides). A reference line 29 that is long in the axial direction of 28 and has a linear shape when viewed from the outer diameter side of the small diameter portion 28 is displayed. The reference line 29 can be displayed not only by various paints but also by a groove or a ridge formed on the outer peripheral surface.

  In the case of the steering apparatus of the present example configured as described above, an impact having a magnitude exceeding the maximum value of the steering force from the side of the steered wheel to the pinion shaft 8a due to a vehicle collision accident or the curb ride on the steered wheel. When a specific torque is applied, the small diameter portion 28 provided on the pinion shaft 8a is torsionally deformed in preference to other portions. Based on the torsional deformation, the impact energy input from the steering wheel side to the steering force transmission path is absorbed. For this reason, shocking external forces (compression load, tensile load, bending moment, torque, etc.) applied to members other than the pinion shaft 8a among the members constituting the steering force transmission path can be reduced.

  In particular, in the case of this example, with respect to the small-diameter portion 28 of the pinion shaft 8a, it is possible to achieve both a high level of securing the impact energy absorption performance and ensuring the fatigue strength against the steering force. That is, in the case of this example, even when the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 28 is reduced in order to sufficiently secure the impact energy absorption performance, the hardness of the outer diameter portion is set in the small diameter portion 28. Since the hardness distribution of the aspect made high compared with the hardness of an internal diameter part is provided, the fatigue strength of this small diameter part 28 is fully securable. Therefore, in the case of this example, with respect to the small-diameter portion 28, it is possible to achieve both a high level of securing impact energy absorption performance and fatigue strength.

  In the case of this example, when a shocking external force is applied to each member constituting the steering device due to a collision accident or the curbing of the steering wheel, the driver can easily and reliably recognize the applied fact. That is, in this case, the small diameter portion 28 of the pinion shaft 8a is torsionally deformed as described above. As a result, the posture of the neutral state of the steering wheel 4 for setting the vehicle in a straight traveling state changes as shown in the order of (A) → (B) in FIG. 2, for example. This change can be easily and reliably recognized by the driver. For this reason, the driver can be urged to repair, and the danger associated with continuing operation of the damaged vehicle can be avoided.

  In the case of this example, when the small diameter portion 28 is torsionally deformed as described above, the shape of the reference line 29 displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 28 is, for example, in the order of (A) → (B) in FIG. As shown, it changes from linear to non-linear. This change can be easily discerned even by an inexperienced worker. For this reason, as long as the vehicle is brought into a repair shop, even an inexperienced worker can easily and reliably determine that an abnormality has occurred in the pinion shaft 8a, and can perform appropriate repair / replacement work.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 4. In the case of this example, the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is different from the case of the first example described above. That is, in the case of the present example, among the plurality of steering force transmission shafts constituting the steering force transmission path, the intermediate shaft that is a rotation shaft existing between the electric assist device 12 (see FIG. 8) and the pair of steering wheels. A small diameter portion 28a (including a hardness distribution and a reference line 29a) having the same configuration as that of the first example described above is provided in an intermediate portion (a portion not engaged with other members) of the inner shaft 15a constituting the shaft 6a. Is forming.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the case of the first example described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Third example of embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a third example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, and 4. Also in the case of this example, the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is different from the case of the first example described above. That is, in the case of this example, the steering shaft 3a, which is a rotating shaft existing between the electric assist device 12 and the steering wheel 4 (see FIG. 8) among the plurality of steering force transmission shafts constituting the steering force transmission path. A small-diameter portion 28b (including a hardness distribution and a reference line 29b) having the same configuration as that of the first example described above is formed in an intermediate portion (portion that does not engage with other members) of the inner shaft 13a that constitutes the inner shaft 13a. doing.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the case of the first example described above, and thus overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3. Also in the case of this example, the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is different from the case of the first example described above. That is, in the case of this example, one of the tie rods 10a, which is a displacement shaft existing between the electric assist device 12 (see FIG. 8) and the steered wheel among the plurality of steering force transmission shafts constituting the steering force transmission path. A small-diameter portion 28c (including a hardness distribution and a reference line 29c) having the same configuration as that of the first example described above is formed in the portion. In the illustrated example, the tie rod 10a has a rack end portion 30 on the base end side (steering gear unit side) and a tie rod end portion 31 on the tip end side (steering wheel side) connected in series in the axial direction. Become. That is, the length dimension of the tie rod 10a is determined based on the threaded engagement between the male thread portion provided at the distal end portion of the rack end portion 30 and the screw hole provided in the state opened to the proximal end surface of the tie rod end portion 31. By tightening the lock nut 32 in an appropriate state, the end portions 30 and 31 are fixed to each other. The small diameter portion 28c is formed in a portion near the base end of the rack end portion 30 (a portion not engaged with other members). In the case of this example, the reference line 29c is displayed over almost the entire length of the outer peripheral surface of the tie rod 10a. In the case of this example, when a shocking compressive load or bending moment is applied to the tie rod 10a due to a collision accident or a curb ride on the steering wheel, the small diameter portion 28c is bent and deformed.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the case of the first example described above, and thus overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 7 shows a fifth example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3. Also in the case of this example, the steering force transmission shaft having the small diameter portion is different from the case of the first example described above. That is, in the case of this example, a small diameter portion having the same configuration as in the case of the above-described first example is provided in a portion near the base end of the tie rod end portion 31a constituting the tie rod 10b (a portion not engaged with other members). 28d (including the hardness distribution and the reference line 29d) is formed. The rack end portion 30a is not particularly formed with a small diameter portion. In the case of this example, the reference line 29d is displayed over almost the entire length of the outer peripheral surface of the tie rod end portion 31a. Also in the case of this example, as in the case of the fourth example described above, when a shocking compressive load or bending moment is applied to the tie rod 10b due to a collision accident or a curb ride on the steering wheel, the small diameter portion 28d Bend and deform.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the case of the first example described above, and thus overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

  When carrying out the present invention, when an extension shaft (extension shaft), which is a kind of steering force transmission shaft, exists in a part of the steering force transmission path of the target steering device, a part of this extension shaft A small-diameter portion can also be provided on the surface. Moreover, this small diameter part can also be provided in two or more steering force transmission shafts.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Car body 2 Steering column 3, 3a Steering shaft 4 Steering wheel 5a, 5b Universal joint 6, 6a Intermediate shaft 7, 7a Steering gear unit 8, 8a Pinion shaft 9, 9a Rack shaft 10, 10a, 10b Tie rod 11 Electric motor 12 Electric Assist devices 13, 13a Inner shaft 14 Outer shaft 15, 15a Inner shaft 16 Outer shaft 17 Casing 18 Pressing means 19 First cylinder part 20 Second cylinder part 21 Third cylinder part 22a, 22b Rolling bearing 23 Rack teeth 24 Pinion teeth 25 Serration shaft portion 26 Yoke 27 Locking groove 28, 28a to 28d Small diameter portion 29, 29a to 29d Reference line 30, 30a Rack end portion 31, 31a Tie rod end portion 32 Lock nut

Claims (4)

  In a steering device having a plurality of steering force transmission shafts that constitute a steering force transmission path for transmitting a steering force input from a steering wheel to a pair of steering wheels, At least one steering force transmission shaft has a small-diameter portion whose outer diameter is smaller than that of another portion adjacent in the axial direction at a portion in the axial direction that does not engage with another member, and The small diameter portion is given a hardness distribution in a form in which the hardness of the outer diameter portion is higher than the hardness of the inner diameter portion, and this hardness distribution forms the small diameter portion with respect to the small diameter portion. Then, a method of performing a surface hardening process on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter part, a method of forming a small diameter part in the part after performing a surface hardening process on the outer peripheral surface of a part in the axial direction of the steering force transmission shaft, The degree of processing of the outer diameter portion is part of the axial direction of the steering force transmission shaft. It is given by any one method selected from the methods of forming the small-diameter portion in the portion based on performing plastic working which is larger than the working degree of the diameter portion. A steering apparatus characterized by the above.   The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reference line that is long in an axial direction of the small diameter portion and is linear as viewed from the outer diameter side of the small diameter portion is displayed on an outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion.   An electric assist device using an electric motor as an auxiliary power source is provided in a part of the steering force transmission path, and the steering force transmission shaft having the small-diameter portion is part of the steering force transmission path. The steering apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, provided in a portion between the apparatus and the two steering wheels. The steering force transmission shaft having the small-diameter portion is a rotation shaft that rotates about its own central axis when transmitting the steering force input from the steering wheel to the two steering wheels. The steering device described in any one of the above.

Images