JP5741388B2 - Telescopic steering device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a telescopic steering device for adjusting the front-rear position of a steering wheel.

  The steering apparatus for an automobile is configured as shown in FIG. 20, and transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 in accordance with the rotation of the input shaft 3. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed at the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5, and the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with the cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. Has been. Further, the front end portion of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 via a universal joint 7, and the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft 3 via another universal joint 9. Connected to.

  With such a steering device, a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position according to the physique and driving posture of the driver have been widely known. ing. In order to constitute the tilt mechanism, the steering column 6 is in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (the width direction is the width direction of the vehicle body and coincides with the left-right direction. Description and claims) The same is applied to the entire range.) The rocking displacement centering on the pivot 11 installed is supported. Further, the displacement bracket fixed to the rear end portion of the steering column 6 with respect to the support bracket 12 supported on the vehicle body 10 is in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction (the vertical direction and the front-rear direction are the vertical direction of the vehicle body and This refers to the front-rear direction, which is the same throughout the present specification and claims). Among these, in order to constitute a telescopic mechanism that enables displacement in the front-rear direction, the steering column 6 has a structure in which an outer column 13 and an inner column 14 are combined so as to be telescopically expandable and contractable, and the steering shaft 5 The outer shaft 15 and the inner shaft 16 are combined with each other so as to be able to transmit torque and expand and contract by spline engagement or the like. The illustrated example also incorporates an electric power steering device that reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 17 as an auxiliary power source.

  In the case of a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted or fixed at the adjusted position based on the operation of the adjustment lever, except for the electric mechanism. For example, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 22, based on the rotation of the adjusting rod 19 by the adjusting lever 18, the axial dimension of the cam device 20 is expanded and contracted and the cam member 21 is oscillated and displaced. Is described. In the case of this conventional structure, the displacement bracket 22 fixed to the outer column 13a is engaged / disengaged with respect to the support bracket 12a based on the expansion / contraction of the cam device 20. Further, based on the rocking displacement of the cam member 21, whether the inner column 14a is slidable with respect to the outer column 13a is switched.

  The adjustment rod 19 includes vertically elongated holes 24, 24 formed in a pair of left and right support plate portions 23, 23 constituting the support bracket 12a, and longitudinal elongated holes 25, 25 formed in the displacement bracket 22. Is inserted in the width direction. When adjusting the vertical position or front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 20) supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5a composed of the outer shaft 15a and the inner shaft 16a, the adjusting lever 18 is moved in a predetermined direction. By swinging, the axial dimension of the cam device 20 is reduced, and the cam member 21 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a. In this state, the vertical position and the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjustment rod 19 can be displaced within the long holes 24 and 25. After the steering wheel 1 is moved to a desired position, the adjusting lever 18 is swung in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction to expand the axial dimension of the cam device 20 and the cam member 21 The outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a is held down. As a result, the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position.

  When adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 as described above, if the steering wheel 1 is vigorously moved to an adjustable limit position, the adjustment rod 19 or a sleeve 26a fitted on the adjustment rod 19 is provided. The outer peripheral surface of 26b collides with the end of any one of the long holes 24, 25 vigorously. As a result, an impact is applied to the arm of the driver who operates the steering wheel 1, causing the driver to feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable. Furthermore, if the steering wheel 1 is displaced to the foremost position with an extremely large force, the supporting force of the steering column 6a with respect to the vehicle body may be lost. This point will be described below.

  In the event of a collision accident, a secondary collision occurs in which the driver's body collides with the steering wheel 1. In order to alleviate the impact applied to the driver's body during the secondary collision, the support bracket 12a is moved forward when a large impact load is applied to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 20). I support it. On the other hand, the steering wheel 1 is vigorously displaced to the foremost position, and the rear end portions of the longitudinal longitudinal holes 25 and 25 are vigorously formed on the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment rod 19 (the sleeves 26a and 26b fitted on the adjustment rod 19). In the case of collision, an impact in the same direction as the impact load applied during the secondary collision is applied to the support bracket 12a via the displacement bracket 22. For this reason, when a driver with good physique displaces the steering wheel 1 forward with an extremely large force (roughly) when adjusting the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1, the support bracket 12a can be disengaged forward. There is sex. And when it leaves | separates, operation of the said steering wheel 1 becomes difficult.

  Patent Document 2 describes a structure in which elastomeric elastic blocks are arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner peripheral surface of a plastic liner corresponding to a longitudinally long hole to provide a buffer function. . In the case of such a structure, it is possible to reduce a sense of incongruity given to the driver during the adjustment work, and to a certain extent prevent the occurrence of problems due to a rough adjustment operation. However, in such a structure, since the plastic liner and the elastic block, which are separate from each other, are combined by bonding or the like, the assembly is troublesome and the cost is increased.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a pair of upper and lower flange portions integrally formed on the outer end portion in the width direction of the plastic liner is provided on the side surface of the mating member provided adjacent to the outer side in the width direction of the plastic liner. A structure is described in which the state is always in elastic contact. In the case of such a structure, when adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel in a state where the distance between the pair of left and right support plate portions constituting the support bracket is widened, the flange portions and the counterpart member are Based on the sliding contact with the side surface, it is possible to suppress the sliding noise and vibration generated when the other metal members rub against each other. However, in the case of such a structure, the both flange portions are always present outside the longitudinal slot provided in the plastic liner. For this reason, it is necessary to form a concave groove for accommodating both the flange portions on the side surface of the mating member. That is, as this mating member, it is necessary to use a dedicated product provided with the concave groove, and the cost of the parts increases accordingly.

JP 2001-322552 A Japanese National Patent Publication No. 10-512825

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention can alleviate an impact that occurs when the front and rear positions of the steering wheel are displaced to the foremost position or the last position that can be adjusted, and the front and rear positions of the steering wheel can be reduced. The present invention has been invented to realize a structure capable of suppressing sliding noise and vibration generated when metal members rub against each other when adjusting.

The telescopic steering device of the present invention includes a steering column, a displacement bracket, a steering shaft, a support bracket, an adjustment rod, and an expansion / contraction mechanism.
Of these, the steering column has a cylindrical shape, and includes an outer column capable of expanding and contracting at least an inner diameter of one end in the axial direction, and an inner column fitted and supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement. Combined, it can be stretched.
The displacement bracket is one of the outer column and the inner column (rear side), and is fixed to a column that is displaced in the axial direction as the steering wheel moves back and forth. In addition, a longitudinally long hole is provided which is long in the axial direction of the column.
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column. And a steering wheel is fixed to the part which protruded back rather than the rear-end opening of this steering column.
The support bracket supports the steering column with respect to the vehicle body so that the front / rear position of the steering wheel can be adjusted, a pair of support plate portions sandwiching the displacement bracket from both sides in the width direction, and both the support plates. And a through hole formed in a part of the part that is aligned with each other,
Further, the adjusting rod is inserted through these through holes and the inside of the longitudinal longitudinal hole in the width direction of the displacement bracket.
Furthermore, the expansion / contraction mechanism expands / contracts a distance between a pair of pressing portions provided at portions opposite to the outer surfaces of the both support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod, so Increase or decrease the distance between the sides.
When the present invention is carried out, specifically, the outer column can be arranged on the rear side, the inner column can be arranged on the front side, and the one column can be used as the outer column. . Further, a long slit in the axial direction can be formed in the front end portion of the outer column, so that the inner diameter of the front end portion of the outer column can be elastically expanded / contracted. Further, the displacement bracket may be composed of a pair of sandwiched plate portions fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column with the slit sandwiched from both sides. Further, the front and rear direction long holes can be formed in the portions of the both sandwiched plate portions aligned with each other.
In particular, the telescopic steering device of the present invention includes a single elastic sleeve. This elastic sleeve is a flat cylindrical shape mounted in a state where both ends in the width direction are respectively fitted in the long holes in the front-rear direction and are spanned between the both sandwiched plate parts , The adjustment rod is inserted. In addition, the widthwise ends of the elastic sleeves are always in contact with the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions within a range in which the space between the inner side surfaces of the two support plate portions can be increased or decreased by the expansion / contraction mechanism. ing. Further, the widthwise end of the elastic sleeve fits entirely inside the longitudinal slot in a state where the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions are in contact with both widthwise side surfaces of the displacement bracket.

Although not included in the technical scope of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the single elastic sleeve is mounted, but a pair of longitudinal slots formed in the both sandwiched plate portions, respectively. In addition, it can be implemented as a reference invention that employs a configuration in which elastic sleeves that are separated from each other are mounted .

In carrying out the present invention and the above-described reference invention , it is preferable that the dimension in the width direction of the elastic sleeve can be elastically expanded / contracted at the end in the width direction of the elastic sleeve, as in the invention described in claim 2. The elastic piece is provided in a continuous state in the front-rear direction. And the space | interval of the inner surface of both these support plate parts can be expanded / reduced by the said expansion / contraction mechanism with respect to the inner surface which opposes this elastic piece among the inner surfaces of both said support plate parts. In such a range, it is always in an elastic contact state.

Moreover, when implementing this invention and the above-mentioned reference invention , Preferably, like the invention described in Claim 3 , the said elastic sleeve is internally fitted by the clearance fit inside the said front-back direction long hole. At the same time, protrusions are provided at a plurality of locations in the front-rear direction of the end surface in the width direction of the elastic sleeve. And the front-end | tip part of each these protrusion part is made into the space | interval of the inner surface of these both support plate parts by the said expansion / contraction mechanism with respect to the inner surface which faces these each protrusion part among the inner surface of the said both support plate parts. In a range where expansion and contraction is possible, the state is always in elastic contact.
In this case, more preferably, as in the invention described in claim 4 , the elastic sleeve penetrates the protruding portion in the vertical direction at the intermediate portion in the width direction of the elastic sleeve in a portion overlapping the protrusions with respect to the width direction. A thinning portion formed in a state to be provided is provided.

Moreover, when implementing this invention and the above-mentioned reference invention , Preferably, like the invention described in Claim 5 , the said elastic sleeve is fitted inside the said front-back direction long hole by gap fitting. At the same time, the end surface in the width direction of the elastic sleeve is a non-undulating surface having no undulation in the front-rear direction. And the space | interval of the inner surface of these both support plate parts can be expanded / contracted with the said expansion / contraction mechanism with respect to the inner surface which opposes this non-relief surface among the inner surfaces of both said support plate parts. It is always in a state of elastic contact in the range.
In this case, more preferably, as in the invention described in claim 6 , the thinned portion formed in a state of penetrating a part of the elastic sleeve in the vertical direction is any of the longitudinal directions of the elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve is provided at a plurality of locations in the intermediate portion in the width direction so that it also exists at the cross-sectional position.

Further, among the above-described reference inventions, when the invention additionally provided with the configuration of the invention described in claims 2, 3 and 5 is carried out, preferably at the intermediate portion in the width direction of the longitudinal slot. A step surface is provided on the back side of the elastic sleeve. At the same time, an elastic piece which can elastically expand and contract the dimension in the width direction is provided at the end in the width direction on the side facing the stepped surface of the elastic sleeve. And the front-end | tip part of this elastic piece shall always be in the state which contacted elastically with respect to the said level | step difference surface in the range which can expand / contract the space | interval of the inner surface of both said support plate parts by the said expansion / contraction mechanism.

When carrying out the present invention and the above-described reference invention , for example, as in the invention described in claim 7 , the front end portion of the steering column is supported so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. At the same time, the two through holes formed in the both support plate portions are vertically elongated holes that are long in the vertical direction around the center of swinging of the steering column.

  According to the telescopic steering device of the present invention configured as described above, even when the front-rear position of the steering wheel is vigorously displaced to the adjustable frontmost position or the final position, the impact generated at this time can be reduced. . That is, when the front and rear positions of the steering wheel are vigorously displaced to the adjustable frontmost position or the final position, the adjusting rod collides with the rear end or front end of the elastic sleeve. Since both the rear end portion and the front end portion can be elastically deformed and have an impact absorbing capability, the impact generated when the adjusting rod collides can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a sense of incongruity and discomfort due to the impact given to the driver who is operating the front-rear position of the steering wheel. In addition, since the impact energy applied to the support bracket via the adjusting rod can be reduced by the elastic sleeve, the support bracket can be disengaged forward even when the driver moves the steering wheel to the foremost position. Can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, when adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel, each of the inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions constituting the support bracket and the both sides in the width direction of the displacement bracket are metal members. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of sliding noise and vibration based on the friction with the surface. That is, in the case of the present invention, the end portions in the width direction of the elastic sleeve are always in elastic contact with the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions. That is, in order to adjust the front-rear position of the steering wheel, even if the space between the inner side surfaces of the two support plate parts is increased by the expansion / contraction mechanism, the inner side surfaces of the two support plate parts are arranged in the width direction of the elastic sleeve. The ends are in elastic contact. For this reason, in this state, the displacement bracket tends to be held at the center position in the width direction between the support plate portions by the elasticity of the elastic sleeve. Accordingly, in this state, both side surfaces of the displacement bracket in the width direction are not in contact with the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions, or even if they contact, the surface pressure acting on the contact portions is kept low. It will be in the state. As a result, in the case of the present invention, in this state, when adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel, the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions and the width direction both side surfaces of the displacement bracket are not rubbed strongly. . For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a sliding sound and a vibration based on this friction can be suppressed. Further, in the case of the present invention, when adjusting the front-rear position of the steering wheel, the widthwise end of the elastic sleeve slides while elastically contacting the inner side surfaces of the two support plate portions. It becomes a state. For this reason, it is also possible to absorb the sliding noise and vibration generated based on the friction between the inner side surfaces of the two support plate portions and the width direction side surfaces of the displacement bracket based on the elasticity of the elastic sleeve. Therefore, generation of these sliding noises and vibrations can be sufficiently suppressed.

  Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, the end portion in the width direction of the elastic sleeve is in a state where the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions are in contact with both side surfaces in the width direction of the displacement bracket, and the entirety thereof is the longitudinal slot. Fits inside. For this reason, it is not necessary to form the concave groove for accommodating the width direction edge part of the said elastic sleeve in the inner surface of the said both support plate part. That is, it is not necessary to use a dedicated product provided with the concave groove as the support bracket provided with these both support plate portions, and a general-purpose product not provided with the concave groove can be used. Therefore, the cost of parts can be reduced by that much.

The principal part side view which shows the 1st example of the reference example relevant to this invention . The figure which abbreviate | omitted one part and looked at the left end part of FIG. 1 from upper direction. XX sectional drawing of FIG. The side view which took out only the outer column, the outer shaft, and the adjustment rod, and was seen from the same direction as FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the α part in FIG. 3 in a state (A) and a state (B) in which the space between the inner side surfaces of a pair of support plate portions is reduced by an expansion / contraction mechanism with a part omitted. The side view (C) which looked at the elastic sleeve from the side view (A) and the top view (B) seen from the right side of (A), and the bottom of (B). The figure equivalent to the YY cross section of FIG. 6 which shows the modification of the 1st example of the reference example relevant to this invention . The figure similar to FIG. 5 which shows the 2nd example of the reference example relevant to this invention . The figure similar to (C) of Drawing 6, showing the 3rd example similarly. The figure similar to (C) of Drawing 6 showing the 4th example similarly. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows the 5th example similarly. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows the 6th example similarly. The figure similar to (C) of Drawing 6 showing the 7th example similarly. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows the 8th example similarly. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows the 9th example similarly. The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows the 10th example similarly. The figure similar to FIG. 3 which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention . The figure similar to FIG. 6 which shows the elastic sleeve which comprises the 1st example of this embodiment . The figure similar to FIG. 3 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The partial cutting schematic side view of the steering apparatus provided with the telescopic mechanism and the tilt mechanism conventionally known. The vertical side view which shows the 2nd example of conventional structure. FIG. 22 is an enlarged ZZ sectional view of FIG. 21.

[First example of reference example]
FIGS. 1-6 has shown the 1st example of the reference example relevant to this invention . In the structure of the present reference example, the support bracket 12b is supported to the vehicle body side fixing bracket 27 supported and fixed to the vehicle body so that the support bracket 12b can be detached forward by an impact load applied during a secondary collision. For this reason, in the case of the present reference example , the peripheral edge portion of the locking notch 28 formed at the center in the width direction of the fixed bracket 27 and opened to the front is formed on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 29 of the support bracket 12b. It is sandwiched between a portion near both ends in the width direction and the lower surface of the holding plate portion 31 of the holding bracket 30 which is welded and fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 29. Further, the fixing bracket 27 is formed at a portion where the peripheral edge portion of the locking notch 28, the upper plate portion 29 of the support bracket 12b, and the holding plate portion 31 of the holding bracket 30 are aligned with each other. A coupling member made of a material such as a synthetic resin that is easy to tear is passed over the small through hole or notch. With this configuration, the vehicle body side fixing bracket 27 and the support bracket 12b are coupled so as not to be shaken in a normal state, and the support bracket 12b can be detached forward in a secondary collision. In addition, regarding this part, since it is not related to the gist of the present invention and configurations other than those shown in the drawings including various conventionally known structures can be adopted, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The support bracket 12b is formed by bending a metal plate having sufficient strength and rigidity, such as a steel plate, and is perpendicular to the upper plate portion 29 and the left and right end portions of the upper plate portion 29 downward. A pair of bent support plate portions 23a and 23a are provided. Vertically elongated holes 24a and 24a corresponding to the through-holes described in the claims are formed in the portions of the support plate portions 23a and 23a that are aligned with each other. Both the vertical holes 24a and 24a have a partial arc shape centering on the pivot 11 (see FIGS. 20 to 21) serving as a swing center when the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 is adjusted.

  And between the said support plate parts 23a and 23a, the outer column 13b which comprises the steering column 6b is supported (clamped) so that adjustment of the front-back position and an up-down position is possible. The steering column 6b has a telescopic structure in which a front portion of the outer column 13b and a rear portion of the inner column 14b are fitted so as to be capable of relative displacement in the axial direction. Of these, the outer column 13b is formed in a cylindrical shape by casting (die casting) a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy. Further, the front end of the axial slit 32 formed in the lower end portion of the front half of the outer column 13b and corresponding to the slit described in the claims is formed into a circumferential slit 33 formed in the lower half portion of the front end of the outer column 13b. By opening, the inner diameter of the front half portion of the outer column 13b can be elastically expanded / contracted. In carrying out the present invention, the circumferential slit 33 is omitted, and the front end of the axial slit 32 is opened at the front edge of the outer column 13b, so that the front half of the outer column 13b is formed. The inner diameter can be elastically expanded / contracted. In any case, the front end portion of the inner column 14b is coupled and fixed to, for example, a housing of a power steering device, and the housing 11 is supported by the pivot 11 so as to be swingable and displaceable with respect to the vehicle body. It is possible to adjust the vertical position of the rear end.

Further, a pair of sandwiched plate portions 34 and 34 constituting the displacement bracket 22a are formed at positions near the both ends in the width direction of the lower surface of the outer column 13b so as to sandwich the axial slit 32 from both the left and right sides. . Both the sandwiched plate portions 34 and 34 are basically flat and are cast integrally with the outer column 13b. However, the plurality of sandwiched plate portions 34 and 34 are provided with concave portions for weight reduction and prevention of shrinkage after casting. Is forming. In addition, longitudinal long holes 25a and 25a are formed in parallel with the central axis of the outer column 13b at positions where the sandwiched plate portions 34 and 34 are aligned with each other. Further, the shape of the front and rear end portions of both of the longitudinal holes 25a and 25a viewed from the width direction (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) is a semicircular shape having a constant curvature radius. In the case of this reference example , the vertical dimension of these longitudinally long holes 25a, 25a is wider at the outer half in the width direction than at the inner half in the width direction. For this purpose, stepped surfaces 35 and 35 are provided at the intermediate portions in the width direction on both the upper and lower side surfaces of the inner peripheral surfaces of the front and rear direction long holes 25a and 25a, respectively.

Then, elastic sleeves 36, 36 made of elastomer such as rubber are mounted on the inner side of the outer half in the width direction of both the longitudinal holes 25a, 25a. Each of the elastic sleeves 36 and 36 includes a flat cylindrical main body 37 and a pair of elastic pieces 38 and 38 as shown in detail in FIG. The main body 37 includes a pair of flat plate portions 39, 39 provided in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and the length direction of both the flat plate portions 39, 39 {in the front-rear direction during use, as shown in FIG. A) Up-down direction in (B)} It consists of a pair of curved plate portions 40, 40, which connect both ends to each other and are semi-cylindrical. The elastic pieces 38, 38 are arranged in the width direction of the flat plate portions 39, 39 {the left-right direction in FIGS. 6B and 6C} on one end surface {same left end surface}. 39, 39 is a strip-shaped portion provided in a continuous state in the length direction, and the side edge portions on the side close to each other, which is the respective base end portion, are arranged in the width direction piece of the both flat plate portions 39, 39. It connects with the side edge part of the near side of an end surface. Further, in the free state, as shown in FIG. 6, the two elastic pieces 38, 38 are inclined in a direction away from the main body 37 toward the side edges on the far side, which are the respective leading ends. . Each of these elastic pieces 38, 38 is mainly formed by elastically deforming the base end portion and swinging about the base end portion, so that the width direction of the main body 37 {FIGS. 6B and 6C). The dimension with respect to the left-right direction in FIG. In the case of this reference example, the other end surface in the width direction of the main body 37 (the right end surface in FIGS. 6B and 6C) is also related to the length direction of the main body 37 (the front-rear direction in use). In the width direction, all are flat surfaces that are non-undulating surfaces having no undulations.

In the case of this reference example, in a state where both the elastic sleeves 36, 36 are mounted inside the front-rear direction long holes 25a, 25a, the main body 37, 37 is placed in the width direction of the front-rear direction long holes 25a, 25a. The inner half of the outer half is fitted with no backlash, and the other end surface (flat surface) in the width direction of the main bodies 37 and 37 is brought into contact with the stepped surfaces 35 and 35. Further, in this state, at least the tip portions of the elastic pieces 38, 38 are brought into elastic contact with the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 23a, 23a, respectively. 5A shows a state in which the distance between the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a is reduced most by an expansion / contraction mechanism described later, and FIG. The most expanded state is shown. As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B), in the case of the present reference example , the space between the inner side surfaces of the two support plate portions 23a can always be expanded and contracted by an expansion / contraction mechanism described later. The shape and size of each part are regulated so that at least the tip ends of the elastic pieces 38, 38 constituting both the elastic sleeves 36 are in elastic contact with the inner side surfaces of the both support plate parts 23a. . Further, in the case of the present reference example , as shown in FIG. 5A, the space is most contracted, that is, the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a are the widths of the both sandwiched plate portions 34. The shape and size of each part are regulated so that the entire elastic pieces 38, 38 are accommodated inside the front-rear direction long hole 25a while being in contact with the outer side surface in the direction.

  A steering shaft 5b is rotatably supported inside the steering column 6b. The steering shaft 5b is formed by spline-engaging the front half of the rear outer shaft 15b and the rear half of the front inner shaft 16b, and enables torque transmission and expansion / contraction. The outer shaft 15b is rotatably supported on the inner side of the outer column 13b while preventing axial displacement of the outer column 13b. The steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 20) can be fixed to a portion protruding from the rear end opening of the outer column 13b at the rear end portion of the outer shaft 15b.

  Further, an adjustment rod 19a is inserted into the insides of the both vertical slots 24a, 24a and the elastic sleeves 36, 36 mounted inside the longitudinal slots 25a, 25a. And by the expansion / contraction mechanism comprised including this adjustment rod 19a, the space | interval of the inner surface of both said support plate parts 23a and 23a is expanded / contracted, and adjustment of the up-down position and the front-back position of the said outer column 13b is enabled. The outer column 13b can be held in the adjusted position. In order to constitute the expansion / contraction mechanism, a vertical length is formed by forming a head 41 provided on the base end portion (right end portion in FIG. 3) of the adjustment rod 19a on one (right side in FIG. 3) support plate portion 23a. The holes 24a are engaged with each other only in a state where the displacement along the vertically elongated holes 24a is possible (in a state where rotation is prevented). On the other hand, between the nut 42 screwed and fixed to the tip of the adjustment rod 19a and the outer surface of the other (left side in FIG. 3) support plate 23a, the thrust bearing 43 is sequentially formed from the nut 42 side. And a cam device 20a. The cam device 20a expands and contracts the axial dimension based on the relative displacement between the drive side cam 44 and the driven side cam 45, and the driven side cam 45 is attached to the other support plate portion 23a. Only the displacement along this vertical direction long hole 24a is engaged with the formed vertical direction long hole 24a. On the other hand, the drive side cam 44 can be rotated around the adjustment rod 19a by the adjustment lever 18a.

  When adjusting the vertical position or the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1, the adjusting lever 18a is swung downward to reduce the axial dimension of the cam device 20a. As a result, the distance between the head 41 and the driven cam 45 is increased, and the distance between the inner surfaces of the support plate portions 23a and 23a is increased. The support plate portions 23a and 23a are connected to the displacement bracket. The force holding down the pair of left and right sandwiched plate portions 34, 34 constituting 22a is reduced or lost. At the same time, the inner diameter of the front half of the outer column 13b is elastically expanded, and the surface pressure of the fitting portion between the inner peripheral surface of the front half of the outer column 13b and the outer peripheral surface of the rear half of the inner column 14b is reduced or lost. . In this state, the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjustment rod 19a can be displaced in the vertical holes 24a and 24a. Further, the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted within a range in which the adjustment rod 19a can be displaced inside the elastic sleeves 36, 36. After the steering wheel 1 is moved to a desired position, the adjustment lever 18a is swung upward to expand the axial dimension of the cam device 20a, so that the head 41 and the driven cam 45 are expanded. And the distance between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 23a, 23a is reduced, and these support plate portions 23a, 23a constitute a pair of left and right sandwiched plate portions 34, which constitute the displacement bracket 22a, 34 is strongly suppressed. At the same time, the inner diameter of the front half of the outer column 13b is reduced, and the fitting strength between the front half of the outer column 13b and the rear half of the inner column 14b is increased. As a result, the steering wheel 1 can be held at the adjusted position.

According to the telescopic steering device of the present reference example configured as described above, even if the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 is vigorously displaced to the adjustable frontmost position or the final position, the impact generated at this time Can be relaxed. That is, when the front / rear position of the steering wheel 1 is vigorously displaced to the adjustable frontmost position or the final position, the adjustment rod 19a is a curve that forms the rear end or front end of the elastic sleeves 36, 36. Collides with the plate portions 40, 40. Since each of the curved plate portions 40 and 40 is elastically deformable and has an impact absorbing capability, it is possible to mitigate the impact generated when the adjusting rod 19a collides. Therefore, the uncomfortable feeling and discomfort given to the driver who is operating the steering wheel 1 based on the impact can be reduced.

Further, since the impact energy applied to the support bracket 12b from the outer column 13b via the adjustment rod 19a can be reduced, the support bracket can be used even when the driver moves the steering wheel 1 to the foremost position. It is possible to prevent 12b from moving forward. That is, when a driver with a large physique pushes the outer column 13b forward through the steering wheel 1 and the outer shaft 15b with the adjustment lever 18a rotated downward, the adjustment is performed. The rod 19a is displaced vigorously toward the rear end portions of the two longitudinal longitudinal holes 25a, 25a. Then, the kinetic energy for moving the outer column 13b forward is transmitted to the support bracket 12b through the adjustment rod 19a. When the impact energy transmitted to the support bracket 12b is large in this way, the synthetic resin coupling member that couples the support bracket 12b and the vehicle body side fixing bracket 27 is broken, and the support bracket 12b Leave ahead. On the other hand, according to the structure of the present reference example, the impact transmitted from the outer column 13b to the adjusting rod 19a based on the elastic deformation of the rear ends of the main bodies 37, 37 constituting the both elastic sleeves 36, 36. Since a considerable portion of energy can be absorbed, the support bracket 12b can be prevented from being detached forward by an impact of a rough operation.

In the case of this reference example , when adjusting the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 23a, 23a, which are metal members, and the both covers Generation of sliding noise and vibration can be suppressed based on the friction between the sandwiching plate portions 34 and 34 and the outer side surfaces in the width direction. That is, in the case of this reference example , at least the tip portions of the elastic pieces 38, 38 constituting the both elastic sleeves 36, 36 are always in elastic contact with the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a, 23a. It has become. That is, even when the space between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 23a, 23a is increased by the expansion / contraction mechanism in order to adjust the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, the elastic sleeves 36, 36 are configured. At least the tip portions of the elastic pieces 38, 38 are in elastic contact with the inner surfaces of the support plate portions 23a, 23a. Therefore, in this state, the displacement bracket 22a composed of the both sandwiched plate portions 34, 34 is arranged in the width direction between the two support plate portions 23a, 23a by the elasticity of the elastic sleeves 36, 36. It tends to be held in the center position. Therefore, in this state, the width direction outer side surfaces of the both sandwiched plate portions 34, 34 are not in contact with the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a, 23a, or even if they are in contact, The surface pressure acting on the part is kept low. As a result, in the case of this reference example , in this state, when adjusting the front-rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a, 23a and the both sandwiched plate portions 34 are used. , 34 does not rub against the outer surface in the width direction. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a sliding sound and a vibration based on this friction can be suppressed. Further, in the case of the present reference example , when adjusting the front / rear position and the vertical position of the steering wheel 1, at least the distal end portions of the elastic pieces 38, 38 constituting the both elastic sleeves 36, 36 are the both support plates. It will be in the state which slides, contacting elastically with respect to the inner surface of the parts 23a and 23a. For this reason, both elastic sleeves 36 generate sliding noise and vibration generated based on friction between the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 23a and 23a and the outer side surfaces of the sandwiched plate portions 34 and 34 in the width direction. , 36 based on elasticity. Therefore, generation of these sliding noises and vibrations can be sufficiently suppressed.

Further, in the case of this reference example , the elastic pieces 38, 38 constituting the both elastic sleeves 36, 36 are arranged so that the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a, 23a are outside the width direction of the both sandwiched plate portions 34, 34. In a state where they are in contact with the side surfaces, the entirety of each fits inside the longitudinal longitudinal holes 25a, 25a. For this reason, it is not necessary to form concave grooves for accommodating the elastic pieces 38, 38 on the inner side surfaces of the support plate portions 23a, 23a. That is, as the support bracket 12b having both the support plate portions 23a and 23a, it is not necessary to use a dedicated product having the concave groove, and a general-purpose product having no concave groove can be used. Therefore, the cost of parts can be reduced by that much.

When the first example of the reference example described above is implemented, the elasticity of the elastic pieces 38, 38 constituting the both elastic sleeves 36, 36 in the direction of pressing the inner side surfaces of the both support plate portions 23a, 23a is as follows. For example, it can be adjusted by changing the thickness t (FIG. 6) of the base portion of each elastic piece 38, 38. In this case, the thickness t can be set to zero (t = 0) as shown in FIG. 7 at one or a plurality of intermediate portions in the front-rear direction of the elastic pieces 38, 38.

[Second example of reference example]
FIG. 8 shows a second example of a reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example , the mounting direction of the elastic sleeve 36 with respect to the longitudinal direction long hole 25a is reversed to the left and right in the case of the first example of the reference example described above. At the same time, by setting the fitting state of the main body 37 constituting the elastic sleeve 36 to the longitudinal long hole 25a as a gap fitting, the width direction of the main body 37 with respect to the longitudinal long hole 25a (FIG. 8). Displacement in the horizontal direction) is possible. In the case of this reference example, the other end surface in the width direction of the main body 37 (the left end surface in FIG. 8) is the support plate portion based on the elasticity of the elastic pieces 38, 38 brought into contact with the step surfaces 35, 35. The inner surface of 23a is always in a state of elastic contact within a range in which the space between the inner surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 23a can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism.
Since the configuration and operation of other parts are the same as those in the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Third example of reference example]
FIG. 9 shows a third example of the reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example , the elastic sleeve 36a is a base end portion of the pair of elastic pieces 38a, 38a, and the side edges of the two elastic pieces 38a, 38a that are far from each other are paired with a pair of flat plate portions 39, 39 are connected to side edges of one end face in the width direction (left end face in FIG. 9) on the far side. In the free state, the elastic pieces 38a, 38a are inclined away from the main body 37 toward the side edges closer to each other, as shown in the figure.
The configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 (or the second example of the reference example shown in FIG. 8). The illustration and explanation are omitted.

[Fourth Reference Example]
FIG. 10 shows a fourth example of the reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example, the shape of the pair of elastic pieces 38b, 38b constituting the elastic sleeve 36b as seen from the front-rear direction (shown in FIG. 10) is not a simple linear shape, but is bent at an acute angle in the middle portion. It is V-shaped with a part. By adopting such a configuration, the base of each of the elastic pieces 38b, 38b accompanying the expansion / contraction of the distance between the pair of support plate portions 23a, 23a (see FIGS. 3 and 5) by the expansion / contraction mechanism. It is possible to easily ensure the durability of each of the elastic pieces 38b and 38b by suppressing the amount of elastic deformation of each part at each end and intermediate part (bent part).
The configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 (or the second example of the reference example shown in FIG. The illustration and explanation are omitted.

[Fifth Reference Example]
FIG. 11 shows a fifth example of the reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example , the elastic sleeve 36c is a longitudinal direction {left end surface in FIGS. 11B and 11C} of the pair of flat plate portions 39, 39 in the width direction {the longitudinal direction in use. 11A and 11B, the base ends of the rectangular flat plate-like elastic pieces 38c and 38c are coupled to a plurality of equally spaced locations (four locations in the illustrated example), respectively. doing. In a free state, the elastic pieces 38c, 38c are inclined in the same direction with respect to the length direction of the flat plate portions 39, 39 as they move away from the flat plate portions 39, 39, respectively. . In use, the elastic pieces 38c, 38c are used as the stepped surfaces 35, 35 (see FIG. 8) of the longitudinal long hole 25a, and the width direction other end surface (flat surface) of the main body 37 is used as the support plate portion 23a (see FIG. 8). It is set as the state which made the inner surface of each contact elastically.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the second example of the reference example shown in FIG. 8, the overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Sixth example of reference example]
FIG. 12 shows a sixth example of the reference example related to the present invention . In the case of the fifth reference example described above, the shape of each elastic piece 38c, 38c constituting the elastic sleeve 36c in the free state is a rectangular flat plate, whereas in the case of this reference example , The shape of each elastic piece 38d, 38d constituting the elastic sleeve 36d in a free state is a partial cylindrical shape that protrudes outward in the width direction (left side in FIGS. 12B and 12C). Yes. Each of the elastic pieces 38d and 38d is capable of elastically expanding and contracting the dimension in the width direction based on elastically changing the entire curvature in addition to elastic deformation of the base end portion. Also in the case of this reference example , in use, the elastic pieces 38d and 38d are used as the stepped surfaces 35 and 35 (see FIG. 8) of the longitudinal long hole 25a, and the other widthwise end surface (flat surface) of the main body 37 is used as a support plate. The inner surfaces of the portions 23a (see FIG. 8) are brought into a state of being in elastic contact with each other.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the second example of the reference example shown in FIG. 8, the overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Seventh example of reference example]
FIG. 13 shows a seventh example of the reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example , the elastic sleeve 36e is provided with elastic pieces 38 and 38e on both sides in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 13) of the pair of flat plate portions 39 and 39, respectively. In use, the main body 37 is fitted into the outer half of the longitudinal direction long hole 25a (see FIG. 5) with a gap fit. At the same time, at least the tip of each of the elastic pieces 38, 38e is formed on the stepped surfaces 35, 35 and the inner surface of the support plate portion 23a (see FIG. 5) by the expansion / contraction mechanism, respectively. The space between the inner side surfaces is always in a state of elastic contact within a range in which expansion and contraction are possible. In the case of this reference example having such a configuration, each of the elastic pieces 38, 38 is provided on each of both end surfaces in the width direction of the flat plate portions 39, 39, so that a pair of support is provided by the expansion / contraction mechanism. It is possible to suppress the amount of elastic deformation of each of the elastic pieces 38 and 38e that accompanies expansion / contraction of the interval between the inner side surfaces of the plate portion 23a. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the durability of each of the elastic pieces 38 and 38e. Further, since the elastic sleeve 36e has a bilaterally symmetric structure, the direction of assembling can be eliminated and the assembling work can be facilitated.
The configuration and operation of other parts are the same as those in the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and the second example of the reference example shown in FIG. Illustration and description are omitted.
In the case of carrying out the present invention, as in the seventh example of the reference example described above, the elastic sleeve is elastically formed on both end surfaces in the width direction of the main body 37 including the pair of flat plate portions 39, 39. When providing pieces, the form (number, shape, dimensions, orientation, arrangement, etc.) of the elastic pieces provided on both end faces in the width direction can be made different from each other.

[Eighth example of reference example]
FIG. 14 shows an eighth example of the reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example , the elastic sleeve 36f has a pair of flat plate portions 39a and 39a constituting the main body 37a in the width direction {left and right direction in FIGS. 14B and 14C} one end surface (also the left end surface). Length direction {vertical direction in FIGS. 14 (A) and 14 (B) in the front-rear direction during use} a plurality of locations (in the illustrated example, 2 locations each for a total of 4 locations) and a pair of curved plates Projections 46a and 46b are provided on one end face in the width direction of the portions 40a and 40a. The tip surfaces of the protrusions 46a and 46b are respectively convex curved surfaces. On the other hand, the other end surface in the width direction of the main body 37a (the right end surface in FIGS. 13B and 13C) is a flat surface that is a non-relief surface having no undulation in the width direction with respect to the length direction. . In addition, the flat plate portions 39a, 39a near the one end in the width direction, the portions overlapping with the protrusions 46a, 46a in the width direction are respectively thinning portions, and are long through holes 47a, 47a in the front-rear direction. Is forming. Further, among the portions closer to the other end in the width direction of the main body 37a, the front and rear end portions that are portions overlapping the projections 46b and 46b in the width direction are respectively long in the front-rear direction, each being a thinning portion. The through holes 47b and 47b are formed so as to open at both front and rear edges of the main body 37a. In particular, in the case of this reference example , both ends of each of the through holes 47a and 47a and the end of each of the through holes 47b and 47b are arranged so as to overlap each other in the width direction. Any through-hole 47a, 47b is present at any cross-sectional position in the front-rear direction. Then, by forming the protrusions 46a, 46b and the through holes 47a, 47b in the positional relationship as described above, the protrusions 46a in the length direction of the elastic sleeve 36f. , 46b (particularly, in the case of this reference example , the entire elastic sleeve 36f) has a sufficient elastic expansion / contraction amount in the width direction.

In the case of this reference example , in use, the main body 37a is fitted into the outer half of the longitudinal direction long hole 25a (see FIG. 5) with a gap fit. At the same time, either one of the other end surface (flat surface) in the width direction of the main body 37a and the tip end portion of each of the protrusions 46a and 46b is used as the stepped surfaces 35 and 35 (see FIG. 5), and the other is used. The inner surface of the support plate 23a (see FIG. 5) is always in a state of elastic contact within a range in which the distance between the inner surfaces of the pair of support plates 23a can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism. In addition, with the inner side surface of the support plate portion 23a in contact with the outer side surface in the width direction of the sandwiched plate portion 34 (see FIG. 5), the entire elastic sleeve 36f is inside the longitudinal slot 25a. The shape and dimensions of each part are regulated so as to be within the range.
The configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 (or the second example of the reference example shown in FIG. The illustration and explanation are omitted.

[Ninth example of reference example]
FIG. 15 shows a ninth example of the reference example related to the invention . For eighth example of the above-described reference example, only in the width direction one end surface of the main body 37a constituting the elastic sleeve 36f, whereas it had multiple projections 46a, and 46b is provided, in the case of the present reference example A plurality of protrusions 46c, 46d are also provided in the length direction {in the front-rear direction during use) on the other end surface in the width direction of the main body 37b (the flat plate portions 39b, 39b and the curved plate portions 40b, 40b) constituting the elastic sleeve 36g. , In the vertical direction} in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the projections 46a and 46b provided on one end surface in the width direction are provided at the same phase. In the case of this reference example , the tip surfaces of the protrusions 46c and 46d are parallel to the mating surfaces with which the tip surfaces are brought into contact during use. In the case of this reference example, the through holes 47c and 47d provided in the main body 37b are overlapped with respect to the front-rear direction at the center in the width direction of the main body 37b.
The configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the eighth example of the reference example described above.

[Tenth example of reference example]
FIG. 16 shows a tenth reference example related to the present invention . In the case of this reference example , the elastic sleeve 36h has both ends of the body 37c (the flat plate portions 39c and 39c and the curved plate portions 40c and 40c) in the width direction {the left and right directions in FIGS. Each is a flat surface, which is a non-undulating surface with no undulations in both the length direction (the front-rear direction in use and the vertical direction in FIGS. 16A and 16B) and the width direction. In addition, through holes 47e and 47e that are long portions in the front-rear direction, each of which is a thinned portion, are formed in the center portion in the width direction of the flat plate portions 39c and 39c. In addition, through holes 47f and 47f that are long portions in the front-rear direction, which are thinning portions, are formed in the front-rear ends of the main body 37c at the front and rear end edges, respectively, at the front-rear ends of the main body 37c. ing. In particular, in the case of this reference example , by arranging the both end portions of the respective through holes 47e and 47e and the end portions of the respective through holes 47f and 47f with respect to the width direction of the main body 37c, Any through hole 47e, 47f is present at any cross-sectional position in the front-rear direction of the elastic sleeve 36h. By forming such through holes 47e and 47f, a sufficient elastic expansion / contraction amount in the width direction of the entire elastic sleeve 36h is secured.

Also in the case of this reference example , in use, the main body 37c is fitted into the outer half of the longitudinal direction long hole 25a (see FIG. 5) with a gap fit. At the same time, both end surfaces in the width direction of the main body 37a are respectively connected to the stepped surfaces 35 and 35 and the inner surface of the support plate portion 23a (see FIG. 5) by the expansion / contraction mechanism. As long as the distance between the two can be expanded and contracted, it is always in an elastic contact state. In addition, with the inner side surface of the support plate portion 23a in contact with the outer side surface in the width direction of the sandwiched plate portion 34 (see FIG. 5), the entire elastic sleeve 36h is located inside the longitudinal slot 25a. The shape and dimensions of each part are regulated so as to be within the range.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 described above, overlapping illustration and description are omitted.

[ First example of embodiment]
17 to 18 show a first example of the embodiment of the present invention . In the case of this example, a pair of front and rear direction long holes 25b and 25b respectively formed in a pair of left and right sandwiched plate portions 34a and 34a constituting the displacement bracket 22b provided integrally with the outer column 13c, Both ends of the single elastic sleeve 36i in the width direction are fitted with gap fittings. In short, the elastic sleeve 36i is mounted in a state of being spanned between the sandwiched plate portions 34a and 34a. In the case of this example, as described in detail in FIG. 18, the elastic sleeve 36i has a shape in which both halves in the width direction are mirror-symmetric with respect to the center in the width direction. That is, the elastic sleeve 36i has the same shape as that of the elastic sleeve 36f shown in FIG. 14 described above in the width direction end portions of the main body 37d (the flat plate portions 39d and 39d and the curved plate portions 40d and 40d). At the same time, rectangular through holes 47g and 47g are formed at the center in the width direction of the flat plate portions 39d and 39d. In the state where the elastic sleeve 36i is attached to the inside of the longitudinal longitudinal holes 25b and 25b as described above, the tip portions of the protrusions 46a and 46b existing on both end surfaces in the width direction of the elastic sleeve 36i are respectively 1 The inner side surfaces of the pair of support plate portions 23a and 23a are always elastically contacted within a range in which the distance between the inner side surfaces of both the support plate portions 23a and 23a can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism.

In the case of this example, the support bracket 12c can be detached forward by impact energy applied at the time of a secondary collision via a pair of right and left locking capsules 48, 48 with respect to a portion where the support bracket 12c is fixed to the vehicle body. I support it. Such a detachment mechanism using the locking capsules 48 and 48 is well known in the art, and thus detailed illustration and description thereof will be omitted.
Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 described above, overlapping illustration and description are omitted.

[ Second Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 19 shows a second example of the embodiment of the present invention . In the case of this example, a pair of sandwiched plate portions 34b and 34b constituting the displacement bracket 22c are provided on the lower surface of the outer column 13d made of a steel plate (which is an electric sewing tube or a drawing tube). The formed axial slit 32a is welded and fixed in a state sandwiched from both the left and right sides. And the width direction both ends of the single elastic sleeve 36i are respectively fitted with gap fittings in the longitudinal direction long holes 25b, 25b formed in the mutually aligned portions of the sandwiched plate portions 34b, 34b. The elastic sleeve 36i is stretched between the sandwiched plate portions 34b and 34b. In the case of the structure of this example, since there are restrictions due to the plate thickness of both of the sandwiched plate portions 34b, 34b, the inner peripheral surface of both the front and rear direction long holes 25b, 25b, the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sleeve 36i, It is difficult to arbitrarily adjust the contact area.
Since the configuration and operation of other parts are the same as in the case of the first example of the embodiment described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

The present invention can also be implemented with a steering apparatus that does not include a tilt mechanism but includes only a telescopic mechanism.
The present invention can also be implemented for a structure in which the displacement bracket is disposed above the steering column . Further, although not within the technical scope of the present invention, the present invention can also be implemented for a structure in which the outer column is disposed on the front side and the inner column is disposed on the rear side.
In addition, when adopting a structure in which both ends of a single elastic sleeve are fitted in a pair of longitudinal slots, the elastic sleeve includes one or more elastic pieces on each end face in the width direction of the main body. You can also use what you have provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5, 5a, 5b Steering shaft 6, 6a, 6b Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Car body 11 Axis 12, 12a-12c Support bracket 13, 13a- 13d Outer column 14, 14a, 14b Inner column 15, 15a, 15b Outer shaft 16, 16a, 16b Inner shaft 17 Electric motor 18, 18a Adjusting lever 19, 19a Adjusting rod 20, 20a Cam device 21 Cam members 22, 22a-22c Displacement bracket 23, 23a Support plate portion 24, 24a Vertical direction long hole 25, 25a-25c Longitudinal direction long hole 26a, 26b Sleeve 27 Vehicle body side fixing bracket 28 Locking notch 29 Upper plate part 30 Bracket 31 holding plate 32, 32a axial slit 33 circumferential slit 34, 34a, 34b sandwiched plate 35 step surface 36, 36a-36i elastic sleeve 37, 37a-37d main body 38, 38a-38d elastic piece 39, 39a to 39d Flat plate portion 40, 40a to 40d Curved plate portion 41 Head portion 42 Nut 43 Thrust bearing 44 Driving side cam 45 Driven side cam 46a to 46d Protrusion portion 47a to 47g Through hole 48 Locking capsule

Claims (7)

A steering column, a displacement bracket, a steering shaft, a support bracket, an adjustment rod, and an expansion / contraction mechanism are provided.
The steering column has a cylindrical shape and combines an outer column that can expand and contract at least an inner diameter at one end in the axial direction, and an inner column that is fitted and supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement. The outer column is disposed on the rear side, the inner column is disposed on the front side, and a long slit is formed in the axial direction at the front end of the outer column. The inner diameter of the column can be elastically expanded / contracted,
The displacement bracket is composed of a pair of sandwiched plate portions fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, which is displaced in the axial direction as the steering wheel moves back and forth, with the slit sandwiched from both sides. And a longitudinally long hole that is long in the axial direction of the outer column is formed in each of the parts of the sandwiched plate portions that are aligned with each other,
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and fixes a steering wheel to a portion protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column,
The support bracket supports the steering column with respect to the vehicle body so that the front-rear position of the steering wheel can be adjusted. A pair of support plate portions sandwiching the displacement bracket from both sides in the width direction, A through hole formed in a portion aligned with each other,
The adjustment rod is inserted in the width direction of the displacement bracket through the inside of both the through holes and the longitudinal longitudinal hole,
The expansion / contraction mechanism expands / contracts a distance between a pair of pressing portions provided at portions opposite to the outer surfaces of the support plate portions at both ends of the adjustment rod, thereby allowing the inner surfaces of the support plate portions to In the telescopic steering device that expands and contracts
A single elastic sleeve is provided, and this elastic sleeve is mounted in such a state that both end portions in the width direction are respectively fitted in the long holes in the front-rear direction and are spanned between the sandwiched plate portions. In the shape of a flat tube, the adjustment rod is inserted inside, and on the inner side surfaces of the both support plate parts, the interval between the inner side surfaces of the both support plate parts can be enlarged and reduced by the expansion / contraction mechanism, The elastic sleeves are always in contact with the widthwise ends thereof, and the elastic sleeves are in the state where the inner surfaces of the two support plates are in contact with both widthwise sides of the displacement bracket. And, the whole is fit inside the longitudinal slot,
Telescopic steering device. An elastic piece whose dimensions in the width direction can be elastically expanded / contracted is provided at an end portion in the width direction of the elastic sleeve in a state of being continuous in the front-rear direction. Of the inner surface of the plate portion, the inner surface facing the elastic piece is always in a state of elastic contact within a range in which the space between the inner surfaces of both the support plate portions can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism. The telescopic steering device according to claim 1 . The elastic sleeve is fitted inside the longitudinal slot by gap fitting, and protrusions are provided at a plurality of positions in the front-rear direction of the widthwise end surface of the elastic sleeve, and the tips of the respective protrusions However, it is always elastic within the range in which the space between the inner side surfaces of the two support plate portions can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism with respect to the inner side surface of the both support plate portions facing the projections. The telescopic steering device according to claim 1 , wherein the telescopic steering device is in contact with the steering wheel. The width direction intermediate portion of the elastic sleeve, a portion overlapping the respective projections with respect to this width direction, cutouts formed in a state of penetrating the portion in the vertical direction are present, in claim 3 The described telescopic steering device. The elastic sleeve is fitted inside the longitudinal slot by gap fitting, and the end surface in the width direction of the elastic sleeve is a non-undulating surface that does not undulate in the front-rear direction. The inner surface of the two support plate portions is always elastic with respect to the inner surface facing the non-relief surface within a range in which the distance between the inner surfaces of the two support plate portions can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism. The telescopic steering device according to claim 1 , which is in a contact state. A plurality of intermediate portions in the width direction of the elastic sleeve are present so that a thinned portion formed so as to penetrate a part of the elastic sleeve in the vertical direction exists in any cross-sectional position in the front-rear direction of the elastic sleeve. The telescopic steering device according to claim 5 , which is provided at a location. The front end portion of the steering column is supported so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction, and the through holes formed in the both support plate portions are vertically moved around the swing center of the steering column, respectively. The telescopic steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the telescopic steering device is a long, vertically elongated hole.

Images