Steering apparatus

A steering apparatus includes an inner column, an outer column fitted onto the inner column, a vehicle body mounting bracket, a distance bracket fixed to the outer circumference of the outer column and slidably held between left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket, and a tightening rod. The distance bracket is formed with telescopic slots through which the tightening rod is inserted. The distance bracket includes left and right front tightening portions and left and right rear tightening portions. The axial distance between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions is shorter than the axial length of each telescopic slot. The outer column is formed with a pair of left and right through-holes into which the left and right front tightening portions or the left and right rear tightening portions is inserted.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a steering apparatus having an outer column and an inner column engaged with each other so as to be relatively slidable in an axial direction.

BACKGROUND ART

There is a steering apparatus in which an outer column and an inner column are engaged with each other so as to be relatively slidable in an axial direction, such that the telescopic position of a steering wheel is adjusted or an impact load during second collision is absorbed. In such a steering apparatus, the outer circumference of the inner column is tightened by the inner circumference of the outer column by shrinking the diameter of the outer column having a slit, thereby clamping the inner column such that the inner column cannot move in the axial direction relative to the outer column in the axial direction (see, e.g., Patent Document 1).

However, in a steering apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, one end of a slit is open at an end face of an outer column. Therefore, in accordance with the telescopic position of a steering wheel, a distance between a closed end portion of the other end of the slit and the tightening position of the outer column changes. Accordingly, even when an operating lever is operated with the same force, the tightening force of the outer column tightening an inner column changes depending the telescopic position of the steering wheel.

In a steering apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, an inner column is directly clamped by a distance bracket, such that the tightening force of an outer column tightening the inner column does not change depending on the telescopic position of a steering wheel.

However, in the steering apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, two distance brackets are provided, the outer circumference of the outer column is tightened by one distance bracket, and the outer circumference of the inner column is tightened by the other distance bracket. Therefore, only one side of the outer circumference of the inner column is tightened, and thus the tightening force is unbalanced on the left and right. Also, since the two distance brackets are rotatably supported by pins, the structures of the distance brackets are complicated, and the manufacturing cost increases.

In a steering apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3, an inner column is directly clamped by a pressing piece supported to be slidable at a distance bracket. Since the steering apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 tightens only one side of the outer circumference of the inner column by one pressing piece, the balance between the left and right of the tightening force is bad. Also, since the pressing piece which is a component separate from the distance bracket is supported to be slidable at the distance bracket, the structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

Patent Document 2: JP 2002-274393 A

Patent Document 3: JP 5-262238 A

FIG. 8is a side view of a portion of a steering apparatus101, a steering apparatus according to a related art, and is configured such that an inner column is directly clamped by a distance bracket. In the following description, a “front side”, a “rear side”, an “upper side”, and a “lower side” are based on the front-rear direction and vertical direction of a vehicle body on which the steering apparatus is mounted. As shown inFIG. 8, inside a hollow and cylindrical outer column1, an upper steering shaft41is pivotably and rotatably supported, and to the rear end portion (the right side inFIG. 8) of the upper steering shaft41, a steering wheel103is attached. Into the front end portion (the left side inFIG. 8) of the outer column1, an inner column2is fitted so as to be slidable in an axial direction. The outer column1is attached to a vehicle body5by an upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3(a vehicle body mounting bracket).

The front end portion of the inner column2is attached to the vehicle body5by a lower side vehicle body mounting bracket51. A tilt center shaft21is fixed to the front end portion of the inner column2, and is pivotably supported to be tiltable by the lower side vehicle body mounting bracket51.

A lower steering shaft42is rotatably supported by the inner column2. The lower steering shaft42is spline-fitted to the upper steering shaft41such that rotation of the upper steering shaft41is transmitted to the lower steering shaft42.

The front end of the lower steering shaft42is connected to an intermediate shaft through a universal joint, such that rotation of the intermediate shaft can be transmitted to a steering gear, thereby changing the steering angle of vehicle wheels.

Between the inner surfaces of left and right side plates32A,32B extending in the vertical direction of the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, a distance bracket6is held so to be capable of telescopic movement and tilting movement. The distance bracket6has a shape symmetric with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis line of the outer column1, and is integrally formed by bending a rectangular iron plate material in an inverted-U shape. The arc-shaped upper portion of the distance bracket6is attached around the outer circumference of the outer column1, and is fixed to the outer circumference by welding.

At the distance bracket6, telescopic slots63A,63B are formed to be long in the axial direction (the left-right direction ofFIG. 8). Into tilting slots33A,33B formed at the side plates32A,32B, and the telescopic slots63A,63B, a round-bar-like tightening rod34is inserted from a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet ofFIG. 8. The tilting slots33A,33B are formed in arc shapes having the tilt center shaft21as their centers.

Both end portions of the distance bracket6in the axial direction are bent at a right angle inward in a vehicle width direction, and on the inner surfaces in the vehicle width direction, left and right tightening portions66A,66B are formed. In the outer column1, left and right through-holes13A,13B,14A,14B are formed to allow the tightening portions66A,66B to be inserted. The front tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the front through-holes14A,14B, and the rear tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the rear through-holes13A,13B, whereby the front and rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference of the inner column2.

The distance L2 between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is longer than the length L3 of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction.

To an end portion of the tightening rod34, an operating lever349is fixed. By a cam locking mechanism which is operated by the operating lever349, the distance bracket6is tightened through the side plates32A,32B, and the tightening portions66A,66B tighten the outer circumference of the inner column2from the left side and the right side. If a driver collides with the steering wheel103during second collision such that a great impact force acts, the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3and the outer column1pull out of the vehicle body5, and are guided to the inner column2, such that they carry out collapse movement toward the front side of the vehicle body, thereby absorbing impact energy.

During adjustment of the tilt position and the telescopic position, the operating lever349is rotated in a reverse direction, whereby the side plates32A,32B are separated from each other such that the tightening of the tightening portions66A,66B is released. In this way, it is possible to clamp or unclamp the outer column1and the distance bracket6with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3at desired tilt position and telescopic position.

After the distance bracket6and the inner column2are unclamped with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, the steering wheel103is held and the outer column1slides in the axial direction with respect to the inner column2, thereby being adjusted to the desired telescopic position. Also, the steering wheel103is held and the distance bracket6and the outer column1are adjusted to the desired tilt positions with respect to the tilt center shaft21.

In this steering apparatus101, it is sometimes required, with the following constraint conditions, to reduce the entire length L1 of the steering apparatus101, that is, a length between the center of the steering wheel103and the center of the universal joint fixed to the lower steering shaft42. The constraint conditions include (1) do not change the configuration of a steering wheel coupling part P1should not change, (2) do not change the size of a keylock mounting part P2, (3) ensure a sufficient telescopic stroke S, and (4) ensure a collapse sufficient movement stroke during second collision.

With these constraint conditions, it becomes difficult to reduce the entire length of the steering apparatus, as a drawback may arise such as the distance bracket6being incapable of sufficiently clamping the inner column2depending on the telescopic position or a sufficient collapse movement stroke during second collision cannot be ensured.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering apparatus which can ensure a collapse movement stroke during second collision even if the entire length of the steering apparatus is reduced, and in which a tightening force does not change depending on the telescopic position of a steering wheel.

Means for Solving the Problem

According to an aspect of the present invention, steering apparatus includes, an inner column, a hollow outer column fitted onto the inner column such that a telescopic position relative to the inner column is adjustable in an axial direction, a vehicle body mounting bracket including left and right side plates and configured to be attachable to a vehicle body, a distance bracket fixed to an outer circumference of the outer column and is held between the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket in a slidable manner, and a tightening rod configured to tighten the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket onto the distance bracket. The distance bracket is formed with telescopic slots extending in the axial direction and through which the tightening rod is inserted. The distance bracket includes a pair of left and right front tightening portions and a pair of left and right rear tightening portions to tighten an outer circumference of the inner column, the pair of left and right front tightening portions being provided in front of the pair of left and right rear tightening portions in the axial direction. A distance between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions in the axial direction is shorter than a length of the telescopic slots in the axial direction. The outer column is formed with a pair of left and right through-holes into which one of the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions is inserted. When the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket is tightened by the tightening rod, the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions tighten the outer circumference of the inner column directly and clamp the inner column such that the inner column is immovable in the axial direction relative to the outer column.

An axial end face of the outer column may be disposed between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions in the axial direction, and the other of the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions may tighten the outer circumference of the inner column directly and without passing through the through-holes.

An axial center position between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions and an axial center position of the telescopic slots may be shifted from one another in the axial direction.

The distance bracket may be integrally formed in a U shape or in an inverted-U shape, and may be attached around the outer circumference of the outer column.

The distance bracket may include a left distance bracket having the left tightening portions and a right distance bracket having the right tightening portions, the left distance bracket and the right distance bracket being formed as separate components, and one end of each of the left distance bracket and the right distance bracket being fixed to the outer circumference of the outer column

The pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions may tighten a lower side or an upper side of the outer circumference of the inner column.

A front end portion of one of the inner column and the outer column may be fixed to the vehicle body.

Advantage of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, the distance between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the telescopic slot in the axial direction. Also, when the left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket are tightened by the tightening rod, the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions tighten the outer circumference of the inner column directly, thereby clamping the inner column such that the inner column is immovable in the axial direction relative to the outer column.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the axial length of the outer column, and also to lengthen the collapse stroke of the outer column at the time of collision. Further, since the left and right tightening portions of the distance bracket tighten the outer circumference of the inner column directly from the left and the right, the tightening force on the left and right is balanced, and the tightening force of the outer column tightening the inner column does not change depending on the telescopic position of the steering wheel.

EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

First Embodiment

As shown inFIG. 1, a steering apparatus101supports a steering shaft102such that the steering shaft is rotatable. The steering shaft102includes an upper end portion (rear end portion) to which the steering wheel103is attached, and a lower end portion (front end portion) to which an intermediate shaft105is connected through a universal joint104.

The lower end of the intermediate shaft105is connected to a universal joint106, and the universal joint106is connected to a steering gear107which is composed of a rack-and-pinion mechanism or the like.

If a driver rotates the steering wheel103, the torque is transmitted to the steering gear107through the steering shaft102, the universal joint104, the intermediate shaft105, and the universal joint106, thereby capable of moving tie rods108through the rack-and-pinion mechanism such that the steering angle of vehicle wheels is changed.

Hereinafter, a steering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 7C.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 7C, inside a hollow and cylindrical outer column1, an upper steering shaft41is pivotably and rotatably supported, and to the rear end portion (the right side inFIG. 2) of the upper steering shaft41, a steering wheel103is attached. Into the front end portion (the left side ofFIG. 2or4) of the outer column1, an inner column2is fitted so as to be slidable in an axial direction. The outer column1is attached a vehicle body5by an upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3(vehicle body mounting bracket).

The front end portion of the inner column2is attached to the vehicle body5by a lower side vehicle body mounting bracket51. A tilt center shaft21is fixed to the inner column2on the front side of the vehicle body, and is pivotably supported by the lower side vehicle body mounting bracket51such that the tilt center shaft is tiltable.

A lower steering shaft42is pivotably and rotatably supported by the inner column2, and the lower steering shaft42is spline-fitted to the upper steering shaft41, such that rotation of the upper steering shaft41is transmitted to the lower steering shaft42.

The front end of the lower steering shaft42is connected to the intermediate shaft105through the universal joint104, and rotation of the intermediate shaft105can be transmitted to a steering gear107, thereby changing the steering angle of the vehicle wheels (seeFIG. 1).

As shown inFIG. 3, the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3includes left and right side plates32A,32B that extend in a vertical direction, and left and right flange portions31A and31B that are formed on the side plates32A,32B and are for attaching the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3to the vehicle body5. Between the inner surfaces321A and321B of the side plates32A,32B, a distance bracket6is held so to be capable of telescopic movement and tilting movement. The left and right side plates32A,32B are formed integrally with or separately from the flange portions31A and31B.

The distance bracket6includes a left distance bracket6A and a right distance bracket6B. The left distance bracket6A and the right distance bracket6B have a shape symmetric with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis line of the outer column1, and are formed by bending rectangular iron plate materials. The arc-shaped upper portions61A,61B of the left distance bracket6A and the right distance bracket6B are attached around the outer circumference11of the outer column1and are fixed to the outer circumference11by welding.

At the lower sides of the left distance bracket6A and the right distance bracket6B, planar portions62A,62B are formed to be parallel to the side plates32A,32B. Between the inner surfaces321A and321B of the left and right side plates32A,32B, the planar portions62A,62B are held so to be capable of telescopic movement and tilting movement. In the planar portions62A,62B, telescopic slots63A,63B are formed to be long in the axial direction (a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet ofFIG. 3).

Into tilting slots33A,33B formed in the side plates32A,32B, and the telescopic slots63A,63B, a round-rod-like tightening rod34is inserted from the right side ofFIG. 3. The tilting slots33A,33B are formed in arc shapes having the tilt center shaft21as their centers.

At the planar portion62A of the left distance bracket6A and the planar portion62B of the right distance bracket6B, on both sides of the planar portions62A,62B in the front-rear direction, bent portions64A,64B are formed. The bent portions64A,64B are bent at a right angle inward from the planar portions62A,62B in a vehicle width direction. Also, at the lower ends of the planar portions62A,62B, bent portions65A and65B are formed over the entire lengths of the planar portions62A,62B in the front-rear direction.

On the inner surfaces of the bent portions64A,64B in the vehicle width direction, left and right tightening portions66A,66B are formed in linear shapes. In the outer column1, only left and right through-holes15A,15B for allowing rear tightening portions66A,66B to be inserted are formed. The front tightening portions66A,66B are positioned on the front side from the front end face17of the outer column1. The through-holes15A,15B are formed to be short in the axial direction of the outer column1, and are formed to be slightly larger than the thicknesses of the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the front-rear direction.

The rear tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the through-holes15A,15B, such that the rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2. Also, the front tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2without passing through through-holes. The shapes of the tightening portions66A,66B are not limited to linear shapes, but may be arc shapes.

As shown inFIG. 4, a distance L4 between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is shorter than the length L5 of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction.

As shown inFIG. 3, on the right side of the tightening rod34, a head portion341is formed, and the head portion341abuts on the outer surface of the side plate32B. At the left and outside portion of the head portion341, a rotation stopping portion (not shown) is formed to have a rectangular section and be slightly narrower than the tilting slot33B. The rotation stopping portion is fitted into the tilting slot33B such that the tightening rod34is stopped to rotate with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, and slides the tightening rod34along the tilting slot33B during adjustment of the tilt position.

Onto the outer circumference of the left end of the tightening rod34, a fixed cam343, a movable cam344, a thrust bearing345, and an adjusting nut346are sequentially fitted, and internal thread348formed on the inner circumferential portion of the adjusting nut346is threaded to external thread347formed at the left end of the tightening rod34. The operating lever349is fixed to the left end face of the movable cam344, and a cam locking mechanism is composed by the movable cam344and the fixed cam343which are integrally operated by the operating lever349. The fixed cam343is engaged with the tilting slot33A, such that the fixed cam cannot rotate with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, and the fixed cam343is slid along the tilting slot33A during adjustment of the tilt position.

During tilt-and-telescopic tightening, when the operating lever349is rotated, the crest of the movable cam344runs on the crest of the fixed cam343such that the tightening rod34is drawn toward the left side while the fixed cam343is pressed toward the right side ofFIG. 3, whereby the side plates32A,32B is tightened. The inner surfaces321A and321B of the side plates32A,32B tighten the planar portions62A,62B of the distance bracket6. The planar portions62A,62B are elastically deformed inward in the vehicle width direction, and the tightening portions66A,66B of the bent portions64A,64B tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2from the left and the right.

During tilt-and-telescopic releasing, the operating lever349is rotated in a reverse direction, and the trough of the movable cam344comes into the crest of the fixed cam343, whereby the force pressing the fixed cam343toward the right side is released. At the same time, the force drawing the tightening rod34toward the left side is released such that the side plates32A,32B are separated from each other, whereby the elastic deformation of the planar portions62A,62B is released and the tightening of the tightening portions66A,66B is released. In this way, it is possible to clamp or unclamp the outer column1and the distance bracket6with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3at desired tilt position and telescopic position.

After the distance bracket6and the inner column2are unclamped with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, the steering wheel103is held and the outer column1slides with respect to the inner column2in the axial direction, thereby being adjusted to the desired telescopic position. At this time, the distance bracket6is guided to the tightening rod34, and slides in the axial direction together with the outer column1.

Also, the steering wheel103is held and the distance bracket6and the outer column1are adjusted to the desired tilt positions with respect to the tilt center shaft21. Then, the distance bracket6and the inner column2are clamped with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3.

According to the first embodiment, the distance L4 between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is shorter than the length L5 of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction. Also, the through-holes15A,15B are formed at one place in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the length of the outer column in the axial direction, and it is possible to lengthen the collapse stroke of the outer column during collision. Also, since the through-holes15A,15B are formed to be short in the axial direction of the outer column1, the area of the openings of the through-holes are suppressed to be small, the rigidity of the outer column1is high, and it is possible to improve the steering feeling of the steering apparatus.

Also, the left and right tightening portions66A,66B of the distance bracket6directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2from the left and the right. Therefore, the tightening force on the left and right is balanced, and the tightening force of the outer column1tightening the inner column2does not change depending on the telescopic position of the steering wheel103.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 9. In the following description, structure portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same structure portions as those of the first embodiment will not be described.

In the first embodiment, the left and right tightening portions of the distance bracket6are formed as separate components; whereas, the second embodiment is an example in which the distance bracket6is integrally formed. In other words, as shown inFIG. 9, the distance bracket6of the second embodiment has a shape symmetric with respect to a vertical plane passing through the central axis line of the outer column1, and is integrally formed by bending a rectangular iron plate material in an inverted-U shape. An arc-shaped upper portion61of the distance bracket6is attached around the outer circumference11of the outer column1, and is fixed to the outer circumference11by welding. The arc-shaped portion61of the distance bracket6may be fixed to the outer circumference11of the outer column1by caulking, bolts, pins, rivets, or the like.

At both ends of the lower side of the distance bracket6, the planar portions62A,62B are formed to be parallel to the side plates32A,32B, and between the inner surfaces321A and321B of the left and right side plates32A,32B, the planar portions62A,62B are held so to be capable of telescopic movement and tilting movement. In the planar portions62A,62B, the telescopic slots63A,63B are formed to be long in the axial direction.

In the planar portions62A,62B of the distance bracket6, on both sides of the planar portions62A,62B in the front-rear direction, the bent portions64A,64B are formed. Also, on the lower sides of the planar portions62A,62B, the bent portions65A and65B are formed over the entire lengths of the planar portions62A,62B in the front-rear direction. On the inner surfaces of the bent portions64A,64B in the vehicle width direction, the tightening portions66A,66B are formed in linear shapes.

In the outer column1, only through-holes15A,15B for allowing rear tightening portions66A,66B to be inserted are formed. The front tightening portions66A,66B are placed on the front side from the front end face17of the outer column1. The through-holes15A,15B are formed to be short in the axial direction of the outer column1, and are formed to be slightly larger than the thicknesses of the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the front-rear direction.

The rear tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the through-holes15A,15B, such that the rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2. Also, the front tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2without passing through through-holes.

In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the distance L4 between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is shorter than the length L5 of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction.

According to the second embodiment, since the distance bracket6is integrally formed, one end of the distance bracket6is fixed to the outer circumference of the outer column1, and the tightening portions66A,66B are formed to tighten the outer circumference of the inner column2, the structure of the distance bracket6is simple, and it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11. In the following description, structure portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same structure portions as those of the first embodiment will not be described.

The third embodiment is an example in which the axial positions of the tightening portions66A,66B and the axial positions of the telescopic slots63A,63B are deviated. In other words, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, a distance bracket6of the third embodiment includes a left distance bracket6A and a right distance bracket6B, similarly to the first embodiment. The arc-shaped upper portions61A,61B of the left distance bracket6A and the right distance bracket6B are attached around the outer circumference11of the outer column1and are fixed to the outer circumference11by welding. At the planar portion62A of the left distance bracket6A and the planar portion62B of the right distance bracket6B, tightening portions66A,66B are formed in linear shapes.

In the planar portions62A,62B, telescopic slots63A,63B are formed to be long in the axial direction. In the outer column1, only through-holes15A,15B for allowing the rear tightening portions66A,66B to be inserted are formed. The front tightening portions66A,66B are placed on the front side from the front end face17of the outer column1.

The rear tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the through-holes15A,15B, such that the rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2. Also, the front tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2without passing through through-holes.

As shown inFIG. 11, in the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the distance L4 between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is shorter than the length L5 of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction. Further, the axial center position C2along the axial length L5 is shifted forward in the axial direction from the axial center position C1along the axial length L4.

According to the third embodiment, since the axial positions of the telescopic slots63A,63B are deviated toward the front side from the axial positions of the tightening portions66A,66B, according to the amount of deviation in the axial direction the fitting length of the inner column2into the outer column1lengthens, and the rigidity of the steering apparatus becomes high.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 12. In the following description, structure portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same structure portions as those of the first embodiment will not be described.

The fourth embodiment is an example in which the front end portion of the outer column1is attached to the vehicle body, and the inner column2is disposed on the rear side of the outer column1. In other words, as shown inFIG. 12, the front end portion (the left side inFIG. 12) of the outer column1is attached to the vehicle body5by the lower side vehicle body mounting bracket51. A tilt center shaft111is fixed to the front end portion of the outer column1, and is pivotably supported by the lower side vehicle body mounting bracket51such that the tilt center shaft is tiltable. Also, a neck end portion (the right side inFIG. 12) of the outer column1is attached to the vehicle body by an upper side vehicle body mounting bracket (vehicle body mounting bracket).

Inside the hollow and cylindrical outer column1, the lower steering shaft is pivotably and rotatably supported, and the left end of the lower steering shaft is connected to an intermediate shaft105through the universal joint104ofFIG. 1, and the lower end of the intermediate shaft105is transmitted to the steering gear107, whereby the steering angle of the vehicle wheels can be changed.

Into the outer column1on the rear surface of the vehicle body (the right side ofFIG. 12), the inner column2is fitted so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The upper steering shaft is pivotably and rotatably supported by the inner column2, and the upper steering shaft is spline-fitted to the lower steering shaft, such that rotation of the upper steering shaft can be transmitted to the lower steering shaft. To the rear end portion of the upper steering shaft, the steering wheel103is attached.

Between the inner surfaces of the left and right side plates of the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket, the distance bracket6is held so to be capable of tilting movement. The distance bracket6of the fourth embodiment includes a left distance bracket6A and a right distance bracket6B, similarly to the first embodiment. The arc-shaped upper portions61A,61B of the left distance bracket6A and the right distance bracket6B are attached around the outer circumference11of the outer column1and are fixed to the outer circumference11by welding. At the planar portion62A of the left distance bracket6A and the planar portion62B of the right distance bracket6B, tightening portions66A,66B are formed in linear shapes.

In the outer column1, only through-holes16A and16B for allowing the front tightening portions66A,66B to be inserted are formed. The rear tightening portions66A,66B are placed on the rear side from the rear end face18of the outer column1. The front tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the through-holes16A and16B, such that the rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2. Also, the rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2without passing through through-holes.

In the planar portions62A,62B, round holes67A and67B are formed in a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet ofFIG. 12, and a round-rod-like tightening rod is inserted from the direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet ofFIG. 12into the tilting slots formed at the left and right side plates of the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket and the round holes67A and67B. In the fourth embodiment, the distance L4 between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is shorter than the length L5 of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction (the axial length of the planar portion62A,62B at the vertical position where the round hole67A,67B is formed).

During tilt-and-telescopic tightening, when the operating lever is rotated, the left and right side plates are tightened, and the distance bracket6is tightened, whereby the left and right tightening portions66A,66B of the distance bracket6tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2.

During tilt-and-telescopic releasing, the operating lever is rotated in a reverse direction, and the tightening of the distance bracket6is released. In this way, it is possible to clamp or unclamp the distance bracket6and the inner column2with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3at desired tilt position and telescopic position.

After the distance bracket6is unclamped with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, the steering wheel103is held and the inner column2slides with respect to the outer column1in the axial direction, thereby being adjusted to a desired telescopic position. At this time, the distance bracket6and the outer column1are held at the fixed positions.

Also, the steering wheel103is held, and the inner column2, the outer column1, and the distance bracket6are adjusted to the desired tilt positions with respect to the tilt center shaft111. Then, the distance bracket6is clamped to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket.

According to the fourth embodiment, since the telescopic slots63A,63B are not formed at the distance bracket6, the structure of the distance bracket6is simple, the rigidity becomes high, and it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 13. In the following description, structure portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same structure portions as those of the first embodiment will not be described.

The fifth embodiment is an example in which the tightening rod34and the tightening portions of the distance bracket6are disposed on the upper side of the outer column1. In other words, as shown inFIG. 13, the distance bracket6of the fifth embodiment includes a left distance bracket6A and a right distance bracket6B, similarly to the first embodiment. The arc-shaped lower portions61A,61B of the left distance bracket6A and the right distance bracket6B are attached around the outer circumference11of the outer column1and are fixed to the outer circumference11by welding.

At both ends of the upper side of the distance bracket6, the planar portions62A,62B are formed to be parallel to the side plates32A,32B. Between the inner surfaces321A and321B of the left and right side plates32A,32B, the planar portions62A,62B are held so to be capable of telescopic movement and tilting movement. In the planar portions62A,62B, telescopic slots63A,63B are formed to be long in the axial direction (a direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet ofFIG. 13). Into tilting slots33A,33B formed in the side plates32A,32B, and the telescopic slots63A,63B, the round-rod-like tightening rod34is inserted from the right side ofFIG. 13, and the tightening rod34is disposed on the upper side of the outer column1.

In the planar portions62A,62B, on both sides of the planar portions62A,62B in the front-rear direction, bent portions64A,64B are formed. The bent portions64A,64B are bent at a right angle from the planar portions62A,62B inward in the vehicle width direction. On the inner surfaces of the bent portions64A,64B in the vehicle width direction, tightening portions66A,66B are formed in linear shapes.

In the outer column1similarly to the first embodiment, only through-holes15A,15B for allowing rear tightening portions66A,66B to be inserted are formed. The front tightening portions66A,66B are placed on the front side from the front end face of the outer column1.

The rear tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into the through-holes15A,15B, such that the rear tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2. Also, the front tightening portions66A,66B directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2without passing through through-holes.

On the right side of the tightening rod34, a head portion341is formed, and the head portion341abuts on the outer surface of the side plate32B. Onto the outer circumference of the left end of the tightening rod34, a fixed cam343, a movable cam344, a thrust bearing345, and an adjusting nut346are sequentially fitted, and internal thread348formed on the inner circumferential portion of the adjusting nut346is threaded to external thread347formed at the left end of the tightening rod34.

The operating lever349is fixed to the left end face of the movable cam344, and a cam locking mechanism is composed by the movable cam344and the fixed cam343which are integrally operated by the operating lever349. The fixed cam343is engaged with the tilting slot33A, such that the fixed cam cannot rotate with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3, and slides the fixed cam343along the tilting slot33A during adjustment of the tilt position.

During tilt-and-telescopic tightening, if the operating lever349is rotated, the crest of the movable cam344runs on the crest of the fixed cam343such that the tightening rod34is drawn toward the left side while the fixed cam343is pressed toward the right side ofFIG. 13, whereby the side plates32A,32B are tightened. The inner surfaces321A and321B of the side plates32A,32B tighten the planar portions62A,62B of the distance bracket6. The planar portions62A,62B are elastically deformed inward in the vehicle width direction, and the tightening portions66A,66B of the bent portions64A,64B tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2from the left and the right.

In this way, it is possible to clamp or unclamp the outer column1and the distance bracket6with respect to the upper side vehicle body mounting bracket3at desired tilt position and telescopic position. Although not shown, in the fifth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the distance between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the telescopic slot63A,63B in the axial direction.

In the above-described embodiments, the inner column2is tightened by the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B, that is, two pairs of tightening portions66A,66B. However, three or more pairs of tightening portions66A,66B may be formed at the distance bracket6. For example, intermediate tightening portions66A,66B may be provided between the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B, and through-holes15A,15B may be additionally formed at portions of the outer column1corresponding to the intermediate tightening portions66A,66B. In this case, the intermediate tightening portions66A,66B are inserted into corresponding through-holes15A,15B, and directly tighten the outer circumference22of the inner column2together with the front tightening portions66A,66B and the rear tightening portions66A,66B. According to this configuration, the tightening force is further improved. Also, in the above-described embodiments, the distance bracket and the outer column are fixed by welding. However, the distance bracket and the outer column may be fixed by bolting, pining, or caulking. Also, in the above-described embodiments, the outer column and the inner column are formed in cylindrical shapes. However, the outer circumference and the inner column may not be cylindrical, and according to the outer circumferential shape of the inner column the shapes of the tightening portions may be changed.

In the above-described embodiments, a case of applying the present invention to a tiltable and telescopic steering apparatus capable of both of adjustment of a tilt position and adjustment of a telescopic position has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a steering apparatus capable of adjustment of only a telescopic position.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-277916 filed on Nov. 20, 2011, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to a steering apparatus having an outer column and an inner column engaged with each other so as to be relatively slidable in an axial direction.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS