JP2004148946A

JP2004148946A - Steering device and manufacturing method for the same

Info

Publication number: JP2004148946A
Application number: JP2002315386A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hiroyuki Shimoide; 裕之下出
Original assignee: Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Current assignee: Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-30
Filing date: 2002-10-30
Publication date: 2004-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-30
Also published as: JP4186588B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a second steering shaft or a first steering shaft on a non-holding side from being detached even when the first steering shaft or the second steering shaft is held. <P>SOLUTION: A steering device comprises a first steering shaft 1 with one end portion thereof connected to a steering wheel and having a fitting hole 1a in the other end portion, and a second steering shaft 4 fitted to the fitting hole 1a of the first steering shaft 1 in a relatively movable manner in the axis-longitudinal direction. The first steering shaft 1 is continuous to the fitting hole 1a, and has a recessed portion 1c which is more recessed than a circumferential surface of the fitting hole 1a. The second steering shaft 4 is continuous to a fitting shaft portion 4a fitted to the fitting hole 1a, and has a locking projecting portion 20 bent into the recessed portion 1c, and the locking projecting portion 20 is obtained in a step of fitting the first steering shaft 1 to the second steering shaft 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、操舵手段に繋がる第１舵軸に第２舵軸を相対移動可能に嵌合してなる舵取装置及びこれの製造方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自動車の舵取装置としては、操舵輪の運転席に対する前後位置を調節することができるようにしたテレスコピック機構を有するテレスコピックタイプがある。
【０００３】
このテレスコピックタイプの舵取装置は、軸長方向へ相対移動を可能に嵌合された上部舵軸及び下部舵軸を有する舵軸アッセンブリと、該舵軸アッセンブリを取り囲み、軸長方向へ相対移動を可能に嵌合された上部ハウジング及び下部ハウジングを有するハウジングアッセンブリとを備えている。（例えば、特許文献１。）
【０００４】
この舵取装置にあっては、上部舵軸を上部ハウジングに支持するための軸受を介して上部ハウジングと上部舵軸とが一体的に移動し、上部舵軸の下部舵軸に対する位置を変え、操舵輪の運転席に対する前後位置を調節（テレスコピック調節）する。
【０００５】
また、テレスコピックタイプの舵取装置として、前記下部舵軸の下部に圧入される連動軸を有する舵取装置も知られている。この舵取装置における下部舵軸の下部には、軸心と直交する環状段部が設けられており、該環状段部に押圧工具のフォーク部を当接させ、該押圧工具をプレス機で軸長方向へ押圧することにより下部舵軸の下部を連動軸の上部に圧入するようにしてある。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−３１３３４０号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、以上のように構成された従来のテレスコピックタイプの舵取装置によれば、舵軸アッセンブリがハウジングアッセンブリに組み込まれていない状態では、上部舵軸及び中間舵軸の軸長方向への相対移動が拘束されていないため、例えば工場内で舵軸アッセンブリの上部舵軸又は下部舵軸を把持した場合、非把持側の下部舵軸又は上部舵軸が抜け落ちることになり、この抜け落ちた下部舵軸又は上部舵軸が破損し、廃棄処分されることになり、改善策が要望されていた。
【０００８】
また、従来の連動軸を有する舵取装置にあっては、上部舵軸を下部舵軸に嵌合する嵌合工程と、下部舵軸を連動軸に圧入する圧入工程との異なる２工程が必要であるため、組立て作業性の改善策が要望されていた。また、下部舵軸には圧入するための押圧力に耐える環状段部を切削加工により形成する必要があるため、加工作業性の改善策も要望されていた。
【０００９】
本発明は斯かる事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、舵軸アッセンブリの第１舵軸又は第２舵軸を把持した場合においても、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸が抜け落ちることを防ぐことができる舵取装置を提供することを目的とする。
また、第１舵軸を第２舵軸に嵌合し、第１舵軸の一端に軸長方向への押圧力を加えることにより、第２舵軸を連動軸に圧入することができる舵取装置の製造方法を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
第１発明に係る舵取装置は、一端部が操舵手段に繋がる第１舵軸と第２舵軸とを軸長方向へ相対移動可能に嵌合してなる舵取装置において、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の一方は、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の他方が嵌合される嵌合孔に連なり、該嵌合孔の周面よりも凹の凹部を有しており、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の他方は、前記嵌合孔に嵌合される嵌合軸部に連なり、前記凹部内へ曲がっている抜止凸部を有することを特徴とする。
【００１１】
第１発明にあっては、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の一方の嵌合孔が第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の他方の嵌合軸部に嵌合された状態で、嵌合軸部に連なる抜止凸部が嵌合孔に連なる凹部内へ曲がっているため、第１舵軸又は第２舵軸を把持した場合においても、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸が抜け落ちることを防ぐことができ、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸の破損を防ぐことができる。
【００１２】
第２発明に係る舵取装置は、前記第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の一方は、前記凹部における嵌合孔と反対側端に連なる位置で軸心に対して傾斜し、前記抜止凸部に当接する当接部を有することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
第２発明にあっては、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の一方の嵌合孔を嵌合軸部に嵌合することにより当接部を非曲がり状態の凸部に当接させて該凸部を凹部内へ曲げ得るため、第１舵軸又は第２舵軸の抜け出しを防ぐ手段を別個に設けることなく、簡易に抜止めすることができ、組立て作業性を向上できる。
【００１４】
第３発明に係る舵取装置の製造方法は、一端部が舵取手段に繋がり軸長方向の途中に凹部及び該凹部に連なる当接部を有する筒形の第１舵軸を、該第１舵軸の他端部に軸長方向へ相対移動可能に嵌合されることにより前記当接部に当接する凸部を有する第２舵軸に嵌合した後で第１舵軸を軸長方向へ押圧することにより前記当接部を凸部に当接させて該凸部を前記凹部内に曲げる工程と、前記凸部を曲げた後で前記第１舵軸を軸長方向へ押圧する押圧力により第２舵軸の他端部を連動軸に圧入する工程とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
第３発明にあっては、第１舵軸を第２舵軸に嵌合することにより第１舵軸の当接部が第２舵軸の凸部に当接するため、この当接状態で第１舵軸の一端に軸長方向の押圧力を加えることにより、凸部を凹部内に曲げることができ、さらに前記押圧力を加えることにより、凸部を介して第２舵軸を軸長方向へ押圧し、該第２舵軸を連動軸に圧入することができる。従って、第１舵軸を第２舵軸に嵌合して第１舵軸に押圧力を加える一つの工程で、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸が抜け落ちるのを防ぐことができるとともに、圧入によって連動軸を第２舵軸に結合することができる。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明をその実施の形態を示す図面に基づいて詳述する。
図１は本発明に係る舵取装置の構成を示す断面図、図２は舵軸部分の構成を示す拡大断面図、図３は図２のＩＩＩ −ＩＩＩ線の拡大断面図である。
【００１７】
舵取装置は、一端部が舵取りのための操舵輪（図示せず）に繋がる第１舵軸１と、該第１舵軸１を取り囲み、玉軸受２を介して第１舵軸１を回転自在に支持する筒形の第１ハウジング３と、第１舵軸１の他端部に軸長方向へ相対移動可能にスプライン嵌合された第２舵軸４と、該第２舵軸４を取り囲み、その一端部が第１ハウジング３の他端部に軸長方向への相対移動を可能に嵌合される第２ハウジング５と、第２舵軸４の他端部に圧入された連動軸６と、該連動軸６及び第２ハウジング５を支持する支持部材７と、該支持部材７の内側及び連動軸６との間に配置されたトルクセンサ８と、第１ハウジング３の外周部にレバー台９を介して枢支されたレバー体１０とを備えている。
【００１８】
上部舵軸としての第１舵軸１は下部となる他端部に嵌合孔１ａを有する円筒形に形成されており、上部となる一端部外周面に軸受嵌合部１ｂを有し、嵌合孔１ａにスプライン１１を有する。さらに、第１舵軸１の嵌合孔１ａよりも一端部側に、嵌合孔１ａに連なり、該嵌合孔１ａの周面よりも凹の環状の凹部１ｃ、換言すれば嵌合孔１ａよりも大径の環状凹部と、該凹部１ｃにおける嵌合孔１ａと反対側端に連なる位置で軸心に対して傾斜し、第２舵軸４の後記する凸部に当接する環状の当接部１ｄとを有する。
【００１９】
下部舵軸としての第２舵軸４は嵌合孔１ａに嵌合される嵌合軸部４ａに雄形のスプライン１２を有する棒形に形成されており、このスプライン１２よりも一端側で、スプライン１２の歯部端面から軸長方向へ突設された凸部４ｂを有する。この凸部４ｂは周方向に離隔して複数が等配されており、当接部１ｄが当接した状態で第１舵軸１に軸長方向への押圧力が加えられたとき、傾斜する当接部１ｄに沿って径方向外側へ曲げられるようにしてある。さらに、第２舵軸４の他端部に圧入孔４ｃが設けられている。尚、凸部４ｂはスプライン１２の歯部端面から突設した構成とする他、スプライン１２の溝部よりも小径寸法となる位置から軸長方向へ突設した構成としてもよく、嵌合軸部４ａの周面よりも内側となる位置であればその突設位置は制限されない。また、スプライン１２の溝部よりも小径寸法となる位置に突設する凸部４ｂは環状であってもよい。
【００２０】
また、第１舵軸１の他端部外周面及び第２舵軸４のスプライン１２部には、第１舵軸１及び第２舵軸４のスプライン加工が終了した際に、スプライン嵌合部での周方向ガタが最小となる嵌合位置を設定するためのマーキング（図示せず）が施されており、この両者のマーキングが合う位置で第１舵軸１を第２舵軸４に嵌合することができるようにしてある。
【００２１】
連動軸６は軸受１３を介して支持部材７内に回転自在に支持される筒形に形成されており、その一端部に圧入孔４ｃに対応する圧入軸部６ａを有し、他端部に非接触式のトルクセンサ８の一部が支持されている。また、連動軸６の内側には操舵輪に加わる操舵トルクの作用によって捩れるトーションバー１４が挿入されている。
【００２２】
このトーションバー１４は第２舵軸４の圧入孔４ｃ部を貫通するダウエルピン１５によって連動軸６とともに第２舵軸４に結合されており、該トーションバー１４の他端部が伝動軸１６にダウエルピン１７により結合されている。
【００２３】
トルクセンサ８はトーションバー１４の捩れに応じた連動軸６及び伝動軸１６の相対回転変位量によって操舵輪に加わる操舵トルクを検出するものであり、該トルクセンサ８が検出したトルク等に基づいて操舵補助用のモータ１８が駆動制御されるように構成されている。尚、トルクセンサ８は連動軸６及び伝動軸１６の周りに配置され、端面に矩形の歯部が周方向に形成されている３つの磁性リングと、該磁性リングの外周りに配置され磁束を発生する２つのコイルとを備えており、２つの磁性リングが連動軸６に嵌合固定されている。
また、モータ１８は支持部材７の外部に取付けられており、減速歯車機構１９を介してモータ１８の回転を伝動軸１６に伝えるように構成されている。
【００２４】
図４は舵取装置を製造する際の途中の工程を示す説明図、図５は図４のＶ−Ｖ線の拡大断面図である。
以上のように構成された舵取装置は、第１舵軸１の嵌合孔１ａを第２舵軸４に前記マーキングを合わせて挿入することにより雌形のスプライン１１を雄形のスプライン１２に嵌合する。この際、第１舵軸１を嵌合孔１ａに対応する移動量よりも多く移動させることにより、第１舵軸１の当接部１ｄが第２舵軸４の凸部４ｂに当接する。この当接状態で第１舵軸１の一端に軸長方向の押圧力を加えることにより、凸部４ｂが傾斜する当接部１ｄに沿って第１舵軸１の凹部１ｃ内へ曲げられ、抜止凸部２０となる。この結果、第１舵軸１及び第２舵軸４が軸長方向へ相対移動する際、抜止凸部２０（図１参照）が凹部１ｃの端部に当接し、第１舵軸１及び第２舵軸４の相対移動を制限することができる。従って、第１舵軸１又は第２舵軸４を把持した場合においても、非把持側の第２舵軸４又は第１舵軸１が抜け落ちるのを防ぐことができ、抜け落ちることによる第２舵軸４又は第１舵軸１の破損をなくすることができ、第２舵軸４又は第１舵軸１の廃棄処分量を減らすことができる。
【００２５】
また、以上のように第１舵軸１に押圧力を加えて凸部４ｂを曲げた後、さらに前記押圧力を第１舵軸１に加えることにより、凸部４ｂを介して第２舵軸４を軸長方向へ押圧し、該第２舵軸４の圧入孔４ｃを連動軸６の圧入軸部６ａに圧入することができる。この結果、第１舵軸１を第２舵軸４に嵌合して第１舵軸１に押圧力を加えることにより、非把持側の第２舵軸４又は第１舵軸１が抜け落ちることを防ぐことができるとともに、圧入によって連動軸６を第２舵軸４に結合することができる。従って、スプライン嵌合を解除することなく一つの工程でスプライン嵌合と、第１舵軸１及び第２舵軸４の抜止めと、連動軸６の第２舵軸４への圧入とを行うことができ、作業性を改善できる。しかも、第２舵軸４の他端部外周には従来のように圧入用の環状段部を加工する必要がないため、第２舵軸４の加工性を改善でき、第２舵軸４のコスト、ひいては舵取装置のコストを低減できる。
【００２６】
このように製造された第１舵軸１、第２舵軸４及び連動軸６は第１ハウジング３、第２ハウジング５及び支持部材７の内側に玉軸受２及び軸受１３を介して回転自在に組み込まれる。
【００２７】
尚、以上説明した実施の形態では、嵌合孔１ａを有する筒形の第１舵軸１が棒形の第２舵軸４に嵌合された構成としたが、その他、棒形の第１舵軸が嵌合孔を有する筒形の第２舵軸に嵌合される構成としてもよい。この場合、抜止用の凸部４ｂは第１舵軸が有し、凹部１ｃ及び当接部１ｄは第２舵軸が有する構成となる。
【００２８】
また、以上説明した実施の形態では第１舵軸１を第２舵軸４にスプライン嵌合し、第１舵軸１及び第２舵軸４の相対回転を防いだが、その他、スプライン１１，１２をなくし、第１舵軸１を第２舵軸４に対して回転可能に嵌合してもよい。また、以上説明した実施の形態では凹部１ｃを環状としたが、その他、この凹部１ｃは前記凸部４ｂと対応する位置が凹となる非環状であってもよい。
【００２９】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように第１発明によれば、第１舵軸又は第２舵軸を把持した場合においても、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸が抜け落ちることを防ぐことができ、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸の破損を防ぐことができる。
【００３０】
第２発明によれば、第１舵軸又は第２舵軸の抜け出しを防ぐ手段を別個に設けることなく、簡易に抜止めすることができ、組立て作業性を向上できる。
【００３１】
第３発明によれば、第１舵軸を第２舵軸に嵌合して第１舵軸に押圧力を加える一つの工程で、非把持側の第２舵軸又は第１舵軸が抜け落ちるのを防ぐことができるとともに、圧入によって連動軸を第２舵軸に結合することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る舵取装置の構成を示す断面図である。
【図２】本発明に係る舵取装置の舵軸部分の構成を示す拡大断面図である。
【図３】図２のＩＩＩ −ＩＩＩ線の拡大断面図である。
【図４】本発明に係る舵取装置を製造する際の途中の工程を示す説明図である。
【図５】図４のＶ−Ｖ線の拡大断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１第１舵軸
１ａ嵌合孔
１ｃ凹部
１ｄ当接部
４第２舵軸
４ａ嵌合軸部
４ｃ凸部
６連動軸
２０抜止凸部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a steering device in which a second rudder shaft is fitted to a first rudder shaft connected to steering means so as to be relatively movable, and a method of manufacturing the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art As a steering device of an automobile, there is a telescopic type having a telescopic mechanism capable of adjusting a front and rear position of a steering wheel with respect to a driver's seat.
[0003]
This telescopic type steering device has a rudder shaft assembly having an upper rudder shaft and a lower rudder shaft fitted so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, and surrounds the rudder shaft assembly, and performs relative movement in the axial direction. A housing assembly having an upper housing and a lower housing mateably fitted. (For example, Patent Document 1)
[0004]
In this steering device, the upper housing and the upper rudder shaft move integrally via a bearing for supporting the upper rudder shaft on the upper housing, and change the position of the upper rudder shaft with respect to the lower rudder shaft, The front and rear positions of the steering wheel with respect to the driver's seat are adjusted (telescopic adjustment).
[0005]
Further, as a telescopic type steering device, a steering device having an interlocking shaft that is press-fitted below the lower rudder shaft is also known. An annular step portion orthogonal to the axis is provided below the lower rudder shaft in this steering device. A fork portion of a pressing tool is brought into contact with the annular step portion, and the pressing tool is rotated by a press machine. By pressing in the longitudinal direction, the lower part of the lower rudder shaft is pressed into the upper part of the interlocking shaft.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-313340 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the conventional telescopic type steering apparatus configured as described above, when the rudder shaft assembly is not incorporated in the housing assembly, the relative movement of the upper rudder shaft and the intermediate rudder shaft in the axial length direction. Is not constrained, for example, if the upper rudder shaft or lower rudder shaft of the rudder shaft assembly is gripped in a factory, the lower rudder shaft or upper rudder shaft on the non-grip side will fall off, and the lower rudder shaft that has fallen off Or, the upper rudder axle is damaged and disposed of, and an improvement measure has been demanded.
[0008]
In addition, in a conventional steering device having an interlocking shaft, two different processes, a fitting process of fitting the upper rudder shaft to the lower rudder shaft and a press-fitting process of press-fitting the lower rudder shaft to the interlocking shaft, are required. Therefore, there has been a demand for a measure for improving the assembling workability. Further, since it is necessary to form an annular step portion capable of withstanding the pressing force for press-fitting the lower rudder shaft by cutting, improvement of working efficiency has been demanded.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when the first rudder shaft or the second rudder shaft of the rudder shaft assembly is gripped, the second rudder shaft or the first rudder shaft on the non-grip side falls off. It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering device capable of preventing such a situation.
Further, by fitting the first rudder shaft to the second rudder shaft and applying a pressing force in one axial direction to one end of the first rudder shaft, the second rudder shaft can be pressed into the interlocking shaft. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a device.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A steering device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a steering device in which a first steering shaft and a second steering shaft each having one end connected to a steering means are fitted to be relatively movable in an axial direction. And one of the second rudder shafts is connected to a fitting hole into which the other of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is fitted, and has a concave portion that is more concave than the peripheral surface of the fitting hole. The other of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is connected to a fitting shaft portion fitted in the fitting hole, and has a retaining projection bent into the recess.
[0011]
In the first invention, the fitting is performed in a state where one fitting hole of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is fitted to the other fitting shaft portion of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft. Since the retaining protrusion connected to the shaft is bent into the recess connected to the fitting hole, even when the first rudder shaft or the second rudder shaft is gripped, the second rudder shaft or the first rudder shaft on the non-grip side. Can be prevented from falling off, and breakage of the second rudder shaft or the first rudder shaft on the non-grip side can be prevented.
[0012]
In the steering device according to a second aspect, one of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is inclined with respect to an axis at a position connected to an end of the recess opposite to the fitting hole, and the retaining protrusion is provided. It has a contact part which contacts with.
[0013]
In the second invention, one of the fitting holes of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is fitted to the fitting shaft portion so that the contact portion abuts on the non-bent state convex portion. Since the convex portion can be bent into the concave portion, it is possible to easily prevent the first rudder shaft or the second rudder shaft from slipping out without separately providing a means for preventing the first rudder shaft or the second rudder shaft from slipping out, thereby improving assembling workability.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a steering device, comprising: a first cylindrical steering shaft having one end connected to a steering means and having a concave portion and a contact portion connected to the concave portion in the axial length direction; After the first rudder shaft is fitted to the other end of the rudder shaft so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, the first rudder shaft is fitted to the second rudder shaft having a convex portion abutting on the contact portion. Pressing the first rudder shaft in the axial direction after bending the convex portion into the concave portion by pressing the contact portion against the convex portion by pressing the convex portion into the concave portion. Press-fitting the other end of the second rudder shaft to the interlocking shaft by pressure.
[0015]
In the third aspect of the present invention, the first rudder shaft is fitted to the second rudder shaft so that the contact portion of the first rudder shaft comes into contact with the convex portion of the second rudder shaft. By applying a pressing force in the axial direction to one end of one rudder shaft, the convex portion can be bent into the concave portion, and by further applying the pressing force, the second rudder shaft can be bent in the axial direction via the convex portion. To press the second rudder shaft into the interlocking shaft. Therefore, in one step of fitting the first rudder shaft to the second rudder shaft and applying a pressing force to the first rudder shaft, it is possible to prevent the non-grip-side second rudder shaft or the first rudder shaft from falling off. In addition, the interlocking shaft can be connected to the second rudder shaft by press fitting.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a steering device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing a configuration of a rudder shaft portion, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG.
[0017]
The steering device includes a first rudder shaft 1 whose one end is connected to a steered wheel (not shown) for steering, and surrounds the first rudder shaft 1 and rotates the first rudder shaft 1 via a ball bearing 2. A cylindrical first housing 3 that freely supports, a second rudder shaft 4 spline-fitted to the other end of the first rudder shaft 1 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, and the second rudder shaft 4 A second housing 5 surrounding one end of which is fitted to the other end of the first housing 3 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, and an interlocking shaft press-fitted into the other end of the second rudder shaft 4. 6, a support member 7 for supporting the interlocking shaft 6 and the second housing 5, a torque sensor 8 disposed inside the support member 7 and between the interlocking shaft 6, and an outer peripheral portion of the first housing 3. And a lever body 10 pivotally supported via a lever base 9.
[0018]
The first rudder shaft 1 as an upper rudder shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape having a fitting hole 1a at the lower end and a bearing fitting portion 1b on the outer peripheral surface at the upper end. The spline 11 is provided in the hole 1a. Further, on the one end side of the first rudder shaft 1 with respect to the fitting hole 1a, an annular concave portion 1c which is continuous with the fitting hole 1a and is recessed from the peripheral surface of the fitting hole 1a, in other words, the fitting hole 1a. An annular concave portion having a larger diameter than that of the second rudder shaft 4 and being inclined with respect to the axial center at a position connected to the end opposite to the fitting hole 1a in the concave portion 1c. 1d.
[0019]
The second rudder shaft 4 as a lower rudder shaft is formed in a rod shape having a male spline 12 in a fitting shaft portion 4a fitted in the fitting hole 1a. The spline 12 has a protrusion 4 b protruding from the end face of the tooth portion in the axial direction. A plurality of the convex portions 4b are equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and are inclined when a pressing force in the axial direction is applied to the first rudder shaft 1 in a state where the contact portion 1d is in contact. It is adapted to be bent radially outward along the contact portion 1d. Further, a press-fit hole 4c is provided at the other end of the second rudder shaft 4. The projection 4b may be formed so as to protrude from the end face of the tooth portion of the spline 12, or may be formed so as to protrude from a position having a smaller diameter than the groove of the spline 12 in the axial direction. The protruding position is not limited as long as the position is inside the peripheral surface of. Further, the projection 4b projecting at a position having a smaller diameter than the groove of the spline 12 may be annular.
[0020]
When the spline processing of the first rudder shaft 1 and the second rudder shaft 4 is completed, the spline fitting portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the first rudder shaft 1 and the spline 12 of the second rudder shaft 4. The first rudder shaft 1 is fitted to the second rudder shaft 4 at a position where these two markings match each other, in order to set a fitting position where the circumferential play at the position is minimized. So that they can be combined.
[0021]
The interlocking shaft 6 is formed in a cylindrical shape rotatably supported in the support member 7 via the bearing 13, and has a press-fit shaft portion 6 a corresponding to the press-fit hole 4 c at one end thereof, and a press-fit shaft portion 6 a at the other end. A part of the non-contact type torque sensor 8 is supported. A torsion bar 14 that is twisted by the action of the steering torque applied to the steered wheels is inserted inside the interlocking shaft 6.
[0022]
The torsion bar 14 is connected to the second rudder shaft 4 together with the interlocking shaft 6 by a dowel pin 15 penetrating the press-fit hole 4 c of the second rudder shaft 4. The other end of the torsion bar 14 is connected to the transmission shaft 16 by a dowel pin. 17.
[0023]
The torque sensor 8 detects a steering torque applied to a steered wheel based on a relative rotational displacement amount of the interlocking shaft 6 and the transmission shaft 16 according to the torsion of the torsion bar 14. Based on the torque detected by the torque sensor 8, The drive of the steering assist motor 18 is controlled. The torque sensor 8 is disposed around the interlocking shaft 6 and the transmission shaft 16 and has three magnetic rings each having a rectangular tooth portion formed on the end face in the circumferential direction. Two magnetic rings are generated, and two magnetic rings are fitted and fixed to the interlocking shaft 6.
The motor 18 is attached to the outside of the support member 7, and is configured to transmit the rotation of the motor 18 to the transmission shaft 16 via the reduction gear mechanism 19.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a process in the course of manufacturing the steering device, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
The steering device configured as above inserts the female spline 11 into the male spline 12 by inserting the fitting hole 1a of the first rudder shaft 1 into the second rudder shaft 4 with the marking. Fit. At this time, the contact portion 1d of the first rudder shaft 1 contacts the convex portion 4b of the second rudder shaft 4 by moving the first rudder shaft 1 more than the moving amount corresponding to the fitting hole 1a. By applying a pressing force in the axial direction to one end of the first rudder shaft 1 in this contact state, the convex portion 4b is bent into the concave portion 1c of the first rudder shaft 1 along the inclined contact portion 1d, It becomes the retaining projection 20. As a result, when the first rudder shaft 1 and the second rudder shaft 4 relatively move in the axial direction, the retaining projection 20 (see FIG. 1) comes into contact with the end of the concave portion 1c, and the first rudder shaft 1 and the second rudder shaft 4 are moved. The relative movement of the two rudder shafts 4 can be restricted. Therefore, even when the first rudder shaft 1 or the second rudder shaft 4 is gripped, the second rudder shaft 4 or the first rudder shaft 1 on the non-grip side can be prevented from falling off, and the second rudder due to falling off can be prevented. Damage to the shaft 4 or the first rudder shaft 1 can be eliminated, and the amount of disposal of the second rudder shaft 4 or the first rudder shaft 1 can be reduced.
[0025]
Further, after the pressing force is applied to the first rudder shaft 1 to bend the convex portion 4b as described above, by further applying the pressing force to the first rudder shaft 1, the second rudder shaft via the convex portion 4b. 4 can be pressed in the axial direction, and the press-fit hole 4c of the second rudder shaft 4 can be pressed into the press-fit shaft portion 6a of the interlocking shaft 6. As a result, when the first rudder shaft 1 is fitted to the second rudder shaft 4 and a pressing force is applied to the first rudder shaft 1, the second rudder shaft 4 or the first rudder shaft 1 on the non-grasping side comes off. And the interlocking shaft 6 can be connected to the second rudder shaft 4 by press fitting. Therefore, the spline fitting, the removal of the first rudder shaft 1 and the second rudder shaft 4 and the press-fitting of the interlocking shaft 6 into the second rudder shaft 4 are performed in one step without releasing the spline fitting. And workability can be improved. Moreover, since there is no need to machine the annular stepped portion for press-fitting on the outer periphery of the other end of the second rudder shaft 4 as in the related art, the workability of the second rudder shaft 4 can be improved, and The cost, and hence the cost of the steering device, can be reduced.
[0026]
The first rudder shaft 1, the second rudder shaft 4 and the interlocking shaft 6 manufactured in this manner are rotatable via the ball bearing 2 and the bearing 13 inside the first housing 3, the second housing 5 and the support member 7. Be incorporated.
[0027]
In the embodiment described above, the cylindrical first rudder shaft 1 having the fitting hole 1a is configured to be fitted to the rod-shaped second rudder shaft 4. The rudder shaft may be configured to be fitted to a cylindrical second rudder shaft having a fitting hole. In this case, the protrusion 4b for retaining is provided on the first rudder shaft, and the concave portion 1c and the contact portion 1d are provided on the second rudder shaft.
[0028]
Further, in the embodiment described above, the first rudder shaft 1 is spline-fitted to the second rudder shaft 4 to prevent the relative rotation of the first rudder shaft 1 and the second rudder shaft 4. And the first rudder shaft 1 may be rotatably fitted to the second rudder shaft 4. In the above-described embodiment, the concave portion 1c is formed in a ring shape. However, the concave portion 1c may be formed in a non-ring shape in which a position corresponding to the convex portion 4b is formed in a concave shape.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the first aspect, even when the first rudder axis or the second rudder axis is gripped, the second rudder axis or the first rudder axis on the non-grip side can be prevented from falling off. In addition, it is possible to prevent the second rudder shaft or the first rudder shaft on the non-grip side from being damaged.
[0030]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily prevent the first rudder shaft or the second rudder shaft from slipping out without separately providing a means for preventing the first rudder shaft or the second rudder shaft from slipping out, and to improve assembling workability.
[0031]
According to the third aspect, in one step of fitting the first rudder shaft to the second rudder shaft and applying a pressing force to the first rudder shaft, the second rudder shaft or the first rudder shaft on the non-grip side falls off. And the interlocking shaft can be coupled to the second rudder shaft by press fitting.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a steering device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing a configuration of a rudder shaft portion of the steering device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a step in the course of manufacturing the steering device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 4;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 First Rudder Shaft 1a Fitting Hole 1c Depression 1d Abutment 4 Second Rudder Shaft 4a Fitting Shaft 4c Convex 6 Interlocking Shaft 20 Retaining Protrusion

Claims

一端部が操舵手段に繋がる第１舵軸と第２舵軸とを軸長方向へ相対移動可能に嵌合してなる舵取装置において、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の一方は、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の他方が嵌合される嵌合孔に連なり、該嵌合孔の周面よりも凹の凹部を有しており、第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の他方は、前記嵌合孔に嵌合される嵌合軸部に連なり、前記凹部内へ曲がっている抜止凸部を有することを特徴とする舵取装置。In a steering device in which a first rudder shaft and a second rudder shaft each having one end connected to a steering means are fitted so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction, one of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is a second rudder shaft. The other of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is connected to a fitting hole into which the other one of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is fitted. The steering device according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining projection that is continuous with the fitting shaft fitted into the fitting hole and is bent into the recess.

前記第１舵軸及び第２舵軸の一方は、前記凹部における嵌合孔と反対側端に連なる位置で軸心に対して傾斜し、前記抜止凸部に当接する当接部を有する請求項１記載の舵取装置。The one of the first rudder shaft and the second rudder shaft is inclined with respect to the axis at a position continuing to the end opposite to the fitting hole in the concave portion, and has a contact portion that contacts the retaining protrusion. The steering device according to 1.

一端部が舵取手段に繋がり軸長方向の途中に凹部及び該凹部に連なる当接部を有する筒形の第１舵軸を、該第１舵軸の他端部に軸長方向へ相対移動可能に嵌合されることにより前記当接部に当接する凸部を有する第２舵軸に嵌合した後で第１舵軸を軸長方向へ押圧することにより前記当接部を凸部に当接させて該凸部を前記凹部内に曲げる工程と、前記凸部を曲げた後で前記第１舵軸を軸長方向へ押圧する押圧力により第２舵軸の他端部を連動軸に圧入する工程とを備えることを特徴とする舵取装置の製造方法。One end is connected to the steering means, and a cylindrical first rudder shaft having a concave portion and a contact portion connected to the concave portion in the middle of the axial length direction is relatively moved to the other end portion of the first rudder shaft in the axial length direction. After being fitted to the second rudder shaft having a convex portion abutting on the contact portion by being fitted as possible, the first rudder shaft is pressed in the axial length direction, so that the contact portion becomes a convex portion. Contacting and bending the convex portion into the concave portion; and, after bending the convex portion, pressing the first rudder shaft in the axial direction to move the other end of the second rudder shaft to the interlocking shaft. And a step of press-fitting the steering device.