Steering device

The present invention relates to a steering device and more particularly to a steering device in which the telescopic position (a forward and backward position) or the tilting position (an inclination angle) of a steering wheel is adjustable in accordance with a physique or a driving position of a driver.

In the steering device that the telescopic position or the tilting position of the steering wheel is adjustable, after the telescopic position or the tilting position of the steering wheel is adjusted, a column is firmly clamped to a vehicle body attaching bracket so that the steering wheel does not move from that position.

As a steering device in which a telescopic position is adjustable and an outer column is clamped to an inner column, there is a steering device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the steering device disclosed in the Patent Document 1, since the inner column is strongly fastened to the outer column, a position offsetting from the axis of the outer column is fastened.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged longitudinally sectional view showing a conventional steering device in which a position offsetting from the axis of an outer column is fastened. As shown in FIG. 7 , in the hollow and cylindrical outer column 1 , a steering shaft 4 is supported to freely rotate. To the steering shaft 4 in the rear side of a vehicle body (a front side in the direction intersecting at right angles to the surface of a sheet of FIG. 7 ), a steering wheel not shown in the drawing is attached.

To a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 15 B formed in the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body (an interior side in the direction intersecting at right angles to the surface of the sheet of FIG. 7 ), an inner column is internally fitted. The outer column 1 is attached to the vehicle body 6 by a vehicle body attaching bracket (an upper bracket) 3 .

A part of the inner column 2 in the front side of the vehicle body is pivotally supported by the vehicle body 6 through a tilting central shaft not shown in the drawing. On the upper part of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , a pair of right and left flange parts 31 A and 31 B for attaching the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 to the vehicle body 6 is formed. The flange parts 31 A and 31 B are fastened to the vehicle body 6 by bolts 312 A and 312 B and abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B on the upper surface of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B abut on the vehicle body 6 and are fixed thereto. In the flange parts 31 A and 31 B, a pair of right and left side plates 32 A and 32 B are bent in L shapes and extend downwardly from the flange parts 31 A and 31 B.

In the lower part of the outer column 1 , clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are integrally formed. In the lower surface of the outer column 1 and the lower surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B, a slit 13 is formed so as to pass through from the outer peripheral surface 15 A to the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 . The slit 13 is formed over the entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 .

Between inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are held so as to move telescopically and tilt.

In the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B, telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B elongating in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed in the lower part of the axis of the outer column 1 . Further, a fastening rod 34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33 A and 33 B formed in the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B from the right side of FIG. 7 (intersecting at right angles to the axis of the outer column 1 ).

In the right side of the fastening rod 34 , a disk shaped head part (a fastening member) 341 is formed. In the outer periphery of the head part 341 , chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formed in parallel. The chamfered part 342 is internally fitted to the tilting long groove 33 B to prevent the fastening rod 34 from rotating relative to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and to achieve tilt movement of the fastening rod 34 along the long tilting groove 33 B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34 , a male screw 344 is formed. To the male screw 344 , a cylindrical nut (a fastening member) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A. To the nut 35 , an operating lever 36 is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38 .

Inside surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B respectively, abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B lightly abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened. The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 .

The outer peripheral surface 15 A of the outer column 1 has a space between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the outer peripheral surface 15 A, even when the fastening rod 34 is fastened.

When swinging the operating lever 36 , the nut 35 rotates so that the side plates 32 A and 32 B is fastened through the fastening rod 34 or a fastening state is released. That is, when the operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the nut 35 rotates and the end face 351 of the nut 35 moves to a right side of FIG. 7 and the fastening rod 34 moves to a left side of FIG. 7 .

As a result, the end face 351 of the nut 35 fastens the outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A and the end face 343 of the head part 341 fastens the outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. Thus, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B strongly press the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B toward the axis of the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13 .

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to inner column 2 . At the same time, the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B.

Accordingly, the axis of the outer column 1 is considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B is considered to be a power point, and the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are fastened by a moment proportional to a distance L 2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly pressed to the inner column 2 .

However, the fastening position of the side plates 32 A and 32 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and the outer column 1 is located in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 spaced downward from the axis of the outer column 1 .

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 from the steering wheel, in a moment applied to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B are considered to be a power point. A large force acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by a moment proportional to a distance L 1 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 7 is low relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1 .

In order to improve the supporting rigidity of the vehicle body attaching bracket, the vehicle body attaching bracket may be reinforced, however, a problem arises that the cost of a material is high and a weight increases. Further, to improve the supporting rigidity of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 may be extended near the axis of the outer column 1 . However, since there is a dimensional unevenness in production, the fastening position of the side plates 32 A and 32 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and the outer column 1 is limited to a part in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . Thus, it is difficult to improve the supporting rigidity of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 .

In steering devices disclosed in Patent document 2 and Patent Document 3, a spacer made of a synthetic resin is interposed between inner surfaces of a vehicle body attaching bracket and both right and left side surfaces of an outer column to improve the supporting rigidity of the vehicle body attaching bracket. However, in the steering device disclosed in the Patent Document 2, since the number of parts is increased, a problem arises that the cost of the parts is high and the number of assembling processes is increased.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2001-347953

Patent Document 2: JP-A-8-207787

Patent Document 3: JP-B-3,415,953

Problems that the Invention is to Solve

It is an object of the present invention to provide a light steering device in which the number of parts or the number of assembling processes is not increased, a fastening force of an outer column to an inner column is improved and the supporting rigidity of the outer column to a vehicle body attaching bracket is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

The above-described problems are solved by below-described means.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a steering device including:

a column that supports a steering shaft on which a steering wheel is mounted so as to freely rotate;

a vehicle body attaching bracket that is attachable to a vehicle body and includes a pair of right and left side plates for holding right and left side surfaces of the column therebetween;

a fastening rod spaced from an axis of the column and inserted into the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket and the column; and

fastening members arranged at both ends of the fastening rod to fasten an inner surfaces of the side plates to the side surfaces of the column,

wherein contact surfaces between the right and left side surface of the column and the inner surfaces of the side plates are formed in two parts including a part near the axis of the fastening rod and a part spaced from the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device as set forth in the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the right and left side surfaces of the column respectively includes:

first abutting surfaces that abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod;

second abutting surfaces that abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates in the vicinity of the axis of the column, and

recessed parts respectively formed between the abutting surfaces and recessed from the abutting surfaces.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the second aspect of the invention, wherein

the column is an outer column externally fitted to an inner column so as to be telescopically adjustable, and

the fastening members fasten the outer column to the inner column at a telescopically adjustable position.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the first and second abutting surfaces formed in the right and left side surface of the outer column are provided in the side surfaces of the outer column so as to come into contact with the inner surfaces of the side plates over a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the outer column is held between the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket so that a tilting position is adjustable.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

when the fastening members at both the ends of the fastening rod are fastened, the first abutting surfaces abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

when the fastening members at both the ends of the fastening rod are fastened, the second abutting surfaces abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the outer column is integrally formed with aluminum or magnesium.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the second aspect of the invention, wherein

the fastening members fasten the column at a prescribed tilt adjusting position.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body is equal to or larger than a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

a width between the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body is smaller than a width between the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the fastening members fasten the column at a tilt adjusting position, and

a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body is equal to or larger than a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the fastening members fasten the column at a tilt adjusting position, and

a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body is equal to or smaller than a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

through holes are formed in the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket so that when the fastening members fasten the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket, the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket are easily elastically deformed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the thickness of the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket is made thin so that when the fastening members fasten the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket, the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket are easily elastically deformed.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the steering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the first and second abutting surfaces and the recessed parts formed in the right and left side surfaces of the outer column are provided in the side surfaces of the outer column over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column.

In the steering device of the present invention, the right and left side surfaces of the outer column include the first abutting surfaces that can abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod, the second abutting surfaces that can abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column, and recessed parts respectively formed between the abutting surfaces and more recessed than the abutting surfaces.

Accordingly, the number of parts or the number of assembling processes is not increased, a fastening force of the outer column to the inner column is improved and the supporting rigidity of the outer column to the vehicle body attaching bracket can be improved.

Further, the steering device of the present invention includes the abutting surfaces that are formed in the right and left side surfaces of the column and can abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod and the abutting surfaces that are formed in the right and left side surfaces of the column, have a width equal or larger than the horizontal width of the abutting surfaces in the vicinity of the fastening rod and can abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body.

Further, the steering device of the present invention includes abutting surfaces that are formed in the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of the vehicle attaching bracket and can abut on the right and left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod and abutting surfaces that are formed in the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket, have a width smaller than the horizontal width of the abutting surfaces in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod and can abut on the right and left side surfaces of the column in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body.

Accordingly, the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket abut on the right and left side surfaces of the column at both the position in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod and the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body to fasten the column. Therefore, the number of parts or the number of assembling processes is not increased, a weight is decreased and the supporting rigidity of the column to a vehicle body attaching bracket can be improved.

FIG. 1 is an entire front view showing a steering device of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2(A) is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2(B) is a view seen from an arrow P of FIG. 2(A) .

FIG. 3 is a diagram of parts showing a simple substance of an outer column shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of a second embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of a third embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing a conventional steering device.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehicle body attaching bracket of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view seen from an arrow P in FIG. 9 ,

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehicle body attaching bracket of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an entire front view showing a steering device of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view seen from an arrow Q in FIG. 12 .

1 outer column

11 A, 11 B clamp part

12 A, 12 B telescopic long groove

13 slit

131 closed end part

14 vehicle body front side end face

15 A outer peripheral surface

15 B inner peripheral surface

16 A, 16 B abutting surface

17 A, 17 B abutting surface

18 A, 18 B recessed part

19 clamp part

19 A, 19 B inclined part

2 inner column

3 vehicle body attaching bracket (upper bracket)

31 A, 31 B flange parts

311 A, 311 B abutting surface

312 A, 312 B bolt

32 A, 32 B side plate

321 A, 321 B inner surface

322 A, 322 B outer surface

33 A, 33 B tilting long groove

34 fastening rod

341 head part

342 chamfered part

343 end face

344 male screw

35 nut

351 end face

36 operating lever

37 washer

38 bolt

4 steering shaft

41 steering wheel

5 electric power steering device

51 bracket

52 output shaft

6 vehicle body

61 vehicle body attaching bracket (lower bracket)

62 tilting central shaft

1001 outer column

1011 A, 1011 B clamp part

1012 A, 1012 B telescopic long groove

1013 slit

1131 closed end part

1015 A outer peripheral surface

1015 B inner peripheral surface

1016 A, 1016 B abutting surface

1017 A, 1017 B abutting surface

1018 A, 1018 B recessed part

1002 inner column

1003 vehicle body attaching bracket (upper bracket)

1031 A, 1031 B flange parts

1311 A, 1311 B abutting surface

1312 A, 1312 B bolt

1032 A, 1032 B side plate

1321 A, 1321 B inner surface

1322 A, 1322 B outer surface

1033 A, 1033 B tilting long groove

1034 fastening rod

1341 head part

1342 chamfered part

1343 end face

1344 male screw

1035 nut

1351 end face

1036 operating lever

1037 washer

1038 bolt

1391 thrust bearing

1392 movable cam

1393 fixed cam

1004 steering shaft

1041 steering wheel

1005 electric power steering device

1051 bracket

1052 output shaft

1006 vehicle body

1061 vehicle body attaching bracket (lower bracket)

1062 central axis of tilting

1071 A, 1071 B, 1072 A, 1072 B protruding part

1711 A, 1711 B, 1721 A, 1721 B abutting surface

1073 A protruding part

1074 A, 1074 B, 1074 C, 1074 D through hole 1075 A, 1075 B protruding part

Now, by referring to the drawings, a first embodiment to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is an entire front view showing a steering device of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2(A) is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2(B) is a view seen from an arrow P of FIG. 2(A) . FIG. 3 is a diagram of parts showing a simple substance of an outer column shown in FIG. 1 .

In a hollow cylindrical outer column 1 , a steering shaft 4 to which a steering wheel 41 is attached in the rear side of a vehicle body (a right side of FIG. 1 ) is supported so as to freely rotate. The outer column 1 is integrally formed by a die cast molding method in which molten metal such as aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy or the like is poured into a mold under applying pressure.

To a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 15 B (see FIG. 2(A) ) formed in a part of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body (a left side of FIG. 1 ), an inner column 2 is internally fitted so as to axially slide (so that a telescopic position can be adjusted). The outer column 1 is attached to the vehicle body 6 by a vehicle body attaching bracket (an upper bracket). In FIG. 1 , the inner column 2 is arranged in the front side of the vehicle body and the outer column 1 is arranged in the rear side of the vehicle body, however, the inner column 2 may be arranged in the rear side of the vehicle body and the outer column 1 may be arranged in the front side of the vehicle body.

To a part of the inner column 2 in the front side of the vehicle body, an electric power steering device 5 is attached. A bracket 51 formed integrally with the electric power steering device 5 is supported by a vehicle body attaching bracket (a lower bracket) 61 fixed to the vehicle body 6 so as to pivotally movable through a tilting central shaft 62 . The electric power steering device 5 detects a steering torque of the steering shaft 4 to apply a steering assist force proportional to the steering torque to an output shaft 52 .

As shown in FIG. 2(A) , on the upper part of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , a pair of right and left flange parts 31 A and 31 B for attaching the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 to the vehicle body 6 is formed. The flange parts 31 A and 31 B are fastened to the vehicle body 6 by bolts 312 A and 312 B and abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B on the upper surface of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B abut on the vehicle body 6 and are fixed thereto. In the flange parts 31 A and 31 B, a pair of right and left side plates 32 A and 32 B are bent in L shapes and extends downwardly from the flange parts 31 A and 31 B.

Between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 325 , the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the side surfaces of clamp parts 11 A and 11 B integrally formed downward from the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopic movement and tilting movement.

In the lower surface of the outer column 1 and the lower surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B, a slit 13 is formed so as to pass through from the outer peripheral surface 15 A to the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 . An end part of the slit 13 in the front side of the vehicle body (a left side of FIG. 3 ) is opened to an end face 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body. An end part of the slit 13 in the rear side of the vehicle (a right side of FIG. 3 ) is extended to a substantially intermediate position of the axial length of the outer column 1 and a semi-circular arc shaped closed end part 131 is formed.

In the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B, telescopic long grooves 12 A and 123 extending in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed in the lower part of the axis of the outer column 1 . Further, a fastening rod 34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33 A and 333 formed in the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B from the right side of FIG. 2(A) (intersecting at right angles to the axis of the outer column 1 ).

As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) , in the right side of the fastening rod 34 , a disk shaped head part (a fastening member) 341 is formed. In the outer periphery of the head part 341 , chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formed in parallel. The chamfered part 342 is internally fitted to the tilting long groove 33 B to prevent the fastening rod 34 from rotating relative to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and tilt the fastening rod 34 along the long tilting groove 33 B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34 , a male screw 344 is formed. To the male screw 344 , a cylindrical nut (a fastening member) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A. To the nut 35 , an operating lever 36 is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38 .

In right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 , abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 (as shown in FIG. 1 , in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 when the steering device is viewed from a side part). The abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B have small spaces between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the attaching surfaces 16 A and 16 B when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened, and can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B when the fastening rod 34 is fastened.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B are extended from the end face 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body to a part in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positions slightly passing the ends of the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B in the rear side of the vehicle body as shown in FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 .

Further, in side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B respectively, abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B may lightly abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened. When viewed from the right side of FIG. 2(A) , the end face 343 of the head part 341 of the fastening rod 34 is overlapped on the abutting surface 17 B. Further, when viewed from the left side of FIG. 2(A) , the end face 351 of the nut 35 is overlapped on the abutting surface 17 A.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 17 A may be axially continuously arranged as shown in FIG. 3 , or axially intermittently arranged. Further, when the abutting surfaces 16 A and 17 A abut on the side plates 32 A and 32 B in the telescopic position adjusting range, the abutting surfaces may be simple protruding parts that are not extended in the axial direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2(A) , a width W 1 from the abutting surface 16 A to the abutting surface 16 B of the outer column 1 is formed to be equal to or wider than a width W 2 from the abutting surface 17 A to the abutting surface 17 B of the clamp parts 11 A, 11 B. Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B, and 17 A and 17 B are formed at two positions including a position in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod and a position spaced vertically from the axis of the fastening rod in the direction (a vertical direction in FIG. 2(A) ) intersecting at right angles to the axis of the column.

Further, the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are extended from the end face 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body to a part in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positions slightly passing the ends of the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B in the rear side of the vehicle body as shown in FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 .

Further, recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed from the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 to the right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B. The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed between the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 . The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed to be recessed from the abutting surfaces 17 A, 17 B, 16 A and 16 B. The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are extended from the end face 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body to a part in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positions slightly passing the ends of the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B in the rear side of the vehicle body as shown in FIG. 3 .

When swinging the operating lever 36 , the nut 35 rotates so that the side plates 32 A and 32 B is fastened through the fastening rod 34 or a fastening state is released. That is, when the operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the nut 35 rotates and the end face 351 of the nut 35 moves to a right side of FIG. 2(A) and the fastening rod 34 moves to a left side of FIG. 2(A) .

As a result, the end face 351 of the nut 35 fastens the outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A and the end face 343 of the head part 341 fastens the outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. Thus, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B strongly press the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B toward the axis of the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13 .

Further, when swinging the operating lever 36 in a fastening direction, the side plates 32 A and 32 B are more deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1 . As described above, the recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed from the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 to the right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B. Accordingly, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B abut on the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 to strongly press the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B to the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis and more deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1 .

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to inner column 2 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces 17 A and 173 in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B.

Accordingly, the axis of the outer column 1 is considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B is considered to be a power point, and the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are fastened by a moment proportional to a distance L 2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly pressed to the inner column 2 .

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 are also strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. Accordingly, a distance L 1 between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and the vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 from the steering wheel 41 , in a moment applied to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B are considered to be a power point. A moment proportional to the distance L 1 between the fulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 . Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 2(A) is especially improved relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1 .

Now, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of a second embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 . In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the first embodiment will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and described.

The second embodiment is a modified embodiment of the first embodiment in which a fastening rod 34 is arranged between the axis of an outer column 1 and a vehicle body 6 . Namely, as shown in FIG. 4 , between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of side plates 32 A and 32 B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the side surfaces of clamp parts 11 A and 11 B integrally formed upward from the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopic movement and tilting movement.

In the upper surface of the outer column 1 and the upper surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B, a slit 13 is formed so as to pass through from the outer peripheral surface 15 A to the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 .

In the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B, telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B extending in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed in the upper part of the axis of the outer column 1 . Further, a fastening rod 34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33 A and 33 B formed in the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B from the right side of FIG. 4 (intersecting at right angles to the axis of the outer column 1 ).

In the right side of the fastening rod 34 , a disk shaped head part (a fastening member) 341 is formed. In the outer periphery of the head part 341 , chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formed in parallel. The chamfered part 342 is internally fitted to the tilting long groove 33 B to prevent the fastening rod 34 from rotating relative to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and tilt the fastening rod 34 along the long tilting groove 33 B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34 , a male screw 344 is formed. To the male screw 344 , a cylindrical nut (a fastening member) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A. To the nut 35 , an operating lever 36 is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38 .

In right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 , abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 . The abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B have small spaces between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the attaching surfaces 16 A and 16 B when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened, and can respectively abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B when the fastening rod 34 is fastened. When viewed from the right and left sides of FIG. 4 , the axis of the outer column 1 is overlapped on the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 similarly to the first embodiment.

Further, in side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B respectively, abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B lightly abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened. When viewed from the right side of FIG. 4 , the end face 343 of the head part 341 of the fastening rod 34 is overlapped on the abutting surface 17 B. Further, when viewed from the left side of FIG. 4 , the end face 351 of the nut 35 is overlapped on the abutting surface 17 A.

Further, the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the first embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4 , a width W 3 from the abutting surface 16 A to the abutting surface 16 B of the outer column 1 is formed to be equal to or wider than a width W 4 from the abutting surface 17 A to the abutting surface 17 B of the outer column 1 .

Further, recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed from the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 to the right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B. The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed between the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and recessed more than the abutting surfaces 17 A, 17 B, 16 A and 16 B. The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the first embodiment.

When swinging the operating lever 36 , the nut 35 rotates so that the side plates 32 A and 32 B can be fastened through the fastening rod 34 or a fastening state is released. That is, when the operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the nut 35 rotates and the end face 351 of the nut 35 moves to a right side of FIG. 4 and the fastening rod 34 moves to a left side of FIG. 4 .

As a result, the end face 351 of the nut 35 fastens the outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A and the end face 343 of the head part 341 fastens the outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. Thus, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B strongly press the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B toward the axis of the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13 .

Further, when swinging the operating lever 36 in the fastening direction, the side plates 32 A and 32 B are more deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1 . As described above, the recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed from the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 to the right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B. Accordingly, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B abut on the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 to strongly press the inner surfaces 321 A and 3213 to the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis and more deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1 .

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to an inner column 2 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B.

Accordingly, the axis of the outer column 1 is considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 3213 is considered to be a power point, the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are fastened by a moment proportional to a distance L 2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly pressed to the inner column 2 .

Further, the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. Accordingly, a distance L 1 between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B and the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and a vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 from a steering wheel 41 , in a moment applied to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B are considered to be a power point. A moment proportional to the distance L 1 between the fulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 . Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 4 is especially improved relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1 .

Now, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of a third embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 . In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. The same parts as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and described.

In the first embodiment, the outer column 1 and the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are integrally formed by a die casting method. The second embodiment is an example in which the clamp parts 11 A and 11 B are formed separately from the outer column 1

As shown in FIG. 5 , an outer column 1 is formed with a cylindrical steel pipe and clamp parts 19 made of a separately formed plate and formed in U-shapes are attached to a lower surface of the outer column 1 by welding.

Between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of side plates 32 A and 32 B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the side surfaces of the clamp parts 19 welded to the lower surface of the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopic movement and tilting movement.

In the lower surface of the outer column 1 , a slit 13 is formed so as to pass through from the outer peripheral surface 15 A to the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 . In the clamp parts 19 , telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B extending in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed in the lower part of the axis of the outer column 1 . Further, a fastening rod 34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33 A and 33 B formed in the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the telescopic long grooves 12 A and 12 B from the right side of FIG. 5 (intersecting at right angles to the axis of the outer column 1 ).

As shown in FIG. 5 , in the right side of the fastening rod 34 , a disk shaped head part (a fastening member) 341 is formed. In the outer periphery of the head part 341 , chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formed in parallel. The chamfered part 342 is internally fitted to the tilting long groove 33 B to prevent the fastening rod 34 from rotating relative to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and tilt the fastening rod 34 along the long tilting groove 33 B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322 B of the side plate 32 B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34 , a male screw 344 is formed. To the male screw 344 , a cylindrical nut (a fastening member) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outer surface 322 A of the side plate 32 A. To the nut 35 , an operating lever 36 is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38 .

When the fastening rod 34 is fastened, abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B at right and left parts of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15 A of the outer column 1 can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. Further, when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B are formed so as to have a little space (0.1 mm to 0.2 mm) between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B and the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B. The abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B are located on intersections of a horizontal line passing the axis of the outer column 1 and extending in the horizontal direction and the outer peripheral surface 15 A of the outer column 1 .

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 similarly to the first embodiment.

Further, in right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 19 respectively, abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B lightly abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened.

The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are provided with recessed parts (see in FIG. 5 ) in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B at two upper and lower parts of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B may not be provided with the recessed parts and may be formed to be plane.

The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B throughout the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the first embodiment.

Further, recessed parts 18 A and 18 D are formed between the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 . The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed to be recessed more than the abutting surfaces 17 A, 17 B 16 A and 16 B.

The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed by a space surrounded by the outer peripheral surface 15 A formed below the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B, inclined parts 19 A and 19 B at the upper ends of the clamp parts 19 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the first embodiment.

When the operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B strongly press the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 19 toward the axis of the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13 .

Further, when the operating lever 36 is swung in the fastening direction, the side plates 32 A and 32 B are more deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1 . As described above, the recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed from the outer peripheral surface 15 A below the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 to the inclined parts 19 A and 19 B at the upper ends of the clamp parts 19 . Accordingly, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B abut on the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the side surfaces of the outer column 1 to strongly press the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B to the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B and more deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1 .

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to an inner column 2 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B.

Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B passing the axis of the outer column 1 are considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B is considered to be a power point, and the clamp parts 19 are fastened by a moment proportional to a distance L 2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly fastened to the inner column 2 .

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B passing the axis of the outer column 1 are also strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. Accordingly, a distance L 1 between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B and the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and a vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 from a steering wheel 41 , in a moment applied to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B is considered to be a power point. A moment proportional to the distance L 1 between the fulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 . Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 5 is especially improved relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1 .

Now, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 . In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. The same parts as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and described.

The fourth embodiment is a modified embodiment of the third embodiment and a clamp part 19 is formed separately from an outer column 1 like the third embodiment. In this embodiment, a difference from the third embodiment resides in that when a fastening rod 34 is unfastened, spaces are formed between abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B of right and left side surfaces of the clamp part 19 and inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of side plates 32 A and 32 B.

As shown in FIG. 6 , in the fourth embodiment, the outer column 1 is formed with a cylindrical steel pipe and the clamp part 19 made of a separately formed plate and formed in a U shape is attached to a lower surface of the outer column 1 by welding.

Between the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 3 , the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the side surfaces of the clamp part 19 welded to the lower surface of the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopic movement and tilting movement.

When the fastening rod 34 is fastened, abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B at right and left parts of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15 A of the outer column 1 are strongly pressed to the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. Contrary to the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B lightly abut on the inner side surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. The abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B are located on intersections of a horizontal line passing the axis of the outer column 1 and extending in the horizontal direction in FIG. 6 and the outer peripheral surface 15 A of the outer column 1 .

The abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B over the entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 similarly to the third embodiment.

Further, in right and left side surfaces of the clamp part 19 respectively, abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 . The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B are formed to have a little space (0.1 mm to 0.2 mm) between the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened.

The abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B can abut on the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B throughout the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the third embodiment.

Further, recessed parts 11 A and 18 B are formed between the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 . The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed to be recessed more than the abutting surfaces 17 A, 17 B, 16 A and 16 B.

The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed by spaces surrounded by the outer peripheral surface 15 A formed below the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 , inclined parts 19 A and 19 B at the upper ends of the clamp part 19 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. The recessed parts 18 A and 18 B are formed over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the third embodiment.

When an operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B strongly press the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the side surfaces of the outer column 1 to deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1 .

Further, when the operating lever 36 is swung in the fastening direction, the side plates 32 A and 32 B are more deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1 . As described above, the recessed parts 18 A and 16 B are formed from the outer peripheral surface 15 A below the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 to the inclined parts 19 A and 19 B at the upper ends of the clamp part 19 . Accordingly, the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B abut on the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to deform the clamp part 19 toward the axis of the outer column 1 , narrow the width of a slit 13 and more deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1 .

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15 B of the outer column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to an inner column 2 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B.

Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B passing the axis of the outer column 1 are considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B is considered to be a power point, and the clamp part 19 is fastened by a moment proportional to a distance L 2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly fastened to the inner column 2 .

Further, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B passing the axis of the outer column 1 are also strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B of the side plates 32 A and 32 B. Accordingly, a distance L 1 between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B and the abutting surfaces 311 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and a vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 from a steering wheel 41 , in a moment applied to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 321 A and 311 B of the flange parts 31 A and 31 B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321 A and 321 B is considered to be a power point. A moment proportional to the distance L 1 between the fulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 . Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 6 is especially improved relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1 .

Now, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to the enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1 . In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8 , on the upper part of a vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , a pair of right and left flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B for attaching the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 to a vehicle body 1006 are formed. The flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B are fastened to the vehicle body 1006 by bolts not shown in the drawing and abutting surfaces 1311 A and 1311 B on the upper surfaces of the flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B abut on the vehicle body 1006 and are fixed thereto. In the flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B, a pair of right and left side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are bent in L shapes and extending downwardly from the flange parts 1001 A and 1031 B.

An end face 1343 of a head part 1341 abuts on an outer surface 1322 B of the side plate 1032 B. In a left side of a fastening rod 1034 , a male screw 1344 is formed. To the male screw 1344 , a cylindrical nut 1035 is screwed. Between a right end face of the nut 1035 and an outer surface 1322 A of the left side plate 1032 A of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , a thrust bearing 1391 , an operating lever 1036 , a movable cam 1392 and a fixed 1393 are held in order from the left side.

The movable cam 1392 is fixed to the operating lever 1036 and rotates together with the operating lever 1036 by swinging the operating lever 1036 . The fixed can 1393 is internally fitted to a tilting long groove 1033 A formed in the side plate 1032 A to prevent from rotating relative to the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 .

In right and left side surfaces of an outer column 1001 , abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B are formed at positions spaced upward (in an upper side in FIG. 8 ) from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in a vehicle body. Further, in side surfaces of clamp parts 1011 A and 1011 B respectively, abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 .

A horizontal width W 5 between the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body is formed to be equal to or larger than a horizontal width W 6 between the abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 .

The abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B are extended from the end face of the outer column 1001 in the front side of the vehicle body to a part in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positions slightly passing the ends of telescopic long grooves 1012 A and 1012 B in the rear side of the vehicle body. Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B can abut on the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B over the entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1001 .

When the operating lever 1036 is swung, the movable cam 1392 rotates so that the fixed cam 1393 moves to a right side of FIG. 8 and the fastening rod 1034 is pressed by the movable cam 1392 to move to a left side of FIG. 8 . As a result, the fixed cam 1393 fastens the outer surface 1322 A of the side plate 1032 A and the end face 1343 of the head part 1341 fastens the outer surface 1322 B of the side plate 1032 B.

The horizontal width W 5 between the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body is formed to be equal to or larger than the horizontal width W 6 between the abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 . Accordingly, when the width W 5 is formed to be larger than the width W 6 , the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B initially abut on the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body.

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fastening direction, the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are more elastically deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the side plates to be a fulcrum point. Accordingly, the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B abut on the abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 to strongly press the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B to the abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 . As a result, the clamp parts 1011 A and 1011 B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1 to narrow the width of a slit 1013 .

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1015 B of the outer column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 to an inner column 1002 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the abutting surfaces 17 A and 17 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B.

Further, when the width W 5 is equal to the width W 6 , the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B abut on both the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B and the abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B at the same time. Then, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in the fastening direction, the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are elastically deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B and the side plates to be the fulcrum point and both the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B and the abutting surfaces 1017 A and 1017 B are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B.

Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16 A and 16 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B. Therefore, a distance L 3 between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B and the abutting surfaces 1311 A and 1311 B of the flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 and the vehicle body 1006 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1001 from a steering wheel 1041 , in a moment applied to the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 1311 A and 1311 B of the flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016 A and 1016 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 and the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B is considered to be a power point.

A moment proportional to the distance L 3 between the fulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 . Accordingly, the number of parts or the number of assembling processes is not increased, a weight is decreased and a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 8 is improved relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1001 .

Now, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehicle body attaching bracket of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view seen from an arrow P in FIG. 9 . In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Further, the same parts as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and described.

The sixth embodiment is a modified embodiment of the fifth embodiment. According to this embodiment, in a horizontal width of the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of right and left side plates 1032 A and 1032 B of a vehicle attaching bracket 1003 , a width at a position spaced upward from the axis of a fastening rod 1034 is narrower than a width in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod. An outer column 1001 is clamped to the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , which is not shown in the drawing. The structure of a clamp mechanism such as an operating lever 1036 , a fastening rod 1034 , a movable can 1392 and a fixed cam 1393 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

Namely, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9 , in the right and left side plates 1132 A and 1032 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B are formed at positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in a vehicle body. Further, in the right and left side plates 1032 A and 1032 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , protruding parts 1072 A and 1072 B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 . The protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B and 1072 A and 1072 B respectively protrude toward the right and left side surface sides of the outer column 1001 from the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the right and left side plates 1032 A and 1032 B.

A horizontal width W 7 between abutting surfaces 1711 A and 1711 B where the protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body abut on the right and left surfaces of the outer column 1001 is formed to be equal or smaller than a horizontal width W 8 between abutting surfaces 1721 A and 1721 B where the protruding parts 1072 A and 1072 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 . Though not shown in the drawing, the width of the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is set to the same dimension in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1001 and in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 .

The protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B are formed in rectangular shapes elongated in a forward and backward direction of the vehicle body in the upper parts of tilting long grooves 1033 A and 1033 B. Further, two protruding parts 1072 A and 1072 B are respectively formed in rectangular shapes short in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle body at both sides of the lower parts of the tilting long grooves 1033 A and 1033 B. The protruding parts 1072 A and 1072 B may be formed in the rectangular shapes elongated in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle body and one protruding part may be provided or the protruding parts may not be provided.

When the width W 7 is formed to be narrower than the width W 8 similarly to the fifth embodiment, if the operating lever 1036 is swung to fasten the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B, the abutting surfaces 1711 A and 1711 B of the protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body initially abut on the right and left side surfaces in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1001 .

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fastening direction, the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are more elastically deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering abutting surfaces 1711 A and 1711 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body to be a fulcrum point. Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 1721 A and 1721 B of the protruding parts 1072 A and 1172 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 to strongly press the abutting surfaces 1721 A and 1721 B to the right and left side surface of the outer column 1001 . As a result, clamp parts 1011 A and 1011 B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 to narrow the width of a slit 1013 .

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1015 B of the outer column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 to an inner column 1002 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 1711 A and 1711 B of the protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the abutting surfaces 1721 A and 1721 B of the protruding parts 1072 A and 1072 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 are strongly fastened to the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 .

Therefore, a distance L 4 between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1711 A and 1711 B of the protruding parts 1071 A and 1071 B spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 and abutting surfaces 1311 A and 1311 B of flange parts 1031 A and 1031 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 and a vehicle body 1006 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device. Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 10 is improved relative to a steering force applied to the outer column 1001 .

Now, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehicle body attaching bracket of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Further, the same parts as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and described.

The seventh embodiment is a modified embodiment of the sixth embodiment in which when an operating lever 1036 is fastened, side plates 1032 A and 1032 B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 are easily elastically deformed. In FIG. 11 , only a side plate 1032 A of a left side is shown. A side plate of a right side has the same form.

Namely, as shown in FIG. 11 , in the side plate 1032 A of the left side of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , a protruding part 1073 A is formed at a position spaced upward from the axis of a fastening rod 1034 in a vehicle body. Further, a protruding part is not provided in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the side plate 1032 A of the left side of the vehicle attaching bracket 1003 . An inner surface of the side plate 1032 A of the left side directly abuts on the side surface of the left side of an outer column 1001 .

Accordingly, a horizontal width between the abutting surfaces where the abutting part 1073 A at the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body (and a protruding part of the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is formed to be smaller than a horizontal width between the inner surfaces of the side plate 1032 A in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 (and an inner surface of the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 . Though not shown in the drawing, the width of the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is set to the same dimension at the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 .

In the side plate 1032 A of the left side of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , through holes 1074 A, 1074 B, 1074 C and 1074 D passing through the side plate 1032 A are formed. The through holes 1074 A and 1074 B are formed in rectangular shapes elongated in a forward and backward direction of the vehicle body in the upper parts of a tilting long groove 1033 A. Further, the through holes 174 C and 174 D are formed in vertically elongated rectangular shapes at both sides of the tilting long groove 1033 A in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle body.

When the operating lever 1036 is swung to fasten the side plate 1032 A as in the sixth embodiment, the abutting surface of the protruding part 1073 A at the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body (and the protruding part of the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) initially abuts on the side surface of the left side in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1001 .

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fastening direction, the side plate 1032 A (and the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) is more elastically deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering the abutting surface at the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body to be a fulcrum point.

Since the through holes 1074 A, 1074 B, 1074 C and 1074 D passing through the side plate 1032 A are formed, the side plate 1032 A is easily elastically deformed and the inner surfaces of the side plate 1032 A in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 (and the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 to strongly press the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 . As a result, clamp parts 1011 A and 1011 B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 to narrow the width of a slit 1013 .

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1013 B of the outer column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 to an inner column 1002 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces of the protruding part 1073 A at the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body (and the protruding part of the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) and the inner surfaces of the side plate 1032 A in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 (and the side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) are strongly fastened to the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 .

In the seventh embodiment, the through holes 1074 A, 1074 B, 1074 C and 1074 D are formed. However, when a long distance can be ensured between the protruding part 1073 A and the axis of the fastening rod 1034 and the side plate 1032 A is easily elastically deformed, the through holes 1074 A, 1074 B, 1074 C and 1074 D are not necessarily required. Further, the protruding part 1073 may not be formed in the side plate 1032 A of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 and protruding parts may be formed on the right and left surfaces of the outer column 1001 at positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body.

Now, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 12 is an entire front view of a steering device of the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a view seen from an arrow Q in FIG. 12 . In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Further, the same parts as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and described.

The eighth embodiment is a modified embodiment of the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , in side plates 1032 A and 1032 B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , protruding parts 1075 A and 1075 B are formed at positions spaced upward from the axis of a fastening rod 1034 in a vehicle body. Further, a protruding part is not provided in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 . Inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B directly abut on the right and left side surfaces of an outer column 1001 .

Accordingly, a horizontal width W 9 between abutting surfaces where the protruding parts 1075 A and 1075 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is formed to be smaller than a horizontal width W 10 between abutting surfaces where the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 .

In the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 , the through holes as in the seventh embodiment are not formed, however, the thickness of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B is reduced so that the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are easily elastically deformed.

When an operating lever 1036 is swung to fasten the side plate 1032 A and 1032 B as in the seventh embodiment, the abutting surfaces of the protruding parts 1075 A and 1175 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body initially abut on the right and left side surfaces in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1001 .

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fastening direction, the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are more elastically deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering the abutting surfaces at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body to be a fulcrum point.

Since the thickness of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B is reduced, the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B are easily elastically deformed and the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 to strongly press the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 . As a result, clamp parts 1011 A and 1010 B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 to narrow the width of a slit 1013 .

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1015 B of the outer column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 to an inner column 1002 . At the same time, both the abutting surfaces of the protruding parts 1075 A and 1075 B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the inner surfaces 1321 A and 1321 B of the side plates 1032 A and 1032 B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 are strongly fastened to the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 .

In the above-described embodiments, the embodiments are shown that are applied to the steering device in which both a telescopic position and a tilting position can be adjusted. However, the present invention may be applied to a steering device in which only the telescopic position can be adjusted. Further, the present invention may be applied to a steering device in which an outer column and an inner column are not expanded or contracted (the telescopic position is not adjusted) and only a tilting position can be adjusted. Further, the present invention may be applied to a steering device having any of adjusting mechanisms. In the above-described embodiments, an explanation is given to the device having the electric power steering device 5 , 1005 . However, the electric power steering device 5 , 1005 may not be provided. Further, in the above description, a fastening mechanism is formed with a cam, however, the fastening mechanism may be formed with a screw.

The present invention is described in detail by referring to the specific embodiments, however, it is to be understood to a person with ordinary skill in the art that various changes or modifications may be made without departing the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application (JP application No. 2006-044496) filed on Feb. 21, 2006, and Japanese Patent Application (JP application No. 2006-334129) filed on Dec. 12, 2006 and contents thereof are included herein as a reference.

According to the steering device of the present invention, the number of parts or the number of assembling processes is not increased, a fastening force of an outer column to an inner column can be improved, a weight can be decreased and the supporting rigidity of the outer column to a vehicle body attaching bracket can be improved.