Steering column and manufacturing method thereof, and steering apparatus using this steering column

摘要

Construction is achieved that is capable of maintaining overall strength of a cylindrical-shaped steering column, while at the same time making it possible to make the thickness part of the steering column thin. An outer column 10b, which is a column member of a steering column is formed by connecting in the axial direction a main portion 18 made using a light metal alloy with a cylindrical member 19 made of an iron-based alloy. A ring 22 made using a metallic material is fitted and fastened to the inner diameter side of the cylindrical member 19 in the connecting section between the main portion 18 and the cylindrical member 19. The inner diameter of the ring 22 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the portion of the main portion 18 that is separated in the axial direction from the connecting section with the cylindrical member 19, and is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 19.

主权项

1. A steering column having a cylindrical shape as a whole and comprising a column member;
the column member having: a main portion that is made using a light metal alloy; a cylindrical member that is made using an iron-based alloy, and that is connected to an end section on one side of the main portion in the axial direction with an end section on the other side of the cylindrical member fitted with the end section on the one side of the main portion; and a ring made using a metal material that is fitted and fastened inside the inner diameter side of a connecting section between the main portion and the cylindrical member.