摘要:
The invention provides for a collapsible steering column assembly and method for applying a varying resultant force to resist the collapse of the steering column assembly during an emergency condition. The steering column assembly includes a column jacket adapted to be releasably coupled to the frame for movement along the longitudinal axis L in the emergency condition. The column jacket includes an anvil and is supported by a support bracket. An absorbing strap secured to the supporting bracket is routed around the anvil. The absorbing strap is plastically deformed as the column jacket moves along axis L and an actuator supported by the support bracket applies a force against the absorbing strap. The actuator selectively varies the applied for as the absorbing strap is drawn over the anvil in the emergency condition to optimize the resultant force for the emergency condition.
摘要:
A telescoping steering column assembly includes upper and lower jackets having inner and outer surfaces and telescoping ends, respectively, and two sleeves disposed therebetween and having an annular cavity defined within each of the sleeves to hold bearings therewithin. One bearing is connected to the outer jacket and the other bearing is connected to the inner jacket. A method of making the assembly includes the steps of disposing the inner jacket within the outer jacket followed by disposing the sleeves therebetween and injecting a plastic material therethrough to form bearings. The plastic material is extracted from one of the apertures in each of the jackets to provide a sliding engagement between one of the bearing and the inner jacket and another bearing and the outer jacket.
摘要:
A kinetic energy absorption device suitable for use with a collapsible steering column includes a first and second plastically deformable member have a traveling bight, a pusher proximate to a first part of the first member attached to a first body, a catch allowing the second member move a limited distance with respect to the pusher, and an anvil arrangement fixed to a second body. The anvil arrangement is positioned proximate the traveling bights, which have a shape corresponding with an anvil surface of thereof. The anvil arrangement forces the traveling bight of the first member to travel along a length of the first member upon initial relative movement between the first and second bodies, and then forces the traveling bight of the second member to travel along a length of the second member.
摘要:
An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.
摘要:
A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of column teeth operably connected to the steering column and an adjustment lever operably connected to the steering column to allow user adjustment of a position of the steering column. A locking bolt extends from the adjustment lever, and a cam is located at the locking bolt and rotatable thereon. The cam includes one or more tab features interactive with the locking bolt such that rotation of the locking bolt engages the tab features with the locking bolt to drive rotation of the cam between a locked and unlocked position. The tab further includes a plurality of cam teeth meshable with the plurality of column teeth when the cam is in a locked position. A spring is operably connected to the cam to maintain the cam position in the locked and/or unlocked position when the cam is rotated thereto.
摘要:
A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of column teeth operably connected to the steering column and an adjustment lever operably connected to the steering column to allow user adjustment of a position of the steering column. A locking bolt extends from the adjustment lever, and a cam is located at the locking bolt and rotatable thereon. The cam includes one or more tab features interactive with the locking bolt such that rotation of the locking bolt engages the tab features with the locking bolt to drive rotation of the cam between a locked and unlocked position. The tab further includes a plurality of cam teeth meshable with the plurality of column teeth when the cam is in a locked position. A spring is operably connected to the cam to maintain the cam position in the locked and/or unlocked position when the cam is rotated thereto.
摘要:
A steering column assembly includes a column jacket having a jacket portion and a compression bracket attached thereto. The compression bracket includes a planar wall spaced from the column portion and a sidewall extending between the planar wall and the jacket portion. The sidewall defines a telescope slot extending along a longitudinal axis. A shaft extends through the telescope slot of the sidewall. A roller is supported on and rotatable about the shaft, and in rolling engagement with the planar wall. The roller positions the shaft within the telescope slot to prevent sliding frictional engagement between the shaft and the sidewall. The rolling coefficient of friction between the roller and the planar wall is less than the sliding coefficient of friction between the shaft and the sidewall to reduce a frictional load produced during longitudinal collapse of the steering column assembly.
摘要:
A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include a steering sensor, an acceleration pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, a turn signal switch, a cruise control switch, a windshield wiper switch, etc. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display. All components, including the on-board processor, are operatively connected to a column support, allowing the steering column assembly to be installed as a unit. Therefore, the steering column assembly installs quickly into the vehicle with a reduced chance of installation error.