摘要:
Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes a mounting bracket secured to the steering column. Upper fasteners rigidly secured to vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending upper slots in the mounting bracket. Lower fasteners rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending lower slots in the mounting bracket. The connection of the fasteners in the slots of the mounting bracket releases in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The vehicle support structure overlies the mounting bracket to resist upward displacement of the mounting bracket when the steering column collapses. Pull loop assemblies are associated with the lower fasteners. Each pull loop assembly includes a generally U-shaped strap of flexible, bendable material having a first leg connected to one of the lower fasteners. Each strap has a second leg which is unattached. Each strap has a return bent intermediate portion extending over a fixed support frame on the mounting bracket so that when the bracket collapses with the steering column, the straps will unwind around and be pulled over the fixed support frame and thereby resist such collapse and absorb energy.
摘要:
The present invention provides a way in which the coefficient of friction between the steering column and the instrument panel may be lessened when an isolator pad is used. The reduction in friction is accomplished by impregnating the isolator pad with a lubricant.
摘要:
A telescoping steering column is provided with a simple means to allow ease of movement of a telescoping steering shaft through a plurality of positions. This is accomplished by placing a biasing component on an exterior of a movable portion of the steering column to bias the movement of that portion.
摘要:
Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes an upper mounting bracket secured to rigid vehicle support structure by capsules which release in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The upper mounting bracket is secured to and moves with the steering column during its collapse. A lower mounting bracket is rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure. Flexible, bendable U-shaped straps connect the upper mounting bracket to the lower mounting bracket to gradually resist collapse of the steering column and prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against a driver. The vehicle support structure overlies the upper mounting bracket to resist upward displacement during collapse with the steering column.
摘要:
A vehicle steering mechanism can be supported for controlled collapse in crash situations, by constructing the support mechanism as a rigid assembly having a metal die casting as a principal component. The rigid die casting transmits a shock force from the vehicle steering wheel to shearable fasteners that connect the die casting to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Undesired resilience or spring in the steering shaft support mechanism is eliminated, such that the system has a desired predictability in frontal crash situations.
摘要:
A steering column in an automotive vehicle is supported by a stationary wall that carries two capsules on either side of the steering column. The steering column has an attachment wall that extends within the capsules. Each capsule has two support walls sandwiched around the attachment wall and a tubular connector joining the support walls together. Severable ribs are integral with the tubular connector and in contact with edge areas of the attachment wall, such that in a crash situation the steering column can collapse forwardly to minimize chest injury to the driver of the vehicle.
摘要:
A vehicle steering mechanism can be supported for controlled collapse in crash situations, by constructing the steering shaft support housing as a rigid assembly having a metal die casting and tubular steel shroud as the principal components. The rigid die casting transmits a shock force from the vehicle steering wheel to shearable fasteners that connect the die casting to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Undesired resilience or spring in the steering shaft support mechanism is eliminated, such that the system has a desired predictability in frontal crash situations. The shaft housing deflection is effectively snubbed by a friction ring encircling a lower portion of the tubular steel shroud.
摘要:
A steering column mounting bracket is provided with break-away bars integrally formed therewith to allow for a consistent break-away force and reduce noise in the cabin of an automobile. The break-away bars will allow for axial compression of the steering shaft during an accident involving a collision of an automobile.
摘要:
A steering column bracket for a motor vehicle includes a body defining a bore adapted to receive a lower mounting bracket. A pair of wings extend out from the body on opposite sides thereof. A bracing is formed on at least a portion of a surface of the body and a at least a portion of a surface of the wings. The bracing includes of a plurality of ribs defining pockets. The bracing provides stiffness to the steering column bracket.
摘要:
An energy absorbing steering column sleeve includes a tubular body. The tubular body is defined by a plurality of channels extending from an end of the tubular body to an opposite end thereof.