CA1116979A - Collapsible steering column - Google Patents
Collapsible steering columnInfo
- Publication number
- CA1116979A CA1116979A CA000323828A CA323828A CA1116979A CA 1116979 A CA1116979 A CA 1116979A CA 000323828 A CA000323828 A CA 000323828A CA 323828 A CA323828 A CA 323828A CA 1116979 A CA1116979 A CA 1116979A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- section
- shaft
- steering
- column
- shaft section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract o~ the Disclosure A steerinc column has an upper column section and a lower column section with an intermediate collapsible tubular member in toraue transmitting engagement with the u?per and lower column sections. Each column section has an end telescoping into the tubular collapsible r,lember.
Each end is square in cross-section with one end having a slightly larger cross-sectional area than the other such that the smaller one is received therein and prevents free relative rotation o~ the two column sections if the collap-sible member is ruptured.
Each end is square in cross-section with one end having a slightly larger cross-sectional area than the other such that the smaller one is received therein and prevents free relative rotation o~ the two column sections if the collap-sible member is ruptured.
Description
e..~ t b i~
COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLU~
This invention relates to collapsible steering columns for motor vehicles.
In one conventional collapsible steering column, the column is composed of two steering shaft sections extending coaxially along the length of the column and an axially deformable member connected to each steering shaft section for transmitting torque from one section to the other but which collapses under axial impact loads.
In such columns, the deformable member is usually a thin-walled tubular member having corrugations and/or perforations which allow the member to compress under axial loads. One such device is disclosed in German patent 1,303,280 assigned to Daimler Benz.
Another device which shows a corrugated torque transmitting member located between the steering wheel and the upper end of the steering shaft is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,016,764 issued to Fredericks et al on January 16, 19~2.
- 20 In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising:
a first and second steering shaft sections extending coax-ially along the length of the column; a member interconnect-ing the shaft sections constructed to transmit steering torque between them; the member being axially deformable under an axially directed impact load applied to either of the shaft sections; the first shaft section having an end telescopically received in one end of the second shaft section; the telescopically interconnected ends being constructed to function as an axial guide for relative movement of the shaft sections under impact causing the collapse of the member; one of the ends of the first shaft section being of non-circular cross-section and being telescopically received within a recess of similar non-circular cross-section in the receiving end of the second shaft section wherein the receiving end forms a clearance fit with respect to the one end of the first shaft section to allow limited relative rotation between the two shaft sections when the torque transmitting deformable member ~ 'J~'~3 does not transmit torque from one shaft section to the other section, the limited relative rotation being noticeable to an operator of a motor vehicle.
With this construc~ion, the relative movement of S the ends of the two steering shaft sections is guided in the axial direction under Lmpact thus ensuring that impact loads effect only compression of the column and not bending.
The steeri~g s~aft assem~ly is ~apable of transmitting steering torque from the steering wheel to the steering 10 gear throug~ the telescopic connector reqardless of any deformation of the deformable member.
Any suitable construction may be adopted ~or the telescopic ends of the steering shaft sections. Preferably, however, the one end i5 of non-circular (e.g., square or 15 hexagonal) cross-~ection and is telescopically received within a recess of similar non-circular cross-section in the other end.
During normal operation steering torque is trans-mitted from one shaft section to the other through the 20 deformable member. It is desirable that the connection between the two ends of the shaft sections allow lLmited relative rotation or "play" between the two shaft sections at their telescopic interconnection.
In the event the driver senses this "play" when turning the steering wheel, he will thereby be advised that the deformable member is not operating in its intended fashion.
A pre~erred steering column in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of the steering column, and Figure 2 is a cros~-sectional, enlarged, and fragmented Cid~ view of the steering column.
Referring to the drawings, a steering column assembly is illustrated which comprises lower and upper ~! ~! tubular steering shaft sections, 1, 2, arranged coaxially along the axis 3 of the column. ~he steering shaft sec-tions are interconnected as will be described and are ., ~ 3,~3 constructed ~o transmit steering torque from a ste ring wheel to a staering gear.
The upper shaft section 1 carries splines 5 at one end on which a steering wheel (not shown) may be 5 mounted. The first shaft section 1 is rotatably mounted in a tubular jacket 6 by means of thrust bearings 7 and 8.
The jacket 6 carries a mounting brac~et 10 which defines two opened slots 11. A mounting block 12, is slidably mounted Ln each slot 11 and is prevented ~rom removal there-from by means of sherable projections 13. The brac~et 10may ~e secured to a vehicle dash~oard or instrument panels (not shown) by means of bolts which pass through the mounting blocks, 12.
The lower end 14 of the upper shaft section 1 15 defines a recess 15 of ~quare cross-section which tele-scopically receives the upper end 16 of the lower steering shaft section 2, also of siuare cross-section. The end 16 of the second lower shaft section 2 has a clearance fit in the recess 15 in the end of the upper steering shaft section 1.
The lower shaft section 2 terminates in a lower end portion ~; r~,~ 'J,~';~jj 17 of triangular cross-section by means of which the shaft Qection 2 can be connected to a steering ~ox or gear (not shpwn). A bearing 18 is provided on the lower shaft section 2 to allo~ it to be rotatably mounted in a firewall of a vehicle, as indicated at 20.
The telescopically engaging ends of the two shaft sections 1, 2 are connected by a deformable member 25 which, in the embodiment illustrated, is a corrugated metal tube. The corrugated tube 25 is connected by welds 28, 29 to the two shaft sections 1 and 2 and encloses the ends 14 and 16 of the shaft sections.
Operation In normal use, torque applied to the upper shaft section 1 of the column by the driver of the vehicle is transmitted to the lower steering shaft section 2 through the tube 25. In the event of a failure of the tube 25, for example as a result of a rupture of the walls of the tube or a fracture of the welds 28, 29, the non-circular cross-section telescopic connection between the telescopic ends 14, 16 of the two shaft sections 1 and 2 prevents free relative rotation of the shaft sections and, therefore, allows the driver to retain full steering control of the vehicle. The driver will detect play in the steering shaft assembly and the condition of the steering system.
An Lmpact load applied to the lower shaft section
COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLU~
This invention relates to collapsible steering columns for motor vehicles.
In one conventional collapsible steering column, the column is composed of two steering shaft sections extending coaxially along the length of the column and an axially deformable member connected to each steering shaft section for transmitting torque from one section to the other but which collapses under axial impact loads.
In such columns, the deformable member is usually a thin-walled tubular member having corrugations and/or perforations which allow the member to compress under axial loads. One such device is disclosed in German patent 1,303,280 assigned to Daimler Benz.
Another device which shows a corrugated torque transmitting member located between the steering wheel and the upper end of the steering shaft is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,016,764 issued to Fredericks et al on January 16, 19~2.
- 20 In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising:
a first and second steering shaft sections extending coax-ially along the length of the column; a member interconnect-ing the shaft sections constructed to transmit steering torque between them; the member being axially deformable under an axially directed impact load applied to either of the shaft sections; the first shaft section having an end telescopically received in one end of the second shaft section; the telescopically interconnected ends being constructed to function as an axial guide for relative movement of the shaft sections under impact causing the collapse of the member; one of the ends of the first shaft section being of non-circular cross-section and being telescopically received within a recess of similar non-circular cross-section in the receiving end of the second shaft section wherein the receiving end forms a clearance fit with respect to the one end of the first shaft section to allow limited relative rotation between the two shaft sections when the torque transmitting deformable member ~ 'J~'~3 does not transmit torque from one shaft section to the other section, the limited relative rotation being noticeable to an operator of a motor vehicle.
With this construc~ion, the relative movement of S the ends of the two steering shaft sections is guided in the axial direction under Lmpact thus ensuring that impact loads effect only compression of the column and not bending.
The steeri~g s~aft assem~ly is ~apable of transmitting steering torque from the steering wheel to the steering 10 gear throug~ the telescopic connector reqardless of any deformation of the deformable member.
Any suitable construction may be adopted ~or the telescopic ends of the steering shaft sections. Preferably, however, the one end i5 of non-circular (e.g., square or 15 hexagonal) cross-~ection and is telescopically received within a recess of similar non-circular cross-section in the other end.
During normal operation steering torque is trans-mitted from one shaft section to the other through the 20 deformable member. It is desirable that the connection between the two ends of the shaft sections allow lLmited relative rotation or "play" between the two shaft sections at their telescopic interconnection.
In the event the driver senses this "play" when turning the steering wheel, he will thereby be advised that the deformable member is not operating in its intended fashion.
A pre~erred steering column in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of the steering column, and Figure 2 is a cros~-sectional, enlarged, and fragmented Cid~ view of the steering column.
Referring to the drawings, a steering column assembly is illustrated which comprises lower and upper ~! ~! tubular steering shaft sections, 1, 2, arranged coaxially along the axis 3 of the column. ~he steering shaft sec-tions are interconnected as will be described and are ., ~ 3,~3 constructed ~o transmit steering torque from a ste ring wheel to a staering gear.
The upper shaft section 1 carries splines 5 at one end on which a steering wheel (not shown) may be 5 mounted. The first shaft section 1 is rotatably mounted in a tubular jacket 6 by means of thrust bearings 7 and 8.
The jacket 6 carries a mounting brac~et 10 which defines two opened slots 11. A mounting block 12, is slidably mounted Ln each slot 11 and is prevented ~rom removal there-from by means of sherable projections 13. The brac~et 10may ~e secured to a vehicle dash~oard or instrument panels (not shown) by means of bolts which pass through the mounting blocks, 12.
The lower end 14 of the upper shaft section 1 15 defines a recess 15 of ~quare cross-section which tele-scopically receives the upper end 16 of the lower steering shaft section 2, also of siuare cross-section. The end 16 of the second lower shaft section 2 has a clearance fit in the recess 15 in the end of the upper steering shaft section 1.
The lower shaft section 2 terminates in a lower end portion ~; r~,~ 'J,~';~jj 17 of triangular cross-section by means of which the shaft Qection 2 can be connected to a steering ~ox or gear (not shpwn). A bearing 18 is provided on the lower shaft section 2 to allo~ it to be rotatably mounted in a firewall of a vehicle, as indicated at 20.
The telescopically engaging ends of the two shaft sections 1, 2 are connected by a deformable member 25 which, in the embodiment illustrated, is a corrugated metal tube. The corrugated tube 25 is connected by welds 28, 29 to the two shaft sections 1 and 2 and encloses the ends 14 and 16 of the shaft sections.
Operation In normal use, torque applied to the upper shaft section 1 of the column by the driver of the vehicle is transmitted to the lower steering shaft section 2 through the tube 25. In the event of a failure of the tube 25, for example as a result of a rupture of the walls of the tube or a fracture of the welds 28, 29, the non-circular cross-section telescopic connection between the telescopic ends 14, 16 of the two shaft sections 1 and 2 prevents free relative rotation of the shaft sections and, therefore, allows the driver to retain full steering control of the vehicle. The driver will detect play in the steering shaft assembly and the condition of the steering system.
An Lmpact load applied to the lower shaft section
2 will cause the tube 25 to compress, thus allowing the second shaft section 2 to move rearwardly towards the first shaft section. The upper steering shaft section 1, being supported by thrust bearings 7 and 8 seated in the housing 6, resists such rearward movement. The recess 15 in shaft section 1 acts as an axial guide for the end 16 of the second shaft; section 2 so that the relative tele-scopic movement of the two sections 1 and 2 is confined to the axial direction. As a result, the collapse of the o~`~3 tube 25 occurs under the mLnLmum load, thus ensuring that a minimum force transmitted ~o the first shaft ~ection 1.
In the event of a forwardly directed impact load upon the steering wheel, the load applied to the first steering shaft section 1 is initially transferred to the jacket 6 via the thrust bearings 7 and 8. If the force of the impact is sufficiently high the projections 13 will shear away from the mounting blocks~ transferring the load to the tube 25. The tube 25 then collapses and allows the first shaft section 1 and the jacket 6 to move axially towards the second shaft 2 of the column. The relative movement of the tubes is guided by the telescopic movement of the two ends 15, 16 of the shaft sections. This ensures that the two shaft sections are retained in axial align-ment and that the column collapses in the designed manner.
Variations and modifications of the presentinvention are possible without departing from its scope and spirit as defined by the appended claims.
In the event of a forwardly directed impact load upon the steering wheel, the load applied to the first steering shaft section 1 is initially transferred to the jacket 6 via the thrust bearings 7 and 8. If the force of the impact is sufficiently high the projections 13 will shear away from the mounting blocks~ transferring the load to the tube 25. The tube 25 then collapses and allows the first shaft section 1 and the jacket 6 to move axially towards the second shaft 2 of the column. The relative movement of the tubes is guided by the telescopic movement of the two ends 15, 16 of the shaft sections. This ensures that the two shaft sections are retained in axial align-ment and that the column collapses in the designed manner.
Variations and modifications of the presentinvention are possible without departing from its scope and spirit as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (2)
1. A steering column for a motor vehicle comprising:
a first and second steering shaft sections extending coaxially along the length of said column;
a member interconnecting said shaft sections con-structed to transmit steering torque between them;
said member being axially deformable under an axially directed impact load applied to either of said shaft sections;
said first shaft section having an end telescopically received in one end of the second shaft section;
said telescopically interconnected ends being con-structed to function as an axial guide for relative movement of said shaft sections under impact causing the collapse of said member;
one of said ends of said first shaft section being of non-circular cross-section and being telescopically received within a recess of similar non-circular cross-section in the receiving end of the second shaft section wherein the receiving end forms a clearance fit with respect to the said one end of the first shaft section to allow limited relative rotation between the two shaft sections when the torque transmitting-deformable member does not transmit torque from one shaft section to the other section, said limited relative rotation being noticeable to an operator of a motor vehicle.
a first and second steering shaft sections extending coaxially along the length of said column;
a member interconnecting said shaft sections con-structed to transmit steering torque between them;
said member being axially deformable under an axially directed impact load applied to either of said shaft sections;
said first shaft section having an end telescopically received in one end of the second shaft section;
said telescopically interconnected ends being con-structed to function as an axial guide for relative movement of said shaft sections under impact causing the collapse of said member;
one of said ends of said first shaft section being of non-circular cross-section and being telescopically received within a recess of similar non-circular cross-section in the receiving end of the second shaft section wherein the receiving end forms a clearance fit with respect to the said one end of the first shaft section to allow limited relative rotation between the two shaft sections when the torque transmitting-deformable member does not transmit torque from one shaft section to the other section, said limited relative rotation being noticeable to an operator of a motor vehicle.
2. A steering column as defined in claim 1, wherein said member is generally tubular and surrounding said telescopically interconnected ends of said shaft sections.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000323828A CA1116979A (en) | 1979-03-20 | 1979-03-20 | Collapsible steering column |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000323828A CA1116979A (en) | 1979-03-20 | 1979-03-20 | Collapsible steering column |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1116979A true CA1116979A (en) | 1982-01-26 |
Family
ID=4113790
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000323828A Expired CA1116979A (en) | 1979-03-20 | 1979-03-20 | Collapsible steering column |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1116979A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-03-20 CA CA000323828A patent/CA1116979A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |