CA1107614A - Tilt cab steering column - Google Patents
Tilt cab steering columnInfo
- Publication number
- CA1107614A CA1107614A CA293,690A CA293690A CA1107614A CA 1107614 A CA1107614 A CA 1107614A CA 293690 A CA293690 A CA 293690A CA 1107614 A CA1107614 A CA 1107614A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- column member
- length
- column
- assembly
- steering
- 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
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
- B62D33/06—Drivers' cabs
- B62D33/063—Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other
- B62D33/073—Drivers' cabs movable from one position into at least one other position, e.g. tiltable, pivotable about a vertical axis, displaceable from one side of the vehicle to the other characterised by special adaptations of vehicle control devices
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
TILT CAB STEERING COLUMN
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member for connection with a steering wheel and an elongate lower column member for connection with a steering box. One member is telescopically received within the other for sliding movement between operative and inoperative positions. The outer member has a first length of its internal surface adjacent the received end of the inner member when in said operative position that is dimensioned to fit closely on the inner member. The outer member has a second length extending from its first length toward its receiving end which is of greater internal dimension than said first length to provide a clearance.
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member for connection with a steering wheel and an elongate lower column member for connection with a steering box. One member is telescopically received within the other for sliding movement between operative and inoperative positions. The outer member has a first length of its internal surface adjacent the received end of the inner member when in said operative position that is dimensioned to fit closely on the inner member. The outer member has a second length extending from its first length toward its receiving end which is of greater internal dimension than said first length to provide a clearance.
Description
6~4 This invention relates to a steering column assembly suitable for use in tilt-ca~ trucks.
In a tilt-cab truck, the steering box is fixed to the chassis on which the ca~ is pivoted, while the steering wheel is fixed in relation to the cab. A universal joint is therefore provided between the steering wheel and the steering box. Eowever, unless this joint lies on the cab tilt axis, and such an arrangement can be difficult to real-ize in practice, a further degree of relative movement is necessary. Also, where the cab is resiliently mounted to the truck frame, it is necessary to accommodate relative movement of the steering wheel and steering box.
It has previously been proposed to use a two-part telescopic steering column for these purposes. In such known constructions, however, the two parts are provided with accurately mating surfaces over a considerable length suf-ficient to maintain accurate engagement over their entire travel, This involves difficulty and expense in manufacture.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member for connection with a steering wheel and an elongate lower column member for connection with a steering box; the steering wheel being secured directly to the upper column member; the lower column member being telescopically received within the upper column member for sliding movement between an operative and an inoperative position; the upper column member having a first length of its internal surface ad~acent the received end of the lower column member, when in the operative position, dimensioned to fit closely on the inner member and a second length extending from its first length toward its receiving end
In a tilt-cab truck, the steering box is fixed to the chassis on which the ca~ is pivoted, while the steering wheel is fixed in relation to the cab. A universal joint is therefore provided between the steering wheel and the steering box. Eowever, unless this joint lies on the cab tilt axis, and such an arrangement can be difficult to real-ize in practice, a further degree of relative movement is necessary. Also, where the cab is resiliently mounted to the truck frame, it is necessary to accommodate relative movement of the steering wheel and steering box.
It has previously been proposed to use a two-part telescopic steering column for these purposes. In such known constructions, however, the two parts are provided with accurately mating surfaces over a considerable length suf-ficient to maintain accurate engagement over their entire travel, This involves difficulty and expense in manufacture.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member for connection with a steering wheel and an elongate lower column member for connection with a steering box; the steering wheel being secured directly to the upper column member; the lower column member being telescopically received within the upper column member for sliding movement between an operative and an inoperative position; the upper column member having a first length of its internal surface ad~acent the received end of the lower column member, when in the operative position, dimensioned to fit closely on the inner member and a second length extending from its first length toward its receiving end
2 -~ 37~i ~
diverging to provide a clearance; the portion of the lower column member which lies, in the operative position, within the first length of the upper column member being coated with a low friction polytetrafluoroethylene material; the upper and lower column members being of non-circular cross-section; the upper column member comprises a tube and the lower column member a rod; and bearing means supporting the members for rotation about their longitudinal axis and for limited tilting of the axis.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member Eor connection with a steering wheel and an elonyate lower column member for connection with a steering box; one of the column members telescopically receiving the other of the column members for sliding movement therein between an operative and an inoperative position; the one column member having a first length of its internal surface ad~acent the received end of the other column member when in the operative position dimensioned to fit closely on the other column member and a second length extending from the first length towards its receiving end diverging to provide a clearance; the one column member is a tube and the other column member is a rod; and bearing means supporting the members for rotation about their longitudinal axis and for limited tilting of the axis.
The invention is described further, by way of illus~
tration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation, principally in cross-section, of a steering arrangement embodying the invention
diverging to provide a clearance; the portion of the lower column member which lies, in the operative position, within the first length of the upper column member being coated with a low friction polytetrafluoroethylene material; the upper and lower column members being of non-circular cross-section; the upper column member comprises a tube and the lower column member a rod; and bearing means supporting the members for rotation about their longitudinal axis and for limited tilting of the axis.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member Eor connection with a steering wheel and an elonyate lower column member for connection with a steering box; one of the column members telescopically receiving the other of the column members for sliding movement therein between an operative and an inoperative position; the one column member having a first length of its internal surface ad~acent the received end of the other column member when in the operative position dimensioned to fit closely on the other column member and a second length extending from the first length towards its receiving end diverging to provide a clearance; the one column member is a tube and the other column member is a rod; and bearing means supporting the members for rotation about their longitudinal axis and for limited tilting of the axis.
The invention is described further, by way of illus~
tration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation, principally in cross-section, of a steering arrangement embodying the invention
- 3 ~
in a tilt cab;
Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sections on the lines 2-2 and 3-3 respectively of Figure l; and Figure 4 illustrates a step in the manufacture of the embodiment.
Referring to the drawings, a steering box 10 is secured to a chassis member 12 of a truck. A cab, the floor of which is seen at 14, is mounted on the chassis to tilt about a pivot axis 16. A steering wheel 18 is drivingly connected by a steering column assembly to be described and by a universal joint 20 to the steering box 40. Figure 1 shows these elements in the normal position of the cab.
The steering column assembly comprises an upper member formed by a tube 22 of generally square cross-section, and a lower member formed by a rod 24 of complementary section, telescopically received within the tube 22. The tube 22 is secured at its upper end to the steering wheel 18; the manner of securing these as seen in Figure 1 is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,166,400 assigned to Ford Motor Company. ~ bracket 26 secured to the cab body provides a part-spherical seat 28 in which is received a part~spher-ical plastics body 30 which acts as a bearing ~or the tube 22 and accommodates not only rotation but also limited tilting movement. The tube 22 also carries a direction indicator cam 32 and a steering lock - 3a -.-L~?7~
1 casting 34 for receiving the latch o-E a steering lock 36.
2 A shroud 38 carried by the bracket 26 covers the upper 3 part of the assembly while the lower part is housed within
in a tilt cab;
Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sections on the lines 2-2 and 3-3 respectively of Figure l; and Figure 4 illustrates a step in the manufacture of the embodiment.
Referring to the drawings, a steering box 10 is secured to a chassis member 12 of a truck. A cab, the floor of which is seen at 14, is mounted on the chassis to tilt about a pivot axis 16. A steering wheel 18 is drivingly connected by a steering column assembly to be described and by a universal joint 20 to the steering box 40. Figure 1 shows these elements in the normal position of the cab.
The steering column assembly comprises an upper member formed by a tube 22 of generally square cross-section, and a lower member formed by a rod 24 of complementary section, telescopically received within the tube 22. The tube 22 is secured at its upper end to the steering wheel 18; the manner of securing these as seen in Figure 1 is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,166,400 assigned to Ford Motor Company. ~ bracket 26 secured to the cab body provides a part-spherical seat 28 in which is received a part~spher-ical plastics body 30 which acts as a bearing ~or the tube 22 and accommodates not only rotation but also limited tilting movement. The tube 22 also carries a direction indicator cam 32 and a steering lock - 3a -.-L~?7~
1 casting 34 for receiving the latch o-E a steering lock 36.
2 A shroud 38 carried by the bracket 26 covers the upper 3 part of the assembly while the lower part is housed within
4 a flared casing 40 fixed to the floor 140 A length A of the tube 22 is formed to have a precisely 6 dimensional internal surface exactly interfitting with the 7 rod 24, and the top section of the rod 24 which is received ~ in the length A in normal u e, as seen in Figure 1, is coated 9 with a low friction material, preferably a polytetrafluoroe-thylene compound of which Dupont's Teflon is an example.
i r~ 11 Below this, a length B of the tube is opened out to give a 12 m2ximum clearance of 0.5 mm. In this way, the use of rela-13 tively expensive tube having an accurately-sized interior 14 surface over the whole of its length is avoided, while still giving good coupling for ste~riny.
16 The lengths A and B are suitably formed as shown in 17 Figure 40 The tube 22 is initially slightly underrsize. The 18 section which is to orm the length A is positioned in a die 19 42 and a punch 44 is dri~en into the tube 22~ The punch 44 has a first portion 44a whose surface conforms to the desired 21 configuration of the length A, and a larger portion 44b for 22 forming ~he length B.
23 If necessary, the rod 24 may be machined accurately 24 to size on only the corresponding length.
In Figure 1, the line C d~notes the axis of the 26 rod 24 and tube 22 with the cab tilted, the position of the 27 top of the rod 24 being indicated at D, while the line E
28 shows the limit of movement of the members in the opposite 29 direction during tilting.
~adc~
1 In assembly of the vehicle, the tub~ 22 with steering 2 wheel 18 attached is assembled with the direc~ion indicator 3 cam 32, the steering lock casting 34, and the bracket 26 and 4 bearing body 30. This assembly is then positioned with the tube 22 received on the rod 24, and the bracket 26 is bolted 6 to the cab body. -7 The upper member may be a rod and the lower a coopera-8 ting ~ube, or both may be formed by tubes. Sections other 9 than square may be used and a driving connection may be en-sured by means other than the cross-section of the members, : 11 e~g. interfitting pins and slotsO
i r~ 11 Below this, a length B of the tube is opened out to give a 12 m2ximum clearance of 0.5 mm. In this way, the use of rela-13 tively expensive tube having an accurately-sized interior 14 surface over the whole of its length is avoided, while still giving good coupling for ste~riny.
16 The lengths A and B are suitably formed as shown in 17 Figure 40 The tube 22 is initially slightly underrsize. The 18 section which is to orm the length A is positioned in a die 19 42 and a punch 44 is dri~en into the tube 22~ The punch 44 has a first portion 44a whose surface conforms to the desired 21 configuration of the length A, and a larger portion 44b for 22 forming ~he length B.
23 If necessary, the rod 24 may be machined accurately 24 to size on only the corresponding length.
In Figure 1, the line C d~notes the axis of the 26 rod 24 and tube 22 with the cab tilted, the position of the 27 top of the rod 24 being indicated at D, while the line E
28 shows the limit of movement of the members in the opposite 29 direction during tilting.
~adc~
1 In assembly of the vehicle, the tub~ 22 with steering 2 wheel 18 attached is assembled with the direc~ion indicator 3 cam 32, the steering lock casting 34, and the bracket 26 and 4 bearing body 30. This assembly is then positioned with the tube 22 received on the rod 24, and the bracket 26 is bolted 6 to the cab body. -7 The upper member may be a rod and the lower a coopera-8 ting ~ube, or both may be formed by tubes. Sections other 9 than square may be used and a driving connection may be en-sured by means other than the cross-section of the members, : 11 e~g. interfitting pins and slotsO
Claims (7)
1. A steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member for connection with a steering wheel and an elongate lower column member for connection with a steering box, the steering wheel being secured directly to the upper column member, the lower column member being telescopically received within the upper column member for sliding movement between an operative and an inoperative position, the upper column member having a first length of its internal surface adjacent the received end of the lower column member, when in said operative position, dimensioned to fit closely on the inner member and a second length extending from its first length toward its receiving end diverging to provide a clearance, the portion of the lower column member which lies, in said operative position, within said first length of the upper column member being coated with a low friction poly-tetrafluoroethylene material, the upper and lower column members being of non-circular cross-section, the upper column member comprises a tube and the lower column member a rod, and bearing means supporting the members for rotation about their longitudinal axis and for limited tilting of said axis.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said bearing means comprises a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle body and providing a part-spherical seat encompassing the upper column member, and a part-spherical body of plastics material secured to the upper column member and received in the seat.
3. A steering column assembly comprising an elongate upper column member for connection with a steering wheel and an elongate lower column member for connection with a steering box, one of the column members telescopically receiving the other of the column members for sliding movement therein between an operative and an inoperative position, the one column member having a first length of its internal surface adjacent the received end of the other column member when in said operative position dimensioned to fit closely on the other column member and a second length extending from said first length towards its receiving end diverging to provide a clearance, the one column member is a tube and the other column member is a rod, and bearing means supporting the members for rotation about their longitudinal axis and for limited tilting of said axis.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the bearing means comprises a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle body and providing a part-spherical seat encompassing the one column member, and a part-spherical body of plastics material secured to the one column member and received in the seat.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the portion of the other column member which lies, in said operative position, within said first length is coated with a low friction material.
6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the column members are of non-circular cross-section.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the column members are of generally square cross-section.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB527377A GB1575567A (en) | 1977-02-09 | 1977-02-09 | Vehicle steering column |
| GB5273/77 | 1977-02-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1107614A true CA1107614A (en) | 1981-08-25 |
Family
ID=9792990
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA293,690A Expired CA1107614A (en) | 1977-02-09 | 1977-12-22 | Tilt cab steering column |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1107614A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE7803366U1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES466829A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1575567A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-02-09 GB GB527377A patent/GB1575567A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-12-22 CA CA293,690A patent/CA1107614A/en not_active Expired
-
1978
- 1978-02-04 DE DE19787803366 patent/DE7803366U1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-02-09 ES ES466829A patent/ES466829A1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1575567A (en) | 1980-09-24 |
| ES466829A1 (en) | 1978-10-01 |
| DE7803366U1 (en) | 1978-05-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |