NL2012257A - Apparatus and method for a steering column. - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for a steering column. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2012257A NL2012257A NL2012257A NL2012257A NL2012257A NL 2012257 A NL2012257 A NL 2012257A NL 2012257 A NL2012257 A NL 2012257A NL 2012257 A NL2012257 A NL 2012257A NL 2012257 A NL2012257 A NL 2012257A
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- clamping bolt
- mounting bracket
- clamping
- opening
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/184—Mechanisms for locking columns at selected positions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/185—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable adjustable by axial displacement, e.g. telescopically
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/19—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable incorporating energy-absorbing arrangements, e.g. by being yieldable or collapsible
- B62D1/195—Yieldable supports for the steering column
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Description
Apparatus and method for a steering column
Technical field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for a steering column of a vehicle, a steering column comprising the apparatus, and a method for using the apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fail safe crash release mechanism.
Background
Safety regulations require steering columns to be able to move away from a driver of a vehicle in the event of a collision. A driver must not be harmed or obtain injuries from the steering wheel and the steering column in an event of a collision. An impact between the driver and the steering column must not injure the driver. Instead it is desirable that the steering wheel and column are able to move away from and with the driver in the event of impact between the driver and the steering column.
Vehicle steering columns are typically adjustable in a rake and/or reach direction and normally they are retained in a desired position by means of a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps or unclamps the steering column in a clamped or unclamped condition. In the clamped condition the steering column may be used for steering the vehicle. It is desirable that a bearing housing is capable of separating in the clamped condition, especially where there is a requirement for a bearing housing to move in a main bracket during crash only. In the unclamped condition the steering column can be adjusted by the driver, typically in the rake and/or reach direction, so as to adjust it to a desired driving position. It is desirable that a bearing housing will not detach in the unclamped condition, the adjustment position.
It is desirable to technically provide safety and safety mechanisms with adjustability of a steering column. A proper operability of the adjusting mechanism for a steering column must be ensured. When a steering column is adjusted is must not detach, fall off. It may also be desired that a steering column can not be adjusted and/or moved to an undesired position.
It is desirable to avoid cumbersome arrangements and to keep the technical solutions as simple as possible. It is desirable to avoid expensive arrangements and to keep the production costs as low as possible.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
Summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for a steering column of a vehicle. This object can be achieved by the features defined in the independent claims. Further enhancements are characterized by the dependent claims.
One embodiment is directed to an apparatus for a steering column of a vehicle, comprising a mounting bracket; a housing; and a clamping mechanism, for clamping or unclamping the housing relative the mounting bracket, wherein the clamping mechanism may comprise a clamping bolt, the clamping bolt connecting a first side of the mounting bracket with a second side of the mounting bracket, and the clamping bolt passing through at least a part of the housing. The housing may be attached, by the clamping bolt, to the mounting bracket when the clamping mechanism is unclamped; and the housing may be detachable from the mounting bracket and the clamping bolt when the clamping mechanism is clamped. Preferably the clamping bolt may interlock the housing with the mounting bracket when the clamping mechanism is unclamped, and the clamping bolt does not interlock the housing with the mounting bracket when the clamping mechanism is clamped.
One embodiment is directed to an apparatus wherein the clamping bolt comprises at least one section with one or more flat surface(s), and the housing comprises at least one opening and at least one slot. In this embodiment the interlocking is made by not aligning the one or more flat surfaces with the at least one slot when the clamping bolt extends through the at least one opening, and no interlocking is made by aligning the one or more flat surfaces with the at least one slot when the clamping bolt extends through the at least one opening, so as to allow the housing to move relative to the mounting bracket in a crash condition.
One embodiment is directed to an apparatus wherein the clamping bolt comprises at least one protrusion, and the housing comprises at least one opening, at least one slot, and at least one stop for engagement with the at least one protrusion. In this embodiment, the interlocking is made by the at least one protrusion engaging positively the at least one stop when the clamping bolt extends through the at least one opening, and no interlocking is made by the at least one protrusion disengaging the at least one stop when the clamping bolt extends through the at least one opening, so as to allow the housing to move relative to the mounting bracket in a crash condition.
One embodiment is directed to an apparatus wherein the clamping bolt comprises at least one cut away portion, and the housing comprises at least one opening, at least one slot, and at least one block. In this embodiment the interlocking is made by the at least one cut away portion not being aligned with the at least one block when the clamping bolt extends through the at least one opening, and no interlocking is made by aligning the at least one cut away portion with the at least one block, when the clamping bolt extends through the opening, so as to allow the housing to move relative to the mounting bracket in a crash condition.
One embodiment is directed to a method for ensuring that a bearing housing of a steering column will not detach in an unclamped position and that the bearing housing will be capable of separating in a clamped position using the apparatus described herein. The method comprises rotation of the clamping bolt to a first position interlocks the housing with the mounting bracket when the clamping mechanism is unclamped, and rotation of the clamping bolt to a second position does not interlock the housing with the mounting bracket when the clamping mechanism is clamped. Preferably the rotation is about 90 degrees.
In an embodiment, the housing is able to move in the mounting bracket only during a crash. This can be arranged to meet a safety requirement for the vehicle. The housing will not detach when it is in the unclamped condition. Driver may not accidentally detach the steering column when adjusting it for driver comfort. On the other hand, the housing is capable of separating when in the clamped condition. This may ensure more safety in the event of the crash of vehicle.
At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages with the background art. Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims. Various embodiments of the present application obtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed embodiment(s).
Brief Description of the Drawings
The accompanying drawings illustrate presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an apparatus for a steering column of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an example of a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus in unclamped condition; FIG. 3 is an example of a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus in clamped condition; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a profile of a clamping bolt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a profile of a clamping bolt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a profile of a clamping bolt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a profile of a clamping bolt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
According to an embodiment referred to in FIG. 1, an apparatus for a steering column of a vehicle comprises a mounting bracket (10), a bearing housing (20), and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured for clamping or unclamping the housing (20) relative the mounting bracket (10). The clamping mechanism comprises a clamping bolt (30). All details of the clamping mechanism are not shown. The clamping bolt (30) passes through at least a part of the housing (20) and the mounting bracket (10). The clamping bolt (30) may connect a first side (12) of the mounting bracket (10) with a second side (14) of the mounting bracket (10). The clamping bolt (30) pulls the first and second sides (12, 14) together so that they clamp the housing (20) in a clamped position.
The housing (20) is attached, by the clamping bolt (30), to the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is unclamped. The housing (20) is detachable, in the event of a collision, from the mounting bracket (10) and the clamping bolt (30) when the clamping mechanism is clamped. The profile of the clamping bolt (30) is such that it will enable and disable anti separation positively.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the unclamped position. Here the steering column may be adjusted for comfort but the clamping mechanism positively lock (secures) the bearing housing (20) in the mounting bracket (10). The housing (20) is attached to the mounting bracket (10).
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the clamped position. Here the steering column is clamped in the adjusted comfort position for driving a vehicle. In the even of a collision, the bearing housing (20) is detachable from the mounting bracket (10). The housing (20) is detachable from the mounting bracket (10) due to the clamping bolt (30) not positively locking (securing) the housing (20) and the bracket (10). The detachment of the housing (20) from the mounting bracket (10) is illustrated by the dotted lines of the housing (20) in FIG. 3.
It is form confinement (form enclosure, a positive connection, positive fit) that creates the interlocking, the positive locking (securing). In the German language the word "formschlussig" is used. Such an interlocking, interlocking connection, form fitted hold, positively locks and secures the housing (20) to the mounting bracket (10) when the steering column may be adjusted for comfort.
In the unclamped position there is a form enclosure, a positive lock, between the mounting bracket (10) and the housing (20) preventing the two from separating. In the clamped position there is not a form enclosure, a positive lock, but a holding force that clamps the mounting bracket (10) and the housing (20) together and allows them to separate when a force large enough overcomes the holding force (the clamping force).
The positive interlocking is due to the form confinement of the clamping mechanism. According to one embodiment, the clamping bolt (30) interlocks the housing (20) with the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is unclamped, and the clamping bolt (30) does not interlock the housing (20) with the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is clamped.
According to an embodiment, the profile of the clamping bolt (30) may be such that the clamping bolt is configured to attach the housing to the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is in unclamped condition. The profile of the clamping bolt (30) may be further configured such that the housing (30) is detachable from the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is in clamped condition.
A tube (21) can be slidably arranged at least partially inside the housing (20). The tube (21) is being slidably adjustable in the axial direction of the steering column and fixable/lockable by the clamping mechanism. A tube (21) is located inside the housing (20). When the clamping mechanism is in the unclamped condition, the tube (21) may slide axially to allow for adjustment of the steering column. The housing (20) should not become detachable so that the driver could pull the steering column off the mounting bracket (10). By interlocking the mounting bracket (10) and the housing (20) by the clamping bolt (30), the parts can be prevented from dislocating as illustrated by the examples of FIGs. 2 and 5.
During a vehicle crash, it is beneficial for the housing (20), or both the tube (21) and the housing (20), to move axially away from the mounting bracket (10) in the clamped condition. In this condition it is important not to interlock the housing (20) and the mounting bracket (10) in order to allow housing (20) to detach from the clamping bolt (30) as illustrated by the examples of FIGs. 3 and 4.
According to at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 1-4, the clamping bolt (30) comprises at least one section (32) with one or two or more flat surface(s) (34, 35). The section (32) may be a part of the clamping bolt that engages the housing (20). The housing (20) may comprise at least one opening (22) and at least one slot (24). The interlocking may be made by not aligning the one or more flat surfaces (34, 35) with the at least one slot (24) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22). No interlocking may be made by aligning the one or more flat surface(s) (34, 35) with the at least one slot (24) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22), so as to allow the housing (20) to move relative to the mounting bracket (10) in a crash condition.
The section (32), or the clamping bolt (30), may have a triangular, square, hexagon, or octagon cross section, or any other suitable cross section. This may result in a corresponding change in the amount of rotation of the clamping bolt (30) necessary to interlock or un-interlock the housing (20) relative to the mounting bracket (10). According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5 the clamping bolt (30) may comprise at least one protrusion (38), and the housing (20) comprises at least one opening (22), at least one slot (24), and at least one stop (26) for engagement with the at least one protrusion (38). The interlocking may be made by the at least one protrusion (38) engaging positively the at least one stop (26) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22). No interlocking may be made by the at least one protrusion (38) disengaging the at least one stop (26) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22), so as to allow the housing (20) to move relative to the mounting bracket (10) in a crash condition. Upon a crash condition and when the clamping bolt (30) is turned in the position indicated with dotted lines (the protrusion (38) being out of the stop (26)), the housing (20) may travel by force to the left in FIG. 5, separating the clamping bolt (30) through the slot (24) away from the housing (20).
According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the housing (20) further comprises a tube (21), it may be desirable that the housing (20) remain attached to the main bracket (10) during a crash but that the tube (21) is the element which, under a controlled load was to slip during crash. In such a crash condition it would be beneficial that the tube (21) may move relative to the mounting bracket (10) and the housing (20). The tube (21) may be slidably adjustable in the axial direction of the steering column and fixable/lockable by the clamping mechanism.
The clamping bolt (30) may comprise at least one protrusion (38) arranged on a locking element (36). The locking element (36) and the protrusion (38) are separated from the clamping bolt (30), but guidable by the clamping bolt (30) by a key (33). The protrusion (38) is thus keyed for drive with the clamping bolt (30). The housing (20) may comprise at least one opening (22), at least one slot (24), and a plurality of stops (26) for engagement with the at least one protrusion (38). The locking element (36) and its protrusion (38) may be spring loaded so as to urge the protrusion (38) into contact with on of the stops (26).
The interlocking is made by the at least one protrusion (38) engaging positively the at least one stop (26) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22), and no interlocking is made by the at least one protrusion (38) disengaging the at least one stop (26) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22), so as to allow the tube (21) to move relative to the mounting bracket (10) and the housing (20) in a crash condition.
According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the clamping bolt (30) may comprise at least one cut away portion (39), and the housing (20) comprises at least one opening (22), at least one slot (24), and at least one block (29). The block (29) is part of the housing (20). The interlocking may be made by the at least one cut away portion (39) not being aligned with the at least one block (29) when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the at least one opening (22). No interlocking may be made by aligning the at least one cut away portion (39) with the at least one block (29), when the clamping bolt (30) extends through the opening (22), so as to allow the housing (20) to move relative to the mounting bracket (10) in a crash condition. The interlocked and not interlocked positions are illustrated by way of example in FIG. 6 (interlocked position to the right and no interlocking to the left). According to one embodiment, the housing (20) and/or the mounting bracket (10) may have, for example, holes or slots, depending upon whether or not the parts need to adjust their position relative to each other. This may allow the driver to adjust the steering column for driver comfort. For example, the first and second sides (12, 14) of the mounting bracket (10) may comprise substantially horizontal slots for the clamping bolt (30). According to an embodiment, the housing (20) may be mounted between vertical 'legs’ of the mounting bracket (10).
According to at least one embodiment, the interlocking by the clamping bolt (30) locks the housing (20) relative to the mounting bracket (10) by preventing the housing (20) to move away from a driver of the vehicle. This positive form fit prevents the housing (20) to disengage the mounting bracket (10).
According to at least one embodiment, embodiments may further comprise a tube (21) slidably arranged at least partially inside the housing (20). The tube (21) may be slidably adjustable in the axial direction of the steering column and clampable (fixable/lockable) by the clamping mechanism.
In accordance with an embodiment, a rotation of the clamping bolt (30) is configured to change between interlocking and un-interlocking the housing (20) relative to the mounting bracket (10). The rotation of the clamping bolt (30) may be less than 180 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the clamping bolt (30) may be 90 degrees, or thereabout. The shape of the cross section of the clamping bolt (30) decides how much the clamping bolt (30) must be rotated. This allows for a comfortable and practical rotation made by a driver for clamping and unclamping the steering column for comfort adjustment.
A steering column comprising one or more of the mentioned embodiments may provide a steering column with a housing that is able to move in a mounting bracket only during a crash. This can be arranged to meet a safety requirement for the vehicle. The housing will not detach when it is in the unclamped condition. Driver may not accidentally detach the steering column when adjusting it for driver comfort. On the other hand, the housing is capable of separating when in the clamped condition. This may ensure more safety in the event of the crash of vehicle. According to one embodiment, a method for ensuring that a bearing housing of a steering column will not detach in an unclamped position and that the bearing housing will be capable of separating in a clamped position is disclosed. This may be achieved by using at least one of the embodiments mentioned. The method comprises rotation of the clamping bolt (30) to a first position interlocking the housing (20) with the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is unclamped. An example hereof is illustrated in FIG. 2. The method comprises rotation of the clamping bolt (30) to a second position for not interlock the housing (20) with the mounting bracket (10) when the clamping mechanism is clamped. An example hereof is illustrated in FIG. 3.
According to one embodiment, the change between interlocking and no interlocking is made by less than 180 degrees of rotation of the clamping bolt (30). Preferably the rotation is about 90 degrees.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the apparatus and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed apparatus and method. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims (17)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB201304189 | 2013-03-08 | ||
GB1304189.2A GB2511565B (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2013-03-08 | Apparatus and method for a steering column |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NL2012257A true NL2012257A (en) | 2014-09-10 |
NL2012257B1 NL2012257B1 (en) | 2017-04-14 |
Family
ID=48189580
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
NL2012257A NL2012257B1 (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2014-02-13 | Apparatus and method for a steering column. |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
DE (1) | DE102014200941B4 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2511565B (en) |
NL (1) | NL2012257B1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1910148A1 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2008-04-16 | ThyssenKrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle |
DE602005004369T2 (en) * | 2005-01-12 | 2008-12-24 | Fuji Autotech France Sas | Position blocking device of an adjustable motor vehicle steering column, arrangement with such a device and motor vehicle with such an arrangement |
DE202008015444U1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-02-19 | Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag | Steering column for a motor vehicle |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5730465A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1998-03-24 | Nastech Europe Limited | Adjustable vehicle steering column clamping mechanism |
JP4639892B2 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2011-02-23 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Shock absorbing steering column device |
-
2013
- 2013-03-08 GB GB1304189.2A patent/GB2511565B/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-01-20 DE DE102014200941.3A patent/DE102014200941B4/en active Active
- 2014-02-13 NL NL2012257A patent/NL2012257B1/en active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE602005004369T2 (en) * | 2005-01-12 | 2008-12-24 | Fuji Autotech France Sas | Position blocking device of an adjustable motor vehicle steering column, arrangement with such a device and motor vehicle with such an arrangement |
EP1910148A1 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2008-04-16 | ThyssenKrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle |
DE202008015444U1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-02-19 | Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag | Steering column for a motor vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NL2012257B1 (en) | 2017-04-14 |
DE102014200941A1 (en) | 2014-09-11 |
GB2511565B (en) | 2015-04-01 |
GB2511565A (en) | 2014-09-10 |
GB201304189D0 (en) | 2013-04-24 |
DE102014200941B4 (en) | 2016-11-03 |
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