US20020036404A1 - Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column - Google Patents
Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020036404A1 US20020036404A1 US09/970,735 US97073501A US2002036404A1 US 20020036404 A1 US20020036404 A1 US 20020036404A1 US 97073501 A US97073501 A US 97073501A US 2002036404 A1 US2002036404 A1 US 2002036404A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- steering column
- flat metal
- convex
- metal strap
- reaction member
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F7/00—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers
- F16F7/12—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members
- F16F7/123—Deformation involving a bending action, e.g. strap moving through multiple rollers, folding of members
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F2230/00—Purpose; Design features
- F16F2230/18—Control arrangements
Definitions
- This invention relates to an energy absorber for a motor vehicle steering column.
- a typical energy absorbing steering column on a motor vehicle includes a housing or mast jacket which translates linearly through a collapse stroke during a collision of the motor vehicle with another object when a steering hand wheel on the steering column is impacted by the operator of the motor vehicle.
- the mast jacket translates against a resisting force produced by an energy absorber which converts into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the resisting force is created by plastic deformation of a metal element of the energy absorber.
- steel spheres plastically deform a metal mast jacket by rolling tracks in the mast jacket.
- An expandable bag having fluid therein is disposed around the split outer.
- a control system which monitors control variables characteristic of the kinetic energy of an operator of the motor vehicle controls the fluid pressure in the bag and, therefore, the interference fit of the roll deformers between the inner and outer tubes, to optimize the performance of the energy absorber.
- This invention is a new and improved actively variable energy absorber including a convex anvil on one of a steering column housing and a steering column support, a flat metal strap attached to the other of the steering column housing and the steering column support and slidably engaging the convex anvil on an active surface area of the convex anvil, and a control apparatus for actively varying the geometric relationship between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil in response to changes in a control variable thereby to adjust the magnitude of the active surface area.
- Adjusting the magnitude of the active surface area changes the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil thereby to adjust the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing and the corresponding performance of the energy absorber.
- the flat metal strap is plastically deformed by being pulled over a single convex anvil during linear translation of the steering column housing.
- the flat metal strap is plastically deformed by being pulled across a plurality of convex anvils or by being pulled edgewise between a pair convex anvils.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of a motor vehicle steering column having thereon an actively variable energy absorber according to this invention
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 6 is fragmentary perspective view of a fourth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the fourth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a fifth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 9 is fragmentary, exploded perspective view of a sixth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- FIG. 10 is fragmentary perspective view of a seventh modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- a motor vehicle steering column 10 includes a housing 12 , a steering shaft 14 supported on the housing for rotation about a longitudinal centerline 16 of the steering column, and a steering hand wheel 18 connected to an outboard end of the steering shaft and pivotable up and down for vertical adjustment relative to an operator, not shown, of the motor vehicle seated on a seat 20 behind the steering hand wheel in conventional fashion.
- a steering column support 21 includes a lower bracket 22 on a schematically represented body structure 24 of the motor vehicle and a plurality of vertical hanger bolts 26 which form a shelf on the vehicle body for a lateral rod 27 on the housing 12 .
- the actively variable energy absorber 28 includes a reaction member 30 rigidly attached to the steering column housing 12 having a cylindrical surface thereon defining a convex anvil 32 around a longitudinal centerline 34 of the reaction member perpendicular to the direction of the linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke.
- a J-shaped flat metal strap 36 of the energy absorber 28 has a first leg 38 on one side of the reaction member adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 , an unattached or free second leg 40 on the other side of the reaction member, and a concave web 42 between the first and the second legs facing convex anvil 32 .
- a control apparatus 43 of the energy absorber 28 includes a restraint pin 44 supported on the steering column housing 12 parallel to the convex anvil 32 for translation in an arc about the centerline 34 toward and away from the second leg 40 of the flat metal strap.
- a schematically represented actuator 46 on the steering column housing translates the restraint pin toward and away from the second leg of the metal strap.
- the actuator 46 is controlled by a schematically represented electronic control module (“ECM”) 48 , FIG. 1.
- ECM 48 electronice control module
- a transducer 50 , FIG. 1, of the control apparatus 43 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of a control variable, e.g. the weight of the operator of the motor vehicle, characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- Other transducers may provide electronic signals to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitudes of other control variables, e.g. vehicle velocity.
- A a material related constant, e.g. yield strength
- the position of the restraint pin 44 is established by the ECM 48 through the actuator 46 in accordance with the magnitude of the control variable, i.e. the weight of the operator on the seat 20 , as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuator 46 progressively minimizes the separation between the restraint pin 44 and second leg 40 of the metal strap and increases the active surface area of the convex anvil by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvil during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a modified actively variable energy absorber 28 A includes a pair of reaction members 52 A, 52 B each rigidly attached to the steering column housing 12 .
- the reaction members have cylindrical surfaces thereon defining respective ones of a pair of convex anvils 54 A, 54 B around corresponding ones of a pair of longitudinal centerlines 56 A. 56 B perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke.
- An M-shaped flat metal strap 58 has a pair of legs 60 A, 60 B outboard of the reaction members 52 A, 52 B, a lateral web 62 facing an abutment 64 on the steering column support 21 , and a pair of concave webs 66 A, 66 B facing the convex anvils 54 A, 54 B.
- a control apparatus 43 A of the modified energy absorber 28 A includes a pair of restraint pins 68 A, 68 B supported on the steering column housing 12 outboard of the legs 60 A, 60 B of the flat metal strap 58 for translation toward and away from the legs.
- a pair of schematically represented actuators 70 A. 70 B on the steering column housing translate the restraint pins toward and away from the legs.
- the actuators 70 A. 70 B are controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the abutment 64 thrusts the concave webs 66 A, 66 B of the flat metal strap 58 against and pulls the flat metal strap over the convex anvils 54 A, 54 B while the legs 60 A, 60 B of the metal strap fan outward until intercepted by the restraint pins 68 A, 68 B. As the legs 60 A, 60 B fan outward, the active surface area of the each of the convex anvils 54 A, 54 B decreases.
- the positions of the restraint pins 68 A, 68 B within their range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils.
- the severity of plastic deformation of the M-shaped flat metal strap across the convex anvils and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease.
- the positions of the restraint pins 68 A, 68 B are established by the ECM 48 through the actuators 70 A, 70 B in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuators 70 A, 70 B progressively minimize the separation between the restraint pins 68 A, 68 B and legs 60 A, 60 B of the flat metal strap thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a second modified actively variable energy absorber 28 B includes a reaction member 72 supported on the steering column housing 12 for linear translation in the direction of a longitudinal centerline 74 of the reaction member perpendicular to the direction of the linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke.
- the reaction member 72 includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces defining respective ones of a plurality of three convex anvils 76 A, 76 B, 76 C having progressively smaller radii of curvature around the centerline 74 .
- a J-shaped flat metal strap 78 has a first leg 80 adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 on one side of the reaction member, an unattached or free second leg 82 on the other side of the reaction member, and a concave web 84 between the first and the second legs.
- a restraint pin 86 is rigidly attached to the steering column housing 12 outboard of the second leg 82 of the flat metal strap.
- a control apparatus 43 B of the second modified energy absorber 28 B includes a schematically represented actuator 88 on the steering column housing operable to linearly translate the reaction member 72 between a plurality of three positions in which respective ones of the three convex anvils 76 A, 76 B, 76 C having greater or smaller radii of curvature face the concave web 84 of the flat metal strap 78 .
- the actuator 88 is controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the active surface area of the convex anvil increases and decreases.
- the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap across the convex anvil and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil likewise increase and decrease.
- the position of the reaction member 72 is established by the ECM 48 through the actuator 88 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuator 88 translates the reaction member 72 in a direction aligning with the concave web 84 respective ones of convex anvils 76 A, 76 B, 76 C of increasing radii of curvature thereby to increase the active surface area of the convex anvil facing the concave web during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a third modified actively variable energy absorber 28 C includes a reaction member 90 supported on the steering column housing 12 for pivotal movement about an axis 92 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke.
- the reaction member 90 has a pair of longitudinally separated convex anvils 94 A, 94 B thereon.
- An S-shaped flat metal strap 96 has a first leg 98 adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 , an unattached or free second leg 100 , and a pair of concave webs 102 A, 102 B between the first and the second legs facing respective ones of the convex anvils 94 A, 94 B.
- a control apparatus 43 C of the third modified energy absorber 28 C includes a restraint pin 104 supported on the steering column housing 12 for linear translation in a plane perpendicular to the axis 92 toward and away from the reaction member 90 .
- a schematically represented actuator 106 on the steering column housing translates the restraint pin 104 toward and away from the reaction member.
- the actuator 106 is controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the restraint pin 104 increasingly limits clockwise rotation of the reaction member 90 about the axis 92 as the actuator 106 translates the restraint pin toward the reaction member.
- the second leg 100 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by a wall 108 on the steering column housing 12 .
- the position of the restraint pin 104 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap 96 across the convex anvils 94 A, 94 B and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease.
- the position of the restraint pin 104 is established by the ECM 48 through the actuator 106 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuator 106 translates the restraint pin 104 toward the reaction member 90 thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore. increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a fourth modified actively variable energy absorber 28 D includes a first reaction member 110 rigidly supported in a box 112 fixed to the steering column housing 12 .
- the first reaction member has a cylindrical surface thereon defining a first convex anvil 114 around a centerline 116 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke.
- a second reaction member 118 having a cylindrical surface thereon defining a second convex anvil 120 is supported in the box 112 parallel to the first reaction member 110 by a pivotable cage 121 for linear translation in a plane perpendicular to the centerline 116 toward and away from the first reaction member.
- An S-shaped flat metal strap 122 has a first leg 124 adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 , an unattached or free second leg 126 , and a pair of concave webs 128 A, 128 B between the first and the second legs facing respective ones of the convex anvils 114 , 120 .
- a control apparatus 43 D of the fourth modified energy absorber 28 D includes a restraint pin 136 supported by a schematically represented actuator 138 on the steering column housing for linear translation toward and away from a tang 139 of the cage 121 .
- the actuator 138 is controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the restraint pin 136 increasingly limits clockwise pivotal movement of the cage 121 as the actuator 138 translates the restraint pin toward the tang 139 on the cage.
- the second leg 126 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by a side of the box 112 .
- the position of the restraint pin 136 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap 122 across the convex anvils 114 , 120 and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease.
- the position of the restraint pin 136 is established by the ECM 48 through the actuator 138 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuator 138 translates the restraint pin 136 toward the tang 139 on the cage 121 thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a fifth modified actively variable energy absorber 28 E includes a pair of reaction members 140 A, 140 B rigidly supported in a box 142 on the steering column housing 12 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke.
- the reaction members have cylindrical surfaces thereon defining respective ones of a pair of convex anvils 144 A, 144 B.
- a third reaction member 146 having a third convex anvil 148 thereon is supported on the box 142 between the reaction members 140 A, 140 B in a slot 150 in the box for linear translation toward and away from the reaction members 140 A, 140 B.
- a flat metal strap 152 traverses the box and has a first leg 154 adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 , an unattached or free second leg 156 , and a plurality of three concave webs 158 A, 158 B, 158 C facing respective ones of the first, second and third convex anvils 144 A, 144 B, 148 .
- a control apparatus 43 E of the fifth modified energy absorber 28 E includes a schematically represented wedge block 160 supported on the box 142 for linear translation perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the third reaction member 146 .
- the wedge block 160 has a ramp 161 thereon which intersects the slot 150 and blocks linear translation of the third reaction member away from the first and second reaction members 140 A, 140 B.
- a schematically represented actuator 164 on the steering column housing translates the wedge block 160 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the third reaction member 146 .
- the actuator 164 is controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the wedge block 160 increasingly limits linear translation of the third reaction member 146 away from the first and second reaction members 140 A, 140 B as the actuator 164 translates the wedge block leftward and the ramp 161 further under the third reaction member.
- the third concave web 158 C of the flat metal strap 152 is thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across the third convex anvil 148 causing the third reaction member 146 to translate linearly away from the first and second reaction members 140 A, 140 B until intercepted by the ramp 161 on the wedge block 160 .
- the first and second concave webs 158 A, 158 B are thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across the convex anvils 144 A, 144 B.
- the flat metal strap unwraps from the convex anvils 144 A, 144 B, 148 and the active surface area of the each of the convex anvils decreases.
- the second leg 156 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by a slot in the box 142 .
- the position of the wedge block 160 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils.
- the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap 152 across the convex anvils 144 A, 144 B, 148 and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease.
- the position of the wedge block 160 is established by the ECM 48 through the actuator 164 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuator 164 translates the wedge block leftward, FIG. 8, thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils 144 A, 144 B, 148 by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a sixth modified actively variable energy absorber 28 F includes a 2-piece box 168 A, 168 B fixed to the steering column housing 12 having an arc-shaped guide surface 170 thereon.
- a first reaction member 172 is rigidly supported in the box perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke and includes a cylindrical surface defining a first convex anvil 174 .
- a second reaction member 176 is supported in the box 168 A, 168 B for linear translation in a plane perpendicular to the first reaction member.
- An arched surface on the second reaction member 176 defines a second convex anvil 178 thereon parallel to the first convex anvil 174 .
- a flat metal strap 180 has a first leg 182 adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 , an unattached or free second leg 184 , an arch 186 facing the guide surface 170 on the box, and a pair of concave webs 188 A, 188 B facing respective ones of the first and second convex anvils 174 , 178 .
- a control apparatus 43 F of the sixth modified energy absorber 28 F includes a schematically represented actuator 192 on the steering column housing operable to translate the second reaction member 176 back and forth to increase and decrease the separation between the first and the second convex anvils 174 , 178 .
- the actuator 192 is controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the actuator 192 When the actuator 192 translates the second reaction member 176 in a direction increasing the separation between the first and the second convex anvils 174 , 178 , the flat metal strap unwraps from the convex anvils and the active surface area of the each of the convex anvils decreases.
- the position of the second reaction member 176 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils.
- the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap 180 across the convex anvils 174 , 178 and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease.
- the position of the second reaction member 176 is established by the ECM 48 through the actuator 192 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuator 192 translates the second reaction member 176 toward the first reaction member 172 , thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils 174 . 178 by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- a seventh modified actively variable energy absorber 28 G includes a pair of reaction members 194 A, 194 B supported on the steering column housing 12 for rotation about respective ones of a pair of parallel axes 195 A, 195 B perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing.
- Side edges of the reaction members define respective ones of a pair of convex anvils 196 A, 196 B each of which has a radius of curvature from a corresponding one of the rotation axes 195 A, 195 B which increases along the length of the convex anvil so that the convex anvils flare radially outward from the rotation axes.
- a flat metal strap 198 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axes 195 A, 195 B includes a tongue 200 between the convex anvils 196 A, 196 B, a pair of split edges 202 A, 202 B, and a pair of concave shoulders 203 A, 203 B intersecting the split edges and facing respective ones of the convex anvils 196 A, 196 B.
- the concave shoulders correspond to the concave webs of the embodiments of the actively variable energy absorbers according to this invention described above.
- the tongue 200 is adapted for rigid attachment to the steering column support 21 .
- a control apparatus 43 G of the seventh modified energy absorber 28 G includes a pair of schematically represented actuators 206 A, 206 B on the steering column housing operable to rotate corresponding ones of the first and second reaction members 194 A, 194 B to progressively decrease the span between the convex anvils 196 A, 196 B.
- the actuators 206 A, 206 B are controlled by the ECM 48 .
- the transducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to the ECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator.
- the angular positions of the first and second reaction members 194 A, 194 B within their range of angular positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils.
- the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap 198 across the convex anvils 196 A, 196 B and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease.
- each of the first and second reaction members 194 A, 194 B is established by the ECM 48 through the actuators 206 A, 206 B in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by the transducer 50 .
- the actuators 206 A, 206 B to rotate the first and second reaction members 194 A, 194 B in directions decreasing the span between the convex anvils 196 A, 196 B, thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing.
- the magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance.
- the flat metal strap is described as being attached to The steering column support and the convex anvils and the control apparatuses are described as being supported on the steering column housing. It is, of course, within the scope of this invention to reverse the positions of the flat metal strap, the reaction members, and the control apparatuses relative to the steering column housing and the steering column support.
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Transportation (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Vibration Dampers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 60/139,055, filed on Jun. 11, 1999 (Attorney Docket No: DP-300283)
- This invention relates to an energy absorber for a motor vehicle steering column.
- A typical energy absorbing steering column on a motor vehicle includes a housing or mast jacket which translates linearly through a collapse stroke during a collision of the motor vehicle with another object when a steering hand wheel on the steering column is impacted by the operator of the motor vehicle. The mast jacket translates against a resisting force produced by an energy absorber which converts into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of the operator. Commonly, the resisting force is created by plastic deformation of a metal element of the energy absorber. For example, in the energy absorber described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,392,599, steel spheres plastically deform a metal mast jacket by rolling tracks in the mast jacket. In other prior energy absorbers, a flat metal strap is plastically deformed by being pulled over a stationary anvil or vice versa. Optimal performance of such energy absorbers is achieved when the kinetic energy of the operator is completely converted into work at the completion of the maximum collapse stroke of the mast jacket. However, because these energy absorbers are not adjustable after the steering column is assembled but operators of differing weight often operate the motor vehicle, optimal energy absorbing performance may not always occur. U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,295 describes an energy absorbing motor vehicle steering column having an energy absorber which is actively variable during operation of the motor vehicle for more optimal energy absorbing performance and which includes a plurality of roll deformers in an annulus between an inner tube and a longitudinally split outer tube. An expandable bag having fluid therein is disposed around the split outer. A control system which monitors control variables characteristic of the kinetic energy of an operator of the motor vehicle controls the fluid pressure in the bag and, therefore, the interference fit of the roll deformers between the inner and outer tubes, to optimize the performance of the energy absorber.
- This invention is a new and improved actively variable energy absorber including a convex anvil on one of a steering column housing and a steering column support, a flat metal strap attached to the other of the steering column housing and the steering column support and slidably engaging the convex anvil on an active surface area of the convex anvil, and a control apparatus for actively varying the geometric relationship between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil in response to changes in a control variable thereby to adjust the magnitude of the active surface area. Adjusting the magnitude of the active surface area changes the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil thereby to adjust the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing and the corresponding performance of the energy absorber. In some embodiments of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention, the flat metal strap is plastically deformed by being pulled over a single convex anvil during linear translation of the steering column housing. In other embodiments of the energy absorber according to this invention, the flat metal strap is plastically deformed by being pulled across a plurality of convex anvils or by being pulled edgewise between a pair convex anvils.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of a motor vehicle steering column having thereon an actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 6 is fragmentary perspective view of a fourth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the fourth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a fifth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention;
- FIG. 9 is fragmentary, exploded perspective view of a sixth modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention: and
- FIG. 10 is fragmentary perspective view of a seventh modified embodiment of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention.
- Referring to FIG. 1, a motor vehicle steering column10 includes a
housing 12, asteering shaft 14 supported on the housing for rotation about a longitudinal centerline 16 of the steering column, and a steering hand wheel 18 connected to an outboard end of the steering shaft and pivotable up and down for vertical adjustment relative to an operator, not shown, of the motor vehicle seated on a seat 20 behind the steering hand wheel in conventional fashion. Asteering column support 21 includes alower bracket 22 on a schematically representedbody structure 24 of the motor vehicle and a plurality of vertical hanger bolts 26 which form a shelf on the vehicle body for alateral rod 27 on thehousing 12. - In a collision of the motor vehicle with another object, the vehicle body decelerates more rapidly than the operator so that the operator is thrust against the steering hand wheel18 with an impact represented by a schematic vector force “F”. When the operator impacts the steering hand wheel, the corresponding force on the steering column housing 12 initiates linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 relative to thesteering column support 21 in a collapse stroke in the direction of the centerline 16 of the steering column. An actively variable energy absorber 28 according to this invention represented schematically in FIG. 1, between thesteering column housing 12 and thesteering column support 21 resists linear translation of the steering column housing to decelerate the occupant while at the same time converting into work a fraction of the occupant's kinetic energy. - Referring to FIG. 2. the actively variable energy absorber28 includes a
reaction member 30 rigidly attached to thesteering column housing 12 having a cylindrical surface thereon defining aconvex anvil 32 around alongitudinal centerline 34 of the reaction member perpendicular to the direction of the linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke. A J-shapedflat metal strap 36 of the energy absorber 28 has afirst leg 38 on one side of the reaction member adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21, an unattached or freesecond leg 40 on the other side of the reaction member, and aconcave web 42 between the first and the second legs facing convexanvil 32. - A
control apparatus 43 of the energy absorber 28 includes arestraint pin 44 supported on thesteering column housing 12 parallel to the convexanvil 32 for translation in an arc about thecenterline 34 toward and away from thesecond leg 40 of the flat metal strap. A schematically representedactuator 46 on the steering column housing translates the restraint pin toward and away from the second leg of the metal strap. Theactuator 46 is controlled by a schematically represented electronic control module (“ECM”) 48, FIG. 1. Atransducer 50, FIG. 1, of thecontrol apparatus 43 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of a control variable, e.g. the weight of the operator of the motor vehicle, characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. Other transducers, not shown, may provide electronic signals to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitudes of other control variables, e.g. vehicle velocity. - The force required to plastically deform the
flat metal strap 36 by pulling it over the convexanvil 32 manifests itself as a force resisting linear translation of thesteering column housing 12 in its collapse stroke. Friction between theflat metal strap 36 and the convexanvil 32 manifests itself as an additional force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke. The magnitudes of the resisting forces attributable to metal deformation and to friction depend upon a number of variables including the yield strength of the material from which theflat metal strap 36 is made and its physical dimensions, the coefficient of friction between the flat metal strap and theconvex anvil 32, the radius of curvature of the convex anvil of the area of contact between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil referred to herein as the “active surface area” of the convex anvil. These variables are related according to the following equation: - Where
- F=total force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing
- A=a material related constant, e.g. yield strength
- W=width of the flat metal strap
- t=thickness of the flat metal strap
- R=radius of the convex anvil
- b=parameter related to the active surface area of the convex anvil
- μ=contact friction coefficient
- In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, theconcave web 42 of the metal strap is thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across theconvex anvil 32 while the unrestrainedsecond leg 40 fans outward until intercepted by therestraint pin 44 as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 2. As the second leg fans outward, the active surface area of the convex anvil decreases. The position of therestraint pin 44 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of the convex anvil. As the active surface area increases and decreases, the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap across the convex anvil and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil likewise increase and decrease. - The position of the
restraint pin 44 is established by theECM 48 through theactuator 46 in accordance with the magnitude of the control variable, i.e. the weight of the operator on the seat 20, as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuator 46 progressively minimizes the separation between therestraint pin 44 andsecond leg 40 of the metal strap and increases the active surface area of the convex anvil by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvil during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing. The magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke, therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance. - Referring to FIG. 3, a modified actively
variable energy absorber 28 A according to this invention includes a pair ofreaction members 52A,52B each rigidly attached to thesteering column housing 12. The reaction members have cylindrical surfaces thereon defining respective ones of a pair ofconvex anvils 54A,54B around corresponding ones of a pair of longitudinal centerlines 56A.56B perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke. An M-shapedflat metal strap 58 has a pair oflegs reaction members 52A,52B, alateral web 62 facing anabutment 64 on thesteering column support 21, and a pair ofconcave webs convex anvils 54A,54B. - A
control apparatus 43 A of the modifiedenergy absorber 28 A includes a pair of restraint pins 68A, 68B supported on thesteering column housing 12 outboard of thelegs flat metal strap 58 for translation toward and away from the legs. A pair of schematically represented actuators 70A.70B on the steering column housing translate the restraint pins toward and away from the legs. The actuators 70A. 70B are controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, theabutment 64 thrusts theconcave webs flat metal strap 58 against and pulls the flat metal strap over theconvex anvils 54A,54B while thelegs legs convex anvils 54A,54B decreases. The positions of the restraint pins 68A,68B within their range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of the M-shaped flat metal strap across the convex anvils and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease. - The positions of the restraint pins68A, 68B are established by the
ECM 48 through theactuators 70A, 70B in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control-variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuators 70A, 70B progressively minimize the separation between the restraint pins 68A, 68B andlegs - Referring to FIG. 4, a second modified actively variable energy absorber28B according to this invention includes a
reaction member 72 supported on thesteering column housing 12 for linear translation in the direction of a longitudinal centerline 74 of the reaction member perpendicular to the direction of the linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke. Thereaction member 72 includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces defining respective ones of a plurality of threeconvex anvils 76A, 76B, 76C having progressively smaller radii of curvature around the centerline 74. A J-shapedflat metal strap 78 has afirst leg 80 adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21 on one side of the reaction member, an unattached or freesecond leg 82 on the other side of the reaction member, and aconcave web 84 between the first and the second legs. Arestraint pin 86 is rigidly attached to thesteering column housing 12 outboard of thesecond leg 82 of the flat metal strap. - A control apparatus43B of the second modified energy absorber 28B includes a schematically represented
actuator 88 on the steering column housing operable to linearly translate thereaction member 72 between a plurality of three positions in which respective ones of the threeconvex anvils 76A, 76B, 76C having greater or smaller radii of curvature face theconcave web 84 of theflat metal strap 78. Theactuator 88 is controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, theconcave web 84 of the flat metal strap is thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across the one of the threeconvex anvils 76A, 76B, 76C directly facing the concave web while the unrestrainedsecond leg 82 fans outward until intercepted by therestraint pin 86. As the radius of curvature of the one of theconvex anvils 76A, 76B, 76C facing theconcave web 84 increases and decreases, i.e. as the reaction member translates back and forth in the direction of its centerline 74, the active surface area of the convex anvil increases and decreases. As the active surface area increases and decreases, the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap across the convex anvil and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil likewise increase and decrease. - The position of the
reaction member 72 is established by theECM 48 through theactuator 88 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuator 88 translates thereaction member 72 in a direction aligning with theconcave web 84 respective ones ofconvex anvils 76A, 76B, 76C of increasing radii of curvature thereby to increase the active surface area of the convex anvil facing the concave web during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing. The magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke, therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance. - Referring to FIG. 5, a third modified actively
variable energy absorber 28C according to this invention includes areaction member 90 supported on thesteering column housing 12 for pivotal movement about anaxis 92 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke. Thereaction member 90 has a pair of longitudinally separatedconvex anvils 94A, 94B thereon. An S-shapedflat metal strap 96 has afirst leg 98 adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21, an unattached or freesecond leg 100, and a pair ofconcave webs 102A, 102B between the first and the second legs facing respective ones of theconvex anvils 94A, 94B. - A control apparatus43C of the third modified
energy absorber 28C includes arestraint pin 104 supported on thesteering column housing 12 for linear translation in a plane perpendicular to theaxis 92 toward and away from thereaction member 90. A schematically represented actuator 106 on the steering column housing translates therestraint pin 104 toward and away from the reaction member. The actuator 106 is controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. Therestraint pin 104 increasingly limits clockwise rotation of thereaction member 90 about theaxis 92 as the actuator 106 translates the restraint pin toward the reaction member. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, theconcave webs 102A, 102B of theflat metal strap 96 are thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across theconvex anvils 94A,94B while thereaction member 90 is induced to rotate clockwise about theaxis 92 until intercepted by therestraint pin 104. As the reaction member rotates clockwise, the flat metal strap unwraps from the convex anvils and the active surface area of the each of theconvex anvils 94A, 94B decreases. Thesecond leg 100 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by awall 108 on thesteering column housing 12. The position of therestraint pin 104 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of theflat metal strap 96 across theconvex anvils 94A, 94B and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease. - The position of the
restraint pin 104 is established by theECM 48 through the actuator 106 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, the actuator 106 translates therestraint pin 104 toward thereaction member 90 thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing. The magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke, therefore. increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance. - Referring to FIGS.6-7, a fourth modified actively variable energy absorber 28D according to this invention includes a
first reaction member 110 rigidly supported in abox 112 fixed to thesteering column housing 12. The first reaction member has a cylindrical surface thereon defining a firstconvex anvil 114 around acenterline 116 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke. Asecond reaction member 118 having a cylindrical surface thereon defining a secondconvex anvil 120 is supported in thebox 112 parallel to thefirst reaction member 110 by apivotable cage 121 for linear translation in a plane perpendicular to thecenterline 116 toward and away from the first reaction member. An S-shapedflat metal strap 122 has afirst leg 124 adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21, an unattached or freesecond leg 126, and a pair of concave webs 128A, 128B between the first and the second legs facing respective ones of theconvex anvils - A control apparatus43D of the fourth modified energy absorber 28D includes a
restraint pin 136 supported by a schematically representedactuator 138 on the steering column housing for linear translation toward and away from atang 139 of thecage 121. Theactuator 138 is controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. Therestraint pin 136 increasingly limits clockwise pivotal movement of thecage 121 as theactuator 138 translates the restraint pin toward thetang 139 on the cage. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, the concave webs 128A,128B of theflat metal strap 122 are thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across theconvex anvils second reaction member 118 is concurrently pulled away from the first reaction member in a direction causing thecage 121 to pivot clockwise until intercepted by therestraint pin 136. As the cage pivots clockwise, the flat metal strap unwraps from the convex anvils and the active surface area of the each of theconvex anvils second leg 126 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by a side of thebox 112. The position of therestraint pin 136 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of theflat metal strap 122 across theconvex anvils - The position of the
restraint pin 136 is established by theECM 48 through theactuator 138 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuator 138 translates therestraint pin 136 toward thetang 139 on thecage 121 thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing. The magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke, therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance. - Referring to FIG. 8, a fifth modified actively
variable energy absorber 28E according to this invention includes a pair ofreaction members 140A,140B rigidly supported in abox 142 on thesteering column housing 12 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke. The reaction members have cylindrical surfaces thereon defining respective ones of a pair ofconvex anvils 144A,144B. A third reaction member 146 having a thirdconvex anvil 148 thereon is supported on thebox 142 between thereaction members 140A,140B in aslot 150 in the box for linear translation toward and away from thereaction members 140A,140B. Aflat metal strap 152 traverses the box and has afirst leg 154 adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21, an unattached or freesecond leg 156, and a plurality of threeconcave webs convex anvils - A
control apparatus 43E of the fifth modifiedenergy absorber 28E includes a schematically representedwedge block 160 supported on thebox 142 for linear translation perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the third reaction member 146. Thewedge block 160 has a ramp 161 thereon which intersects theslot 150 and blocks linear translation of the third reaction member away from the first andsecond reaction members 140A, 140B. A schematically representedactuator 164 on the steering column housing translates thewedge block 160 perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the third reaction member 146. Theactuator 164 is controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. Thewedge block 160 increasingly limits linear translation of the third reaction member 146 away from the first andsecond reaction members 140A, 140B as theactuator 164 translates the wedge block leftward and the ramp 161 further under the third reaction member. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, the thirdconcave web 158C of theflat metal strap 152 is thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across the thirdconvex anvil 148 causing the third reaction member 146 to translate linearly away from the first andsecond reaction members 140A,140B until intercepted by the ramp 161 on thewedge block 160. At the same time, the first and secondconcave webs 158A,158B are thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled across theconvex anvils 144A,144B. As the third reaction member translates linearly away from the first and second reaction members, the flat metal strap unwraps from theconvex anvils second leg 156 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by a slot in thebox 142. The position of thewedge block 160 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of theflat metal strap 152 across theconvex anvils - The position of the
wedge block 160 is established by theECM 48 through theactuator 164 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuator 164 translates the wedge block leftward, FIG. 8, thereby to increase the active surface areas of theconvex anvils - Referring to FIG. 9, a sixth modified actively
variable energy absorber 28F according to this invention includes a 2-piece box 168A,168B fixed to thesteering column housing 12 having an arc-shapedguide surface 170 thereon. Afirst reaction member 172 is rigidly supported in the box perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing during its collapse stroke and includes a cylindrical surface defining a firstconvex anvil 174. Asecond reaction member 176 is supported in the box 168A,168B for linear translation in a plane perpendicular to the first reaction member. An arched surface on thesecond reaction member 176 defines a secondconvex anvil 178 thereon parallel to the firstconvex anvil 174. Aflat metal strap 180 has afirst leg 182 adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21, an unattached or freesecond leg 184, an arch 186 facing theguide surface 170 on the box, and a pair ofconcave webs convex anvils - A control apparatus43F of the sixth modified
energy absorber 28F includes a schematically representedactuator 192 on the steering column housing operable to translate thesecond reaction member 176 back and forth to increase and decrease the separation between the first and the secondconvex anvils actuator 192 is controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, the first and the secondconcave webs convex anvils second reaction member 176 is held stationary by theactuator 192. Thesecond leg 184 of the flat metal strap is prevented from fanning outward by a side of the box 168A,168B. When theactuator 192 translates thesecond reaction member 176 in a direction increasing the separation between the first and the secondconvex anvils second reaction member 176 within its range of positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of theflat metal strap 180 across theconvex anvils - The position of the
second reaction member 176 is established by theECM 48 through theactuator 192 in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuator 192 translates thesecond reaction member 176 toward thefirst reaction member 172, thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils 174.178 by more completely wrapping the flat metal strap around the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing. The magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke, therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance. - Referring to FIG. 10, a seventh modified actively
variable energy absorber 28G according to this invention includes a pair of reaction members 194A,194B supported on thesteering column housing 12 for rotation about respective ones of a pair ofparallel axes 195A,195B perpendicular to the direction of linear translation of the steering column housing. Side edges of the reaction members define respective ones of a pair ofconvex anvils 196A,196B each of which has a radius of curvature from a corresponding one of the rotation axes 195A,195B which increases along the length of the convex anvil so that the convex anvils flare radially outward from the rotation axes. Aflat metal strap 198 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axes 195A,195B includes atongue 200 between theconvex anvils 196A,196B, a pair of split edges 202A,202B, and a pair ofconcave shoulders 203A,203B intersecting the split edges and facing respective ones of theconvex anvils 196A,196B. The concave shoulders correspond to the concave webs of the embodiments of the actively variable energy absorbers according to this invention described above. Thetongue 200 is adapted for rigid attachment to thesteering column support 21. - A
control apparatus 43G of the seventh modifiedenergy absorber 28G includes a pair of schematically represented actuators 206A,206B on the steering column housing operable to rotate corresponding ones of the first and second reaction members 194A,194B to progressively decrease the span between theconvex anvils 196A,196B. Theactuators 206A,206B are controlled by theECM 48. Thetransducer 50 on the seat 20 provides an electronic signal to theECM 48 corresponding to the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable characteristic of the kinetic energy of the operator. - In operation, at the onset of linear translation of the
steering column housing 12 initiated by the impact F on the steering hand wheel 18, the first and the secondconcave shoulders 203A,203B are thrust against and the flat metal strap is pulled between and across the first and secondconvex anvils 196A,196B while the first and second reaction members 194A,194B are held stationary by theactuators 206A,206B. When theactuators 206A,206B rotate the first and second reaction members in directions increasing the span between the first and second convex anvils, the active surface area of the each of the convex anvils decreases and vice versa. The angular positions of the first and second reaction members 194A,194B within their range of angular positions thus establishes the magnitude or size of the active surface area of each of the convex anvils. As the active surface areas increase and decrease, the severity of plastic deformation of theflat metal strap 198 across theconvex anvils 196A,196B and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvils likewise increase and decrease. - The angular position of each of the first and second reaction members194A,194B is established by the
ECM 48 through theactuators 206A,206B in accordance with the magnitude of the aforesaid control variable as communicated to the ECM by thetransducer 50. As the control variable changes, e.g. as operators of successively greater weight occupy the seat 20, theactuators 206A,206B to rotate the first and second reaction members 194A,194B in directions decreasing the span between theconvex anvils 196A,196B, thereby to increase the active surface areas of the convex anvils during the collapse stroke of the steering column housing. The magnitude of the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing in its collapse stroke, therefore, increases for more optimal energy absorbing performance. - In each of the embodiments of the actively variable energy absorber according to this invention described herein, the flat metal strap is described as being attached to The steering column support and the convex anvils and the control apparatuses are described as being supported on the steering column housing. It is, of course, within the scope of this invention to reverse the positions of the flat metal strap, the reaction members, and the control apparatuses relative to the steering column housing and the steering column support.
- Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/970,735 US6454302B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-10-04 | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13905599P | 1999-06-11 | 1999-06-11 | |
US09/591,977 US6322103B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-12 | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
US09/970,735 US6454302B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-10-04 | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
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US09/591,977 Continuation US6322103B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-12 | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
US09561977 Continuation | 2000-06-12 |
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US20020036404A1 true US20020036404A1 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
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US09/970,735 Expired - Lifetime US6454302B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-10-04 | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/591,977 Expired - Lifetime US6322103B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-12 | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
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US (2) | US6322103B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1192072B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60006815T2 (en) |
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- 2000-06-12 DE DE60006815T patent/DE60006815T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-06-12 EP EP00938265A patent/EP1192072B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-06-12 WO PCT/US2000/016132 patent/WO2000076833A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-06-12 US US09/591,977 patent/US6322103B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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2001
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WO2004085229A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-10-07 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an energy absorbing element |
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US20140053677A1 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2014-02-27 | Jtekt Corporation | Steering device |
US8910977B2 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2014-12-16 | Jtekt Corporation | Steering device |
US20140150594A1 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2014-06-05 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Steering column assembly with improved energy absorption system |
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US10315684B2 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2019-06-11 | Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag | Steering column for a motor vehicle |
CN110621566A (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2019-12-27 | Trw汽车股份有限公司 | Steering column assembly |
CN111169528A (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2020-05-19 | Trw汽车股份有限公司 | Energy absorption device for a vehicle steering column and vehicle steering column |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6322103B1 (en) | 2001-11-27 |
EP1192072B1 (en) | 2003-11-26 |
EP1192072A1 (en) | 2002-04-03 |
DE60006815T2 (en) | 2004-05-27 |
WO2000076833A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 |
DE60006815D1 (en) | 2004-01-08 |
US6454302B1 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
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