WO1997025237A1 - A collapsible steering column - Google Patents

A collapsible steering column Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997025237A1
WO1997025237A1 PCT/GB1997/000036 GB9700036W WO9725237A1 WO 1997025237 A1 WO1997025237 A1 WO 1997025237A1 GB 9700036 W GB9700036 W GB 9700036W WO 9725237 A1 WO9725237 A1 WO 9725237A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steering column
gas generator
collapsible steering
collapsible
column
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/000036
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hubert Rene Ross
Original Assignee
Alliedsignal Deutschland Gmbh
Freeman, Jacqueline, Carol
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alliedsignal Deutschland Gmbh, Freeman, Jacqueline, Carol filed Critical Alliedsignal Deutschland Gmbh
Publication of WO1997025237A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997025237A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/203—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
    • B60R21/2032—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns the inflator or inflatable member not being rotatable with the steering wheel; Arrangements using the steering column or steering wheel rim for storing, supplying or evacuating the inflation gas or for storing the inflatable member
    • 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
    • B62D1/192—Yieldable or collapsible columns
    • 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
    • B62D1/197—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable incorporating energy-absorbing arrangements, e.g. by being yieldable or collapsible incorporating devices for preventing ingress of the steering column into the passengers space in case of accident
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/217—Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
    • B60R2021/2173—Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together the module or part thereof being movably mounted on the vehicle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a collapsible steering column and more especially but not exclusively, to a collapsible steering column the operation of which is linked to a driver's side air bag.
  • a collapsible steering column comprise first and second column members which are telescopically, but non- rotatably connected together.
  • the column members are normally maintained in an axially extended position by means of a shearable or deformable lock.
  • the arrangement is such that when the steering wheel is subject to impact above a given axial load the lock shears or deforms, thereby releasing the first and second column members and allowing the steering column the telescope and absorb impact energy.
  • Known collapsible steering columns may be regarded as passive in as much as they rely upon the actual impact load on the steering wheel to shear or deform the lock keeping the column members axially extended. If for any reason the lock fails the steering column remains extended which may result in injury to the driver.
  • Air bags are usually inflated by a gas generator which is operated by an electrical trigger signal when conditions indicative of a crash (for example, acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined level) are sensed.
  • a collapsible steering column comprising first and second column members which are telescopically and non-rotatably connected together, locking means for maintaining the first and second column members in an axially extended position, collision sensing means and a charge device operated by said collision sensing means to remove or at least substantially weaken said locking means in the event of a collision, thereby enabling the column members to telescope together.
  • the locking means takes the form of one or more locking pins or bolts which extend radially through the first and second column members.
  • the charge device takes the form of a gas generator mounted in the upper part of the steering column.
  • the gas generator also inflates an air bag situated in a steering wheel mounted on the steering column.
  • the gas generator may take the form of a pyrotechnic gas generator or a hybrid gas generator. In both cases when the gas generator is activated the pressure and temperature within the upper part of the steering column increase significantly. The increased pressure may expel the or each locking pin. Alternatively the rise in temperature may weaken or burn away the or each locking pin.
  • the upper part of the steering column can slide axially inside the lower part, if they are not locked to each other and sufficient force is applied to overcome the friction between the upper and lower parts of the steering column.
  • the force required to collapse the steering column is made a function of the speed of travel of the piston within the cylinder and the rate at which air within the cylinder can be displaced through the air vents.
  • the accompanying drawings show views of a steering column in accordance with the present invention before, during and after operation of the gas generator.
  • the steering column illustrated consists of an upper part 1 and a lower cylindrical part 2 which are telescopically, but non-rotatably connected one within the other.
  • the upper part 1 is connected to a steering wheel 3, only partially shown, the lower part 2 is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle steering mechanism, not shown.
  • Torque is transmitted between the two parts 1 and 2 of the steering column by means of axially extending, interengaging splines, not visible, on the inner surface of the lower part 2 and on the outer surface of the upper part 1, though of course, alternative torque transmitting means may be employed, if desired.
  • the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 are maintained in an axially extending position as shown in Figure 1 by locking pins or bolts 4 which extend radially through the sides of the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 where these overlap. If, however, the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 are unlocked by removal of the pins or bolts 4 the upper part 1 can slide axially into the lower part 2 provided that the force applied is sufficient to overcome the friction therebetween.
  • the actual resistance to movement of the upper part 1 within the lower part 2 is made a function of telescoping speed by ensuring a substantially airtight seal between the upper and lower parts 1 and 2, and by providing vent holes towards the bottom of the lower part 2.
  • the vent holes are of such a size as to prevent air inside the bottom of the lower part 2 from being expelled rapidly therethrough which has the effect of cushioning and absorbing the energy of an impact on the upper part 1.
  • the upper part 1 of the steering column defines a compartment 5 within which is contained a gas generator, not shown.
  • the gas generator is activated in a collision by an electrical pulse from a collision sensor.
  • the electrical signal ignites a charge device associated with the gas generator.
  • the charge device either ignites a main propellant which generates the gas, as in a pyrotechnic gas generator, or heats gas inside a pressure vessel which at predetermined pressure breaks through a rupture disc.
  • the collision sensor is responsive to acceleration or deceleration above a predetermined level.
  • the gas generated by the gas generator serves to inflate an air bag, not shown, mounted in the steering wheel 3 through an aperture 6 in the end of the compartment 5.
  • the present invention also makes use of the increase in pressure and/or temperature within the compartment 5 arising from activation of the gas generator through ignition of the charge device to unlock the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 of the steering column.
  • the increase in pressure within the compartment may be employed to expel the locking pins 4.
  • the increase in temperature may serve to melt and substantially weaken the locking pins 4, thereby ensuring that they shear relatively easily, or even to melt or burn away entirely the locking pins 4.
  • the space 7 between the bottom of the upper part 1 and the bottom of the lower part 2 may be filled with a compressible foam or copolymer or other similar material.
  • the present invention can, however, still usefully be employed without a gas generator and air bag.
  • the charge device can be used on its own to ensure reliable unlocking of the steering column.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Abstract

A collapsible steering column comprising first (1) and second (2) column members which are telescopically and non-rotatably connected together, locking means (4) for maintaining the first (1) and second (2) column members in an axially extended position, collision sensing means and a charge device operated by said collision sensing means to remove or at least substantially weaken said locking means (4) in the event of a collision, thereby enabling the column members (1, 2) to telescope together.

Description

A COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLTTMN
DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a collapsible steering column and more especially but not exclusively, to a collapsible steering column the operation of which is linked to a driver's side air bag. BACKGROUND ART
In motor vehicles it is now usual to provide a collapsible steering column to protect the driver from chest and head injuries which might otherwise be caused by the steering wheel in a collision. It is also increasingly common to compliment the protection afforded by the collapsible steering column with an air bag fitted in the steering wheel.
Typically, a collapsible steering column comprise first and second column members which are telescopically, but non- rotatably connected together. The column members are normally maintained in an axially extended position by means of a shearable or deformable lock. The arrangement is such that when the steering wheel is subject to impact above a given axial load the lock shears or deforms, thereby releasing the first and second column members and allowing the steering column the telescope and absorb impact energy. Known collapsible steering columns may be regarded as passive in as much as they rely upon the actual impact load on the steering wheel to shear or deform the lock keeping the column members axially extended. If for any reason the lock fails the steering column remains extended which may result in injury to the driver.
Air bags are usually inflated by a gas generator which is operated by an electrical trigger signal when conditions indicative of a crash (for example, acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined level) are sensed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible steering column the operation of which is controlled by collision sensing means.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible steering column the operation of which is linked to the operation of a driver's side air bag. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible steering column comprising first and second column members which are telescopically and non-rotatably connected together, locking means for maintaining the first and second column members in an axially extended position, collision sensing means and a charge device operated by said collision sensing means to remove or at least substantially weaken said locking means in the event of a collision, thereby enabling the column members to telescope together. Preferably, the locking means takes the form of one or more locking pins or bolts which extend radially through the first and second column members.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the charge device takes the form of a gas generator mounted in the upper part of the steering column. In addition to removing or at least substantially weakening the or each locking pin keeping the column members axially extended, the gas generator also inflates an air bag situated in a steering wheel mounted on the steering column. The gas generator may take the form of a pyrotechnic gas generator or a hybrid gas generator. In both cases when the gas generator is activated the pressure and temperature within the upper part of the steering column increase significantly. The increased pressure may expel the or each locking pin. Alternatively the rise in temperature may weaken or burn away the or each locking pin.
The upper part of the steering column can slide axially inside the lower part, if they are not locked to each other and sufficient force is applied to overcome the friction between the upper and lower parts of the steering column. By making the upper part of the column as a piston and the lower part as a cylinder the force required to collapse the steering column is made a function of the speed of travel of the piston within the cylinder and the rate at which air within the cylinder can be displaced through the air vents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings show views of a steering column in accordance with the present invention before, during and after operation of the gas generator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The steering column illustrated consists of an upper part 1 and a lower cylindrical part 2 which are telescopically, but non-rotatably connected one within the other. The upper part 1 is connected to a steering wheel 3, only partially shown, the lower part 2 is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle steering mechanism, not shown. Torque is transmitted between the two parts 1 and 2 of the steering column by means of axially extending, interengaging splines, not visible, on the inner surface of the lower part 2 and on the outer surface of the upper part 1, though of course, alternative torque transmitting means may be employed, if desired. Normally the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 are maintained in an axially extending position as shown in Figure 1 by locking pins or bolts 4 which extend radially through the sides of the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 where these overlap. If, however, the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 are unlocked by removal of the pins or bolts 4 the upper part 1 can slide axially into the lower part 2 provided that the force applied is sufficient to overcome the friction therebetween. The actual resistance to movement of the upper part 1 within the lower part 2 is made a function of telescoping speed by ensuring a substantially airtight seal between the upper and lower parts 1 and 2, and by providing vent holes towards the bottom of the lower part 2. The vent holes are of such a size as to prevent air inside the bottom of the lower part 2 from being expelled rapidly therethrough which has the effect of cushioning and absorbing the energy of an impact on the upper part 1.
The upper part 1 of the steering column defines a compartment 5 within which is contained a gas generator, not shown. The gas generator is activated in a collision by an electrical pulse from a collision sensor. The electrical signal ignites a charge device associated with the gas generator. Depending on the type of gas generator employed, the charge device either ignites a main propellant which generates the gas, as in a pyrotechnic gas generator, or heats gas inside a pressure vessel which at predetermined pressure breaks through a rupture disc. Typically, the collision sensor is responsive to acceleration or deceleration above a predetermined level.
The gas generated by the gas generator serves to inflate an air bag, not shown, mounted in the steering wheel 3 through an aperture 6 in the end of the compartment 5. The present invention also makes use of the increase in pressure and/or temperature within the compartment 5 arising from activation of the gas generator through ignition of the charge device to unlock the upper and lower parts 1 and 2 of the steering column.
The increase in pressure within the compartment may be employed to expel the locking pins 4. Alternatively, the increase in temperature may serve to melt and substantially weaken the locking pins 4, thereby ensuring that they shear relatively easily, or even to melt or burn away entirely the locking pins 4.
Typically this could be achieved using pins 4 of a plastics material and designing the steering column so that a temperature of around 800°C is generated. At this temperature the plastics material is substantially weakened.
The space 7 between the bottom of the upper part 1 and the bottom of the lower part 2 may be filled with a compressible foam or copolymer or other similar material.
In the event of a crash inflation of the driver's air bag and unlocking of the collapsible column are linked and occur simultaneously. This greatly improves the protection virtually afforded to the driver. The present invention can, however, still usefully be employed without a gas generator and air bag. In this regard, the charge device can be used on its own to ensure reliable unlocking of the steering column.

Claims

1. A collapsible steering column comprising first and second column members which are telescopically and non- rotatably connected together, locking means for maintaining the first and second column members in an axially extended position, collision sensing means and a charge device operated by said collision sensing means to remove or at least substantially weaken said locking means in the event of a collision, thereby enabling the column members to telescope together.
2. A collapsible steering column according to claim 1 in which the locking means takes the form of one or more locking pins or bolts which extend radially through the first and second column members.
3. A collapsible steering column according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the charge device takes the form of a gas generator mounted in the upper part of the steering column.
4. A collapsible steering column according to claim 3 the gas generator also inflates an air bag situated in a steering wheel mounted on the steering column.
5. A collapsible steering column according to claims 3 or 4 wherein the gas generator takes the form of a pyrotechnic gas generator or a hybrid gas generator which, when activated increases the pressure and temperature within the upper part of the steering column to expel or weaken or burn away the or each locking pin.
6. A collapsible steering column according to any preceding claim wherein the upper part of the column is forced as a piston and the lower part as a cylinder.
7. A collapsible steering column according to claim 6 wherein the force required to collapse the steering column is a function of the speed of travel of the piston within the cylinder and the rate at which air within the cylinder can be displaced through the air vents.
8. A collapsible steering column according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the locking means is a pyrotechnic device which structurally weakens or burns away an detonation from the effects of heat, pressure or chemical reaction.
9. A collapsible steering column according to claim
1 wherein the locking means comprises a friction ring located between the first and second column members which ring is adapted to weaken by burning or melting on detonation of the charge device.
PCT/GB1997/000036 1996-01-12 1997-01-07 A collapsible steering column WO1997025237A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9600635A GB2309012B (en) 1996-01-12 1996-01-12 A collapsible steering column
GB9600635.8 1996-01-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997025237A1 true WO1997025237A1 (en) 1997-07-17

Family

ID=10786956

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/000036 WO1997025237A1 (en) 1996-01-12 1997-01-07 A collapsible steering column

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2309012B (en)
WO (1) WO1997025237A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998050257A3 (en) * 1997-05-02 1999-02-04 Petri Ag Automobile airbag system
DE10053185B4 (en) * 1999-11-03 2006-09-21 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst A vehicle safety device having a movable, inflatable occupant protection device
EP1882621A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-30 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Pyrotechnic switch - explosive bolt
WO2019121326A1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2019-06-27 Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag Automatically-stowed steering column assembly
CN112829819A (en) * 2019-11-25 2021-05-25 操纵技术Ip控股公司 System, method and apparatus for a telescoping steering column with collapse limiting position

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19911663A1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2000-09-21 Volkswagen Ag Fastening device for a component in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle
ES2203277B1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2005-03-01 Melchor Daumal Castellon INTELLIGENT COLUMN COLLAPSE SYSTEM.
WO2009067053A1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2009-05-28 Autoliv Development Ab Improvements in relating to a controlled release mechanism
DE102010016712A1 (en) * 2010-04-30 2011-11-03 Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag Steering column for a motor vehicle
DE102012014762A1 (en) * 2012-07-25 2014-01-30 Audi Ag Motor vehicle with retractable steering wheel

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2407932A1 (en) * 1973-02-22 1974-08-29 Nissan Motor CONTROL DEVICE
US4255986A (en) * 1977-08-15 1981-03-17 Toyota Jidosha Kogya Kabushiki Kaisha Device for absorbing impact energy
DE3805869A1 (en) * 1988-02-05 1989-11-23 Ernst Hans Hellmut Safety device for vehicles

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS49110032A (en) * 1973-02-22 1974-10-19
GB1485001A (en) * 1974-08-22 1977-09-08 Cam Gears Ltd Steering column assembly

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2407932A1 (en) * 1973-02-22 1974-08-29 Nissan Motor CONTROL DEVICE
US4255986A (en) * 1977-08-15 1981-03-17 Toyota Jidosha Kogya Kabushiki Kaisha Device for absorbing impact energy
DE3805869A1 (en) * 1988-02-05 1989-11-23 Ernst Hans Hellmut Safety device for vehicles

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998050257A3 (en) * 1997-05-02 1999-02-04 Petri Ag Automobile airbag system
US6095549A (en) * 1997-05-02 2000-08-01 Petri Ag Airbag system for motor vehicles
DE10053185B4 (en) * 1999-11-03 2006-09-21 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst A vehicle safety device having a movable, inflatable occupant protection device
EP1882621A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-30 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Pyrotechnic switch - explosive bolt
WO2019121326A1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2019-06-27 Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag Automatically-stowed steering column assembly
US10464591B2 (en) 2017-12-19 2019-11-05 Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag Automatically-stowed steering column assembly
CN112829819A (en) * 2019-11-25 2021-05-25 操纵技术Ip控股公司 System, method and apparatus for a telescoping steering column with collapse limiting position
CN112829819B (en) * 2019-11-25 2023-08-18 操纵技术Ip控股公司 System, method and apparatus for a telescoping steering column with a collapse limiting position

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2309012B (en) 1999-12-01
GB9600635D0 (en) 1996-03-13
GB2309012A (en) 1997-07-16

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