WO2000017032A1 - Device for adjustable steering column - Google Patents

Device for adjustable steering column Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000017032A1
WO2000017032A1 PCT/SE1999/001420 SE9901420W WO0017032A1 WO 2000017032 A1 WO2000017032 A1 WO 2000017032A1 SE 9901420 W SE9901420 W SE 9901420W WO 0017032 A1 WO0017032 A1 WO 0017032A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steering column
elastic element
frame
steering
cabin
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE1999/001420
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kjell-Ewe Bengtsson
Original Assignee
Volvo Wheel Loaders Ab
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 Volvo Wheel Loaders Ab filed Critical Volvo Wheel Loaders Ab
Priority to AU60136/99A priority Critical patent/AU6013699A/en
Publication of WO2000017032A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000017032A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/16—Steering columns
    • B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
    • B62D1/187—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable with tilt adjustment; with tilt and axial adjustment
    • B62D1/189—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable with tilt adjustment; with tilt and axial adjustment the entire column being tiltable as a unit
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for an adjustable steering column, which at a first end comprises a steering wheel and at a second end means for actuating the steering of a machine, which device is designed for articulately connecting the steering column to a frame in a manoeuvring room.
  • the steering column has insulating contact with the frame, for eliminating vibrations partly in the steering column, partly in the frame. Eliminated vibrations imply that the cost of material and other costs could be considerably lowered. Furthermore, it is desirable from working- environmental point of view that the driver or other personnel comfortably will be able to enter and step out of a driver cabin of, for example, a wheel loader, and that the driver, in case of an accident, quickly will be able to evacuate the cabin. It is also desirable that the sound level in the cabin is as low as possible.
  • a steering column is adjusted by means of a joint making possible a forward/backward move- ment in one plane by said steering column.
  • the driver must lock the steering column in the required position during use of the vehicle.
  • the technique of today also implies vibrations in the steering column, which, La., leads to an increased noise level.
  • An increased noise level could also be caused by the open lead-through of the steering column in the floor.
  • the connection of the steering column to the floor is also constructionally complicated, and thus expensive to produce.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device for an adjustable steering column, which is less expensive and less complicated than known technique.
  • a further object is to provide a steering column, which has an insulating contact with the frame. The reason for this is to eliminate vibrations partly from the frame, in this case a floor, to a steering valve at one end of the steering column, partly from said frame to a steering wheel. Vibrations in the opposite direction are also eliminated by means of the invention.
  • the object is also to provide a device for an adjustable steering column, which acts with a spring back effect at for example entering and stepping out of the cabin. This is particularly important from safety point of view when the driver quickly must be able to evacuate the cabin.
  • the object of the invention is also to make it possible to lock the steering column in all planes during, for example, service work in the cabin.
  • the object is further to provide a device for an adjustable steering column, which is sealed against undesirable noise under the floor and prevents for example exhaust gases from coming into the cabin.
  • the device also implies that the noise level in the cabin is reduced, as the elastic element prevents noise and vibrations from being transferred from the frame to the steering column.
  • the device also implies that the adjustable steering column makes it easier for the driver to enter and step out of the manoeuvring room, where the steering column is placed, and also to quickly evacuate the cabin.
  • the invention also implies that the steering column may be brought sideways to a locking position, where the service personnel easier could carry out service work.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable steering column with a steering wheel at one end, and according to the invention with an elastic element connected to a frame at the other end,
  • Fig 2 shows the elastic element according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 shows an example of the invention in more detail, with a cross-section of the elastic element according to section A-A in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for an adjustable steering column 2 according to the present invention.
  • the adjustable steering column 2 comprises, at a first end, a steering wheel 3 and, at a second end, a means in the form of a control unit 5.
  • the device 1 according to the invention comprises an elastic element 7, which connects the adjustable steering column 2 to a frame 9 in a manoeuvring room 10, such as a cabin of a contract machine (not shown).
  • the elastic element 7 comprises an essentially centrally placed through-hole 11, through which the steering column 2 extends.
  • Fig. 2 shows a view of the elastic element 7 according to the invention.
  • the elastic element 7 may be made of rubber and could consist of two parts joined into one piece, wherein the mutual relationship between the parts can be varied, starting from a desired initial or balanced position of the steering wheel 3 (see Fig. 1).
  • the elastic element 7 is screwed onto the frame 9 by four screws, inserted through four bores 12. which will be described more closely in connection with Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 3 shows a cross-section A-A illustrated in fig. 2.
  • the elastic element 7 is connected to the steering column 2 by means of four screws 13 with four associated lock washers 14, one washer 15, four spacing sleeves 17 and a flange 18.
  • the screws 13 are screwed into a control unit 5 and keeps the washer 15 against the elastic element 7, at which the screws 13 cause that the steering column 2 cannot be turned in relation to the elastic element 7.
  • the spacing sleeves 17 are a bit shorter than the length of the apertures 19 made in the elastic element 7, so that the elastic element 7 will be compressed to the steering column 2.
  • an elastic element (not shown) could also be arranged between the control unit 5 and the flange 18, in order to obtain an insulating effect here.
  • the elastic element 7 is formed to provide, in an initial or balanced position, an angle ⁇ between the frame 9 and the steering column 2. In the initial position, the elastic element 7 is unloaded.
  • the angle ⁇ may be chosen so that the steering wheel 3 (see Fig. 1 ) and the steering column 2 will not prevent the driver from entering or stepping out of the cabin.
  • the initial position may be the desired position during operation of the vehicle, so the driver handles the steering wheel 3 (see Fig. 1) to the position required for entering and stepping out of the cabin.
  • Fig. 3 also shows how the elastic element 7 is arranged in an opening 1 1 made in the frame 9.
  • the steering column 2 extends, at least partially.
  • the elastic element 7 is sealed tisht to the steerins column 2 and to the frame 9.
  • the frame 9 may constitute a floor in a cabin of a contract machine, such as a wheel-mounted loader or a dumper. It is also conceivable that the frame may constitute a wall of the cabin.
  • the elastic element 7 principally is square- shaped. However, it is possible that the elastic element 7 may have another form, e.g. a circular or oval form.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for an adjustable steering column (2), which at a first end comprises a steering wheel (3) and at a second end comprises means (5) for actuating the steering of a machine, which device is designed to articulately connect the steering column (2) to a frame (9) in an operating room (10), where the device comprises an elastic element (7), which is partly connected to the frame (9), partly to the steering column (2).

Description

Device for adjustable steering column
The present invention relates to a device for an adjustable steering column, which at a first end comprises a steering wheel and at a second end means for actuating the steering of a machine, which device is designed for articulately connecting the steering column to a frame in a manoeuvring room.
It is desirable that the steering column has insulating contact with the frame, for eliminating vibrations partly in the steering column, partly in the frame. Eliminated vibrations imply that the cost of material and other costs could be considerably lowered. Furthermore, it is desirable from working- environmental point of view that the driver or other personnel comfortably will be able to enter and step out of a driver cabin of, for example, a wheel loader, and that the driver, in case of an accident, quickly will be able to evacuate the cabin. It is also desirable that the sound level in the cabin is as low as possible.
According to known technique, as for example shown in US 4 101 147, a steering column is adjusted by means of a joint making possible a forward/backward move- ment in one plane by said steering column. Likewise, the driver must lock the steering column in the required position during use of the vehicle. The technique of today also implies vibrations in the steering column, which, La., leads to an increased noise level. An increased noise level could also be caused by the open lead-through of the steering column in the floor. The connection of the steering column to the floor is also constructionally complicated, and thus expensive to produce.
The object of the present invention is to provide a device for an adjustable steering column, which is less expensive and less complicated than known technique. A further object is to provide a steering column, which has an insulating contact with the frame. The reason for this is to eliminate vibrations partly from the frame, in this case a floor, to a steering valve at one end of the steering column, partly from said frame to a steering wheel. Vibrations in the opposite direction are also eliminated by means of the invention.
The object is also to provide a device for an adjustable steering column, which acts with a spring back effect at for example entering and stepping out of the cabin. This is particularly important from safety point of view when the driver quickly must be able to evacuate the cabin.
The object of the invention is also to make it possible to lock the steering column in all planes during, for example, service work in the cabin.
The object is further to provide a device for an adjustable steering column, which is sealed against undesirable noise under the floor and prevents for example exhaust gases from coming into the cabin.
This is achieved by means of a device of the kind stated in the introduction, said device comprising an elastic element, which is connected partly to the frame, partly to the steering column.
With such a device, an adjustable steering column is obtained which is less expensive and less complicated than known technique. The solution implies that the floor does not need to be strengthened, since the vibrations are eliminated.
The device also implies that the noise level in the cabin is reduced, as the elastic element prevents noise and vibrations from being transferred from the frame to the steering column. The device also implies that the adjustable steering column makes it easier for the driver to enter and step out of the manoeuvring room, where the steering column is placed, and also to quickly evacuate the cabin. The invention also implies that the steering column may be brought sideways to a locking position, where the service personnel easier could carry out service work.
The invention will now be described more closely in the form of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable steering column with a steering wheel at one end, and according to the invention with an elastic element connected to a frame at the other end,
Fig 2 shows the elastic element according to the invention, and Fig. 3 shows an example of the invention in more detail, with a cross-section of the elastic element according to section A-A in Fig. 2.
Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for an adjustable steering column 2 according to the present invention. The adjustable steering column 2 comprises, at a first end, a steering wheel 3 and, at a second end, a means in the form of a control unit 5. The device 1 according to the invention comprises an elastic element 7, which connects the adjustable steering column 2 to a frame 9 in a manoeuvring room 10, such as a cabin of a contract machine (not shown). The elastic element 7 comprises an essentially centrally placed through-hole 11, through which the steering column 2 extends.
Fig. 2 shows a view of the elastic element 7 according to the invention. The elastic element 7 may be made of rubber and could consist of two parts joined into one piece, wherein the mutual relationship between the parts can be varied, starting from a desired initial or balanced position of the steering wheel 3 (see Fig. 1). The elastic element 7 is screwed onto the frame 9 by four screws, inserted through four bores 12. which will be described more closely in connection with Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section A-A illustrated in fig. 2. The elastic element 7 is connected to the steering column 2 by means of four screws 13 with four associated lock washers 14, one washer 15, four spacing sleeves 17 and a flange 18. The screws 13 are screwed into a control unit 5 and keeps the washer 15 against the elastic element 7, at which the screws 13 cause that the steering column 2 cannot be turned in relation to the elastic element 7. In order to achieve good sealing between the elastic element 7 and the steering column 2, the spacing sleeves 17 are a bit shorter than the length of the apertures 19 made in the elastic element 7, so that the elastic element 7 will be compressed to the steering column 2.
Suitably, an elastic element (not shown) could also be arranged between the control unit 5 and the flange 18, in order to obtain an insulating effect here.
As shown in Fig. 3, the elastic element 7 is formed to provide, in an initial or balanced position, an angle α between the frame 9 and the steering column 2. In the initial position, the elastic element 7 is unloaded. The angle α may be chosen so that the steering wheel 3 (see Fig. 1 ) and the steering column 2 will not prevent the driver from entering or stepping out of the cabin.
When the driver is in the right position in the cabin, he handles the steering wheel 3 and consequently the steering column 2 to a desired position and locks the steering column 2 in the desired position by means of a suitable locking device (not shown). Alternatively, the initial position may be the desired position during operation of the vehicle, so the driver handles the steering wheel 3 (see Fig. 1) to the position required for entering and stepping out of the cabin.
Fig. 3 also shows how the elastic element 7 is arranged in an opening 1 1 made in the frame 9. Through the opening 1 1 , the steering column 2 extends, at least partially. In order to i.a. prevent noise and dirt from coming into the cabin, the elastic element 7 is sealed tisht to the steerins column 2 and to the frame 9. The frame 9 may constitute a floor in a cabin of a contract machine, such as a wheel-mounted loader or a dumper. It is also conceivable that the frame may constitute a wall of the cabin.
According to the embodiments shown, the elastic element 7 principally is square- shaped. However, it is possible that the elastic element 7 may have another form, e.g. a circular or oval form.

Claims

Claims
1. Device (1) for an adjustable steering column (2), which at a first end comprises a steering wheel (3) and at a second end comprises means (5) for actuating the steering of a machine, which device is designed to articulately connect the steering column (2) to a frame (9) in an operating room (10), characterized in that the device comprises an elastic element (7), which partly is connected to the frame (9), partly to the steering column (2).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the elastic element (7) is designed so that it strives to put the steering column (2) to an initial position in relation to the frame (9).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic element (7) is sealed tight to the steering column (2) and to the frame (9).
4. Device according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element (7) comprises an essentially centrally placed through-hole (11).
5. Device according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (9) constitutes a floor (9) in a cabin of a contract machine, such as a wheel-loader or a dumper.
PCT/SE1999/001420 1998-09-09 1999-08-20 Device for adjustable steering column WO2000017032A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU60136/99A AU6013699A (en) 1998-09-09 1999-08-20 Device for adjustable steering column

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9803049A SE521449C2 (en) 1998-09-09 1998-09-09 Device for adjustable steering column
SE9803049-7 1998-09-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000017032A1 true WO2000017032A1 (en) 2000-03-30

Family

ID=20412533

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE1999/001420 WO2000017032A1 (en) 1998-09-09 1999-08-20 Device for adjustable steering column

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6013699A (en)
SE (1) SE521449C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000017032A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2833232A1 (en) * 2001-12-07 2003-06-13 Linde Ag Steering installation for manipulator comprises steering column with hydraulic steering control valve fixed to lower end, unit extending to floor platform where it is fixed by deformable cowls
EP1329415A1 (en) * 2002-01-18 2003-07-23 Still Gmbh Steering unit for industrial truck

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2549925A (en) * 1947-05-12 1951-04-24 Clyde R Paton Motor vehicle
US3597993A (en) * 1969-11-04 1971-08-10 Marion M Ripley Collapsible steering column mount arrangement
US4494773A (en) * 1981-09-30 1985-01-22 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Tiltable steering for industrial vehicle or the like
EP0458456A1 (en) * 1990-05-24 1991-11-27 Ford Motor Company Limited Steering column assembly mounting mechanism

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2549925A (en) * 1947-05-12 1951-04-24 Clyde R Paton Motor vehicle
US3597993A (en) * 1969-11-04 1971-08-10 Marion M Ripley Collapsible steering column mount arrangement
US4494773A (en) * 1981-09-30 1985-01-22 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Tiltable steering for industrial vehicle or the like
EP0458456A1 (en) * 1990-05-24 1991-11-27 Ford Motor Company Limited Steering column assembly mounting mechanism

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2833232A1 (en) * 2001-12-07 2003-06-13 Linde Ag Steering installation for manipulator comprises steering column with hydraulic steering control valve fixed to lower end, unit extending to floor platform where it is fixed by deformable cowls
EP1329415A1 (en) * 2002-01-18 2003-07-23 Still Gmbh Steering unit for industrial truck

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE9803049L (en) 2000-03-10
SE9803049D0 (en) 1998-09-09
SE521449C2 (en) 2003-11-04
AU6013699A (en) 2000-04-10

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