Energy absorbing steering column assembly.

(54) Title: ASSEMBLY OF THE STEERING COLUMN WITH ENERGY ABSORPTION.

(54) Title: ENERGY ABSORBING STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY.

(57) Summary

A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing that defines a gauge that extends along an axis. The steering column assembly includes a first axle disposed in the caliper and a second axle connected, telescopically, to the first axle. The second axis can be moved along the axis relative to the housing. A wedge is attached to the second shaft and is spaced from the housing. During the frontal impact of the vehicle, an occupant can impact the steering column assembly. The relative telescopic folding of the first axis and second axis provides a first phase of energy absorption. While the first shaft and the second shaft are retracted, telescopically, the wedge contacts the carcass and deforms the carcass in a second energy absorption phase.

(57) Abstract

A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a bore that extends along an axis. The steering column assembly includes a first shaft disposed in the bore and a second shaft telescopically engaged with the first shaft. The second shaft is movable along the axis relative to the housing. A wedge is fixed to the second shaft and is spaced from the housing. During frontal impact of the vehicle, an occupant may impact the steering column assembly. Relative telescopic retraction of the first shaft and the second shaft provides a first stage of energy absorption. As the first shaft and the second shaft telescopically retract, the wedge contacts the housing and deforms the housing in a second stage of energy absorption.

ASSEMBLY OF THE STEERING COLUMN WITH ENERGY ABSORPTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to techniques used in vehicle design and construction, and more particularly relates to an energy absorbing steering column assembly.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle steering system includes a steering column assembly mounted to a vehicle instrument panel. Specifically, the steering column assembly can include a housing mounted to the dashboard. The housing supports one or more steering axles that connect a steering wheel to another component of the steering system. The steering shaft can rotate relative to the housing.

During a frontal vehicle impact, an occupant may impact the steering column assembly, eg the steering wheel. An opportunity exists to design the steering column assembly that can absorb energy from the impact of the occupant against the steering column assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that includes a steering column assembly.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the steering column assembly.

Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the steering column assembly in the absence of an impact force.

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the steering column assembly in a first phase of energy absorption.

Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the steering column assembly in a second phase of energy absorption.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, where like numerals indicate equal parts in different views, a steering column assembly 10 for a vehicle 12 includes a housing 14 that defines a gauge 16 that extends along an E axis. First axis 18 is disposed in gauge 16 and a second axis 20 is telescopically connected to first axis 18 and is movable along axis E relative to housing 14. A wedge 22 is attached to the second shaft 20 and is spaced from the housing 14.

During a front end impact of the vehicle 12, an occupant of the vehicle 12 may be forced in a forward direction and impact against the steering column assembly 10. The first axle 18 and the second axle 20 can be retracted, telescopically, relative to each other, during the impact of the occupant against the steering column assembly 10 to absorb energy from the occupant. Said telescopic retracting of the first axle 18 and second axle 20 allows the occupant to move forward while also absorbing energy from the occupant to cushion the impact between the occupant and the steering column. In addition, while first axis 18 and second axis 20 are telescopically retracting from each other, wedge 22 moves toward housing 14. As wedge 22 approaches housing 14, wedge 22 contacts housing 14 and deforms housing 14 to absorb energy from the occupant. In other words, the steering column assembly 10 absorbs energy from the occupant in two phases. Specifically, in a first phase, the telescopic retraction of the first axis 18 and second axis 20 allows the occupant to move forward and absorbs energy from the occupant and, in a second phase, the deformation of the shell 14 by the wedge 22 absorbs energy from the occupant. . In the present configuration, the first phase and the second phase of energy absorption can be adjusted independently. Referring to Figure 1, vehicle 12 includes a steering system 24 that includes the steering column assembly 10. Vehicle 12 may include an instrument panel 26 that supports the steering column assembly 10. Specifically, the dashboard The instrument panel 26 can be attached to and can support the housing 14.

The steering system 24 can be a mechanical system. In such a configuration, the steering system 24 may include a rack and pinion 28 coupled to the second axle 20. Specifically, an intermediate axle 30 may connect the first axle 18 to the rack and pinion 28. The steering system 24 may include a pump. power steering system 32 connected to rack and pinion 28, and other appropriate components of typical steering systems. In another configuration, the steering system 24 can be an electrical system or an electrical mechanical system, eg, an electronic throttle system.

Referring to Figure 1, the steering column assembly 10 includes a steering wheel 34. The steering wheel 34 can be of any suitable type and made of any suitable material.

The steering column assembly 10 includes a steering wheel bracket 36 attached to the second axle 20. The steering wheel bracket 36 supports the steering wheel 34 and can connect the steering wheel 34 to the second axle 20. The steering wheel bracket 36 attaches to the second axle 20 in any appropriate way, e.g. by welding, fixing, etc. The steering wheel bracket 36 can support the liner (not shown).

Steering wheel bracket 36 is spaced from housing 14 when second axle 20 is in an extended position relative to first axle 18, as set forth below, namely, prior to impact of steering column mount 10 by the occupant. . Steering wheel bracket 36 moves relative to housing 14, eg, steering wheel bracket 36 moves toward housing 14 when the occupant impacts the steering column assembly 10. Specifically, the steering wheel bracket 36 can be moved together with the second axis 20 as a unit.

Flywheel bracket 36 may extend in a direction transverse to axis E. Flywheel bracket 36 may include a plurality of flanges 38 and / or attachment regions for connecting components, eg, steering wheel 34, a shroud, liner, etc., to the second shaft 20. The flywheel bracket 36 can be made of any suitable material, eg, plastic, metal, etc.

Second shaft 20 may have a bolt 40 that extends from flywheel bracket 36 and is configured to support flywheel 34. Bolt 40 may include a slotted end 42 to support flywheel 34.

As stated above, the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 are telescopically connected. In other words, at least one of the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 has an axis gauge 44 that receives the other of the first axis 18 and second axis 20. Specifically, the first axis 18 can define the axis gauge 44 and receive to the second shaft 20 in shaft gauge 44 as shown in Figures 3A-C. Alternatively, second shaft 20 may define shaft gauge 44 and receive first shaft 18 (not shown).

Referring to Figures 3A-C, the second axis 20 is movable along the E axis relative to the first axis 18 when the occupant impacts the steering column assembly 10. Specifically, the first axis 18 retracts, accordingly. telescoping, into the shaft gauge 44 of the second shaft 20 as the second shaft 20 moves toward the first shaft 18. In other words, the second axis 20 can be moved relative to the first axis 18 from an extended position as shown in Figure 3A, namely, prior to the impact of the occupant against the steering column assembly 10, to a retracted position. , as shown in Figure 3B, when the occupant impacts the steering column assembly 10.

The first shaft 18 and the second shaft 20 are frictionally connected in the shaft gauge 44. As such, friction between the first shaft 18 and the second shaft 20 during telescopic retracting of the first shaft 18 and second shaft 20 absorbs occupant energy to cushion the impact between the occupant and the steering column assembly 10. For example, the telescopic retract of the first axis 18 and second axis 20, relative to each other, can be configured to generate a frictional force of 3000-5000 N. Before the wedge 22 engages the casing 14, the telescopic retract of the first axis 18 and second axis 20 and the frictional energy absorption between the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 define the first phase of the two-phase energy absorption. The second phase of energy absorption, as described below, occurs when wedge 22 connects shell 14.

The friction generated between the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 while the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 are retracted, telescopically, relative to each other, can be designed by altering characteristics, e.g., such as the material , the surface structure, shape, etc., of at least one of the first axis 18 and the second axis 20. As such, the amount of energy absorbed by the mount is adjustable.

The occupant's input to the steering wheel 34, eg, rotation of the steering wheel 34, can be transferred via the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 to other components of the steering system 24, eg, the intermediate axis 30 , rack and pinion 28, etc. The first shaft 18 and the second shaft 20 can be made of any suitable material, eg, metal, steel, etc.

As stated above, housing 14 can be connected to dash panel 26. Specifically, housing 14 can include a plurality of attachment regions 46 to be attached to dash panel 26, eg, with springs, bolts , etc. Housing 14 is adjustable relative to dash panel 26 for occupant adjustment, eg, up-down adjustment and extension / retract from dash panel 26.

Housing 14 includes a first end 48 and a second end 50 disposed opposite first end 48. First shaft 18 can extend from housing 14 beyond first end 48, and second shaft 20 can extend from housing 14 beyond the second end 50. The second end 50 faces the wedge 22 and the steering wheel 34, and the first end 48 can face the instrument panel 26.

As stated above, housing 14 defines gauge 16. Gauge 16 may extend through first end 48 and second end 50. Gauge 16 of housing 14 may have a cylindrical circumference or a circumference of either. proper way. The first axis 18 and the second axis 20 can be rotatable with respect to the housing 14. Specifically, first shaft 18 and second shaft 20 may be supported by housing 14 in any appropriate way to allow relative rotation between shafts 18, 20 and housing 14, e.g. eg bearings, etc.

At least a portion of the housing 14, for example the second end 50, can be made of a carbon fiber composite, for example. The carbon fiber composite can include staple carbon fiber impregnated in an epoxy resin matrix. By way of another example, at least a portion of the housing 14 can be made of metal, eg, aluminum, steel, magnesium, etc. The housing 14 can be made of a single type of material or, alternatively, the components of the housing 14 can be made of different types of material. The material of the housing 14 can influence the energy absorbability of the steering column assembly 10 in the second energy absorption phase. The material of the housing 14, eg, the material of the second end 50, can be selected to adjust the energy absorbability of the steering column assembly 10. As set out above, the wedge 22 is attached to the second axis 20. Specifically, wedge 22 can define a wedge gauge 52 that extends along axis E and receives second axis 20 in wedge gauge 52 along axis E. However, wedge 22 is can be arranged in any appropriate location.

The wedge 22 is disposed between the flywheel bracket 36 and the housing 14. The wedge 22, for example, includes a first end 54 and a second end 56 spaced from the first end 54 along the E axis. The first end 54 faces toward the steering wheel bracket 36 and the second end 56 faces toward the housing 14. The first end 54 of the wedge 22 may, for example, abut the flywheel bracket 36 so that the flywheel bracket 36 forces the wedge 22 toward the housing 14 while the first shaft 18 and the second shaft 20 move toward the stowed position. The wedge 22 can be fixed, eg, by nailing, etc., to the steering wheel bracket 36 and / or to the second axle 20.

As stated above, the wedge 22 can move with the second axis 20 while the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 are moved toward the retracted position. As wedge 22 moves with second shaft 20 toward the retracted position, wedge 22 moves from a spaced disconnected position from housing 14 to a connected position making contact with housing 14.

Wedge 22 is in the disconnected position, namely, spaced from housing 14, during typical operation of vehicle 12, eg, in the absence of an occupant impact. A distance of the wedge 22 from the housing 14 in the disconnected position can be designed to adjust the energy absorption during the first energy absorption phase. For example, the distance of the wedge 22 from the housing 14 in the disconnected position may be 100mm. By way of another example, the more spaced the wedge 22 is in the disconnected position from the housing 14, the more the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 retract, telescopically, relative to each other, and the greater the friction generated. to dissipate the impact force F, before the wedge 22 connects the second end 50 of the casing 14.

Wedge 22 is in the engaged position when first shaft 18 and second shaft 20 are retracted, telescopically, relative to each other, and wedge 22 moves toward housing 14 and connects second end 50 of housing 14 For example, in the connected position, the wedge 22 extends inwardly into and connects the cylindrical circumference of the second end 50. The wedge 22 is configured to deform the housing 14 after connecting the housing 14. For example, wedge 22 can deform second end 50 away from axis E, eg, by folding, peeling, separating, etc., as shown in Figure 3C. As such, in the second phase of energy absorption, the connection of the wedge 22 and the second end 50 of the housing 14 absorbs the force F generated by the occupant impacting the steering column assembly 10. In the second energy absorption phase, the friction generated from the telescopic retract of the first axle 18 and the second axle 20, relative to each other, can also absorb the force F generated by the occupant that impacts against the steering column assembly. 10.

Wedge 22 can be conical or have any appropriate shape. Wedge 22 may include ribs 58. Ribs 58 may, for example, extend along axis E. Wedge 22 may taper along axis E toward second end 56. For example, ribs 58 may taper to along axis E toward second end 56. Wedge 22 can be made of any suitable material such as metal, eg, aluminum, steel, and the like.

As stated above, the steering column assembly 10 absorbs energy in two phases during the impact of the occupant of the steering column assembly 10. During the first energy absorption phase, the first axle 18 and the second axle 20 they retract, telescopically, relative to each other, while wedge 22, initially spaced from casing 14, moves toward casing 14. In the first energy absorption phase, the friction generated between the first axle 18 and the second axle 20 as each is telescopically retracted from the other, absorbs the energy from the impact of the occupant of the steering column assembly 10 . Subsequently, when the wedge 22 connects the second end 50 of the casing 14, in the second phase of energy absorption, the wedge 22 deforms the material of the second end 50, while the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 continue to retract, telescopic shape, one relative to the other, to generate friction. In the second phase of energy absorption, therefore, the deformation of the material by the wedge 22 and the friction generated between the first axis 18 and the second axis 20 absorb the energy of the impact of the occupant of the steering column assembly 10. The two-stage energy absorbability of the steering column assembly 10 cushions the impact of the occupant against the steering column assembly 10 and increases the amount of energy that the steering column assembly 10 can absorb.

The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of descriptive rather than limiting words. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.