Abstract: A method for forming a one-piece steering shaft member, such as an externally splined male steering shaft member (or yoke shaft) or an internally splined female steering shaft member (or slip yoke) is disclosed. A hollow cylindrical tube is initially provided which is preferably formed from a blank of a metallic material, such as aluminum, having an elongation factor of at least fifteen percent. It is desirable that the tube have a uniform wall thickness and define an outer diameter which is substantially uniform along the length thereof. The outer diameter of one end of the tube is reduced from its original diameter while the outer diameter of the opposite end is maintained at its original diameter. A splined surface is formed in the reduced diameter end portion of the tube. The splined surface is formed on the external surface of the yoke shaft and on the internal surface of the slip yoke. A yoke member is then formed in the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: A steering intermediate shaft has an inner shaft member and an outer tube member so engaged with each other as to be capable of transmitting rotation and to be slidable in an axial direction. The outer tube member includes slits so formed at one end as to extend in the axial direction. An annular fastening member is provided at a portion of the outer tube member formed with the slits to exert a fastening action inwards in a radial direction. The fastening member includes a disengagement preventing member for preventing the outer tube member from disengaging from the inner shaft member against an axial force within a predetermined value by engaging with the inner shaft member.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes an upper mounting bracket secured to rigid vehicle support structure by capsules which release in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The upper mounting bracket is secured to and moves with the steering column during its collapse. A lower mounting bracket is rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure. Flexible, bendable U-shaped straps connect the upper mounting bracket to the lower mounting bracket to gradually resist collapse of the steering column and prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against a driver. The vehicle support structure overlies the upper mounting bracket to resist upward displacement during collapse with the steering column.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft apparatus of a steering shaft assembly includes: an input shaft; a coupling shaft fixed to the input shaft in a circumferential direction and arranged to be slidable relative to the input shaft in an axial direction only during application of an impact thereto; an output shaft fixed to the coupling shaft in the circumferential direction and arranged to be slidable in the axial direction; and a buffer joint fitted at an axial end portion of the output shaft and formed by coupling an output-side yoke member and a cup member via an elastic member, wherein the output shaft and the cup member are provided with a penetrating portion through which the coupling shaft is capable of penetrating in the axial direction.

Abstract: A connection between a collapsible mast jacket of an energy absorbing steering column and a body of a motor vehicle including a mounting bracket on the mast jacket having a planar flange parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the steering column, a V-shaped slot in the planar flange, and a V-shaped capsule in the V-shaped slot clamped rigidly to the body of the motor vehicle. A pair of channels in converging sides of the V-shaped capsule receive corresponding edges of the V-shaped slot for vertical support of the mast jacket on the vehicle body. The V-shaped capsule is retained on the mounting bracket by a pair of integral lugs on opposite sides of the V-shaped capsule seated in retaining notches in the edges of the V-shaped slot. Impact forces on the steering column fracture the integral lugs to release the mast jacket for energy absorbing collapse.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided for locking a motor vehicle steering column against rotation. The steering column includes a gear wheel which is fixed coaxially to the steering column shaft, and a pinion with an axis parallel to the steering column axis. The pinion is mounted for rotation in a moveable pinion support which is displaceable between a disengaged position, in which the pinion is disengaged from the gear wheel, and an engaged position in which the pinion is in mesh with the gear wheel. The steering lock also includes a clutch for preventing rotation of the pinion about its axis on the pinion support below a specific torque.

Abstract: An eversible tube is provided in a motor vehicle, especially as a connecting part for two steering shaft sections and which can be everted, starting at one end, during axial imposition of force with plastic deformation and energy consumption. Beginning at the eversion end, it has a longitudinal section that is easier to deform than the next longitudinal section.

Abstract: A method of forming a formlocking connection of two telescopic tubes and including providing in one of the two tubes at two diametrically opposite locations, elongate cut-outs, with the cut-outs having their respective end sides limited by at least one web, providing in another one of the two tubes, at two diametrically opposite locations, longitudinally extending strips extending from an end surface of the another one of the two tubes, inserting into the elongate cut-outs of the one of the two tubes, a forming tool, and thereafter, telescopically connecting the two tubes and pushing the two tubes toward each other so that the strips are pressed against the forming tool which causes the strips to roll over the webs, and a formlocking connection obtained by this method.

Abstract: A gas compression spring (10), is built into the telescoping shaft (1, 2) of a steering shaft. Via a cap element (12), the gas compression spring (10) presses against an articulated fork (6) and the piston rod (11) of the gas compression spring (10) presses against a lower articulated fork (7). The gas compression spring (10) and the piston rod (11) are accommodated in a stepped bore (8) of a sliding part (2) of the steering shaft of the telescoping shaft.

Abstract: A steering shaft is supported for tilting-up and tilting-down movements by a pivot mechanism, and connected at its front end to a steering gear box by a joint shaft. The joint shaft passes through an opening of a dashboard and is provided with a stopper facing a rear portion of the opening. When the dashboard is driven backwards as a result of collision of the vehicle, the joint shaft having the stopper urged by the opening is driven backward along with the dashboard. Thus, the steering gear box can be moved rearwards and downwards to inhibit the forward and downward pulling of the joint shaft, thereby preventing tilting-up of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A telescoping driveshaft assembly that has a relatively low collapse force rating and that does not have a reduced torque carrying capacity includes an inner tube that is received within an outer tube in a press fit relationship. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube such that a predetermined amount of overlap is formed between the two tubes. A mechanical interlock is formed in the overlapped region for increasing the total frictional force between the inner tube and the outer tube as well as for increasing the torque carrying capacity of the driveshaft tube. The mechanical interlock can be formed using one or more crimps which are disposed in the overlapped region. The length of the overlapped region, the number of crimps and the crimp configuration are a function of a number of factors including the torque requirements of the driveshaft tube, the sizes of the inner tube and the outer tube, and the material chosen for the driveshaft tube.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for motor vehicles which selectively disables the vehicle by interrupting the operative connection of the steering wheel to the steering column. The device includes an outer cylindrical boss which is affixed to the steering wheel and an inner cylindrical boss which is affixed to the steering column. The outer boss is disposed about the inner boss and axially movable thereon with the steering wheel between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the inner boss is coupled to the outer boss by a plurality of engaged locking teeth for operation of the vehicle. In the disengaged position locking teeth on the outer boss are axially separated from locking teeth on the inner boss and the outer boss and attached steering wheel are freely rotatable about the inner boss, operatively disengaging the steering wheel from the steering column and effectively disabling the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column including a mast jacket adjustable vertically and horizontally and clamp. The clamp includes a housing having a pair of piston bores and a control shaft bore intersecting each of the piston bores. A control shaft is rotatable in the control shaft bore and connected to a manual operating lever. A pair of passages in the control shaft define gates in the piston bores which are fully open and partially open in an unlocked position and in a locked position, respectively, of the manual operating lever. Aggregates of media grains in the piston bores traverse the open gates without interference in response to relative linear translation between the pistons and the piston bores. The media grains bridge the partially open gates and clump in the piston bores to define solid plugs which rigidly immobilize the pistons.

Abstract: A steering system of automobiles for absorbing impact force, which comprises a steering tube, connected to a steering handle, having a plurality of fixing openings for fixing balls therein; a steering shaft partially inserted into the steering tube and having a plurality of multi-stepped guide grooves for guiding the balls; and the balls positioned in the fixing openings of the steering tube. The guide grooves are adjacent to the fixing openings at one end and extended longitudinally for a predetermined distance, and the balls travel from the fixing openings into the multi-stepped guide grooves between the steering tube and the steering shaft, generating frictional force and absorbing impact force. Hence, the impact force is absorbed by the multi-stepped portions of the guide grooves and gradually transmitted to the driver from the beginning to the end of a collision to ensure the driver with enough time to react to the collision, thereby minimizing injury to the driver.

Abstract: A steering column in an automotive vehicle is supported by a stationary wall that carries two capsules on either side of the steering column. The steering column has an attachment wall that extends within the capsules. Each capsule has two support walls sandwiched around the attachment wall and a tubular connector joining the support walls together. Severable ribs are integral with the tubular connector and in contact with edge areas of the attachment wall, such that in a crash situation the steering column can collapse forwardly to minimize chest injury to the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tilting and telescopic structure for steering columns. In the structure, one tilt lever performs the tilting and telescopic function of adjusting the tilting angle and the length of a steering column in accordance with the body size of a driver. In an embodiment, a serrated actuating lever is provided at the telescopic part cooperating with the tilt lever, thus simply operating the tilting and telescopic structure. In another embodiment, the structure has an adjusting nut and bolt cooperating with the tilt lever and has a slit at both the outer tube and the distance bracket, thus being simply operated by controlling the width of the slit by the tilt lever.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load-transmitting part having at least two lateral engaging surfaces includes stamping a plurality of thin laminas from generally planar stock material. The laminas are stacked together such that the laterally-disposed surfaces of adjacent laminas cooperate to define the lateral engaging surfaces of the part. The laminas are permanently secured together to prevent relative laminar movement when a load is transmitted from one of the lateral engaging surfaces to another of the lateral engaging surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle and for dampening vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion. Support structure secured to the vehicle frame has a central support body and laterally spaced, first and second support flanges on opposite sides of the support body. A bracket secured to the steering column has a central bracket body and laterally spaced, first and second bracket flanges on opposite sides of the bracket body. The bracket body and its flanges are opposed to the support body and its flanges. Fastener assemblies connect the bracket flanges to the support flanges. An isolator pad is secured to the bracket in the space between the bracket body and the support body. The isolator pad is in sheet form and has portions forwardly and rearwardly of the fastener assemblies to dampen steering column vibration and rocking of the steering column about a transverse axis through the fastener assemblies.

Abstract: A method of making a torsional damper for a motor vehicle intermediate steering shaft including the steps of forming a tubular end on a shaft of the intermediate steering shaft, forming a damper chamber in a yoke of a torsionally rigid universal coupling around and oversize relative to the tubular end of the shaft so that an uncalibrated annular clearance is defined therebetween, disposing a tubular torsion block in the uncalibrated annular clearance with an outside surface bonded to an inside surface of the damper chamber and an inside surface bonded to an outside surface of the tubular end of the shaft, and converting the uncalibrated annular chamber to a calibrated annular chamber by expanding the tubular end of the shaft inside of the damper chamber to radially compress tubular torsion block and increase the torsional stiffness thereof.

Abstract: A connection between a collapsible mast jacket of an energy absorbing steering column and a body of a motor vehicle including a mounting bracket on the mast jacket having an attachment flange perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the steering column, an aperture in the attachment flange, a plastic bushing captured in the aperture, and a fastener operative to rigidly clamp the plastic bushing to the body of the motor vehicle. The plastic bushing fractures in response to an impact on the steering column to release the mounting bracket. In a preferred embodiment, retention between the attachment flange and the plastic bushing is effected by an edge of the aperture in the attachment flange seated in an annular outside groove in the plastic bushing.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft in a steering unit shortens in an axial direction when an impact load, over a specified impact load, is applied thereto, and thereby absorbs impact. The power transmission shaft includes a hollow shaft having a female serration on the inner circumference thereof. An insertion shaft has a male serration on the outer circumference thereof that engages with the female serration of the hollow shaft when inserted into the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft and the insertion shaft are connected with each other so that they can transmit power in the circumferential direction, yet they are displaceable in the axial direction . An inward depressed portion is formed on the hollow shaft to establish the impact absorption of the power transmission shaft. A concave portion, formed on the insertion shaft aids in the uniform formation of the depressed portion and thereby simplifies the assembly process.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column including a structural housing, a pair of wedge blocks supported in guide channels on the structural housing for linear translation parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the steering column, a retainer plate on the structural housing over the guide channels, a lateral shoulder on each wedge block, and springs between each of the wedge blocks and the structural housing. When the wedge blocks are pushed backward in their guide channels, the springs are compressed and tip the wedge blocks upward to seat the lateral shoulders on the wedge blocks against the retainer plate and thereby retain the wedge blocks in retracted positions. The retainer plate is hooked over a lateral rod on a body of the motor vehicle to support an aft end of the structural housing vertically on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle has a steering spindle section which can be deformed in an energy-converting manner during a crash. On a side acted upon by the impact, the steering spindle is displaceably disposed in an axial slide bearing and is held at the opposite end in an axial fixed bearing. At least one additional slide bearing radially supports the steering spindle on the motor vehicle close to the deformable steering spindle section, on the side acted upon by the impact.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column includes a bellows tube with a corrugated portion in which the radius varies regularly along the length of the tube. A connective portion is located at both ends of the bellows tube, and transfer portions are located between each of the connective portions and the corrugated portion. By inserting a reinforcement into the end portion of the bellows tube, the strength and rigidity of the connective portion increases. Press forming, stamp forming, rivet forming, and/or adhesive methods are applied to connect the end portion of the bellows tube and the reinforcement.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle comprises a bracket having a central channel through which the steering column extends, and flanges extending laterally outwardly from the upper edges of the side walls of the channel. The flanges are rigidly secured to vehicle support structure. Release capsules are secured to the steering column bracket and are slidably engaged in slots in the side walls of the channel to permit stroke of the steering column in a frontal impact of sufficient magnitude.

Abstract: An elastic universal joint is constructed to prevent an interference between a front end surface of a shaft and a front edge of a second arm of a second yoke irrespective of an intersecting angle between two first and second yokes without increasing a size of the first yoke. For this purpose, a concave portion is formed in the front end surface of the shaft, and, in a state where the intersecting angle between the first and second yokes increases and a front edge of the second arm approaches closest to the front end surface thereof, this front edge enters the concave portion. A distance between a cross shaft and the front end surface is reduced corresponding to a depth of the concave portion, and the first yoke is downsized with a smaller weight, correspondingly.

Abstract: A steering column in which a slider shaft is disposed for axial motion within a telescoping tube, a low lash slider shaft is provided including an insert molded of a synthetic material about an end of the slider shaft and at least one longitudinal cut extending substantially radially at least part way through the molded insert into the slider shaft. The cut releases a portion of the shrinkage stresses of the synthetic insert to allow a spring force induced zero clearance between the shaft and the tube.

Abstract: A connection between a collapsible mast jacket of an energy-absorbing steering column and a body of a motor vehicle including an outboard mounting bracket on the mast jacket having a pair of lateral flanges, a pair of open slots in the lateral flanges each having a pair of side edges interrupted by a plurality of evenly-spaced notches, a pair of capsules in the open slots rigidly clamped to the vehicle body, and a plurality of equally-spaced plastic shear pins on the capsules seated in the notches to couple the capsules to the outboard mounting bracket. Each capsule includes a capsule base having the plastic pins thereon and a separate capsule cover. The linear pitch between the plastic shear pins is the same as the linear pitch between the notches.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a motor vehicle including a steering column and an electric power assist apparatus. The steering column includes a mast jacket, a steering shaft rotatably supported on the mast jacket, and a steering hand wheel on the steering shaft. The electric power assist apparatus includes a speed reducer on the mast jacket and an electric motor. A worm wheel of the speed reducer is rigidly connected to an output shaft of the speed reducer which, in turn, is connected to a steering gear of the motor vehicle. A worm gear of the speed reducer is driven by the electric motor and meshes with the worm wheel to transfer the torque of the electric motor to the speed reducer output shaft. A tubular reference shaft is rotatably supported on the speed reducer housing.

Abstract: A steering column for an automotive vehicle comprises a jacket tube and a steering shaft which is axially contractible and rotatably disposed through bearings inside the jacket tube. A lower bracket is fixed to a lower end section of the jacket tube. An upper bracket is fixed to a generally intermediate section of the jacket tube. In this steering column, the upper bracket includes a body installation section to be connected to a vehicle body. The body installation section has first and second side portions which are separate from each other. First and second front wall sections respectively extend from and are integral with the first and second side portions of the body installation section. The first and second front wall sections are respectively generally perpendicular to the first and second side portions of the installation section. First and second column installation sections are respectively integral with and generally perpendicular to the first and second front wall sections.

Abstract: A steering shaft is supported for tilting-up and tilting-down movements by a pivot mechanism, which includes a base member fixed to a steering hanger in an instrument panel, on arm member pivotably supported on the base member through a fulcrum pin, and holder which support the steering shaft on the arm member. When the steering shaft is pulled forwards and downwards as a result of collision of the vehicle, the end of the forward and downward turning of the arm member is inhibited by the contact of a ceiling wall of the arm member with a stopper face of a stopper, thereby preventing tilting-up of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering column assembly. The steering column assembly comprises an upper column member and a lower column member mounted to the upper column member such that the upper column member can move relative to the lower column member. A shock absorption assembly is interconnected between the upper column member and lower column member. The shock absorption assembly includes a piston member and a piston receiver, the piston receiver including absorbing material which, upon impact to the upper column member, is compressed by the piston member within the piston receiver and extruded from the piston receiver so as to absorb impact energy as the upper column member moves relative to the lower column member.

Abstract: A steering shaft (32) has a stress riser (70) which is inelastically deformable under stress induced by a predetermined vehicle crash force so as to initiate inelastic deflection of the shaft (32) under the crash force.

Abstract: A process for covering an object such as a steering wheel with a natural covering, preferably fine wood veneer, wherein the veneer is cut into strips, softened and molded. The thus molded veneer strip is first glued to one side of the object and then the ends are trimmed. Thereafter, a molded veneer strip is glued to the opposite side of the object, and the ends are trimmed.

Abstract: An elastic coupling for a steering apparatus includes: a thin-walled tubular member; a joint arm which is joined and fixed to the tubular member; an engaging through hole portion formed in a joining portion for joining the tubular member and the joint arm; an elastic bearing member fitted to an inner periphery of the tubular member; and a shaft fitted in the tubular member via the elastic bearing member and adapted to abut against an inner peripheral surface of the engaging through hole portion when the shaft is rotated by more than a predetermined rotating angle.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column has a tubular outer steering column part and a tubular inner steering column part partially telescoped with one another. The untelescoped portion of the outer part has integral, flexibly resilient tabs extending across the inner end portion of the inner part to yieldably obstruct and retard the further telescoping of the parts and thereby absorb energy during collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact.

Abstract: A shaft coupling including a socket, a first shaft, a plug on a second shaft seated in the socket, and a clamp operative to clamp together the first and the second shafts in the direction of a longitudinal centerline of the shaft coupling to prevent dislodgment of the plug from the socket. The clamp includes an annular first flange on the first shaft, an annular second flange on the second shaft facing the first flange, oppositely facing frustoconical shoulders on the first and the second flanges, a plurality of clamp jaws pivotally mounted on the first shaft arrayed symmetrically around the first and the second flanges each having a closed position inducing radial thrust on the oppositely facing frustoconical shoulders, and springs biasing each of the clamp jaws toward its closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes support structure have laterally spaced support flanges. A bracket on the steering column has bracket flanges. Insolator pads secured to the support flanges have a connection with the bracket flanges which releases in response to collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The support flanges have forward extensions providing ramps which engage the bracket flanges to prevent the steering column from rising during its collapse or during column stroke.

Abstract: A close-out boot for use in conjunction with a steering column of a motor vehicle. The boot is made of a flexible, elastomeric material. The boot is in the form of a transversely split annulus, and U-shaped in cross-section to provide an annular radially inner wall having ends abutting at the split and an annular radially outer wall having ends abutting at the split. The radially inner wall is adapted to engage and seal around the steering column. The ends of the inner wall have complementary coupling parts adapted to be releasably connected together. The coupling parts comprise a T-shaped, open-ended slot on one end of the inner wall, and a T-shaped tongue on the other end of the inner wall insertable into the slot. The radially outer wall is adapted to be secured to vehicle support structure.

Abstract: Telescopic shafts having a peripheral zone of a male member having grooves and ribs which grooves and ribs are interrupted longitudinally according to a sliding zone, which zone, in one embodiment, terminates in proximity to a fork member of a U-joint and in another embodiment, terminates at a limit of one of the extremes of the fork member.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle steering column assembly includes an elongated collapsible steering column, a lower support for the lower end portion of the steering column and an upper support for the upper end portion of the steering column. The lower support comprises a bracket connected to vehicle support structure and constructed to absorb energy and guide movement of the lower end portion of the steering column when the steering column collapses in a frontal impact. The upper support comprises a swing unit for controlling the movement of the upper end portion of the steering column when it collapses. The swing unit comprises a lock mechanism including a rod slidable in a tubular housing. The rod is connected to the upper end portion of the steering column and can be locked in adjusted position within the housing depending on the tilt desired. A swing arm has one end portion rotatably received in a fixed mounting block, to which the housing of the lock mechanism is connected.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle including a housing, an energy absorber between the housing and a body structure of the motor vehicle, a box-shaped bracket on the body structure surrounding a first end of the housing for vertical support, and a horizontal rod on the housing near a second end thereof, the lateral ends of which are seated on horizontal shoulders of a pair of vertical hangers on the body structure for vertical support of the second end of the housing. A cam is rotatably supported on the horizontal rod and locked in a retracted position by a retainer until the housing achieves vertical support on the body structure by the box-shaped bracket and the horizontal shoulders of the vertical hangers. When the retainer is withdrawn from the cam, a torsion spring rotates the cam to a position wedged between the body structure and the housing to eliminate vertical lash.

Abstract: A snap-on steering wheel assembly is provided with an integral airbag housing. The assembly includes a steering wheel having a hub, a plurality of support arms extending from the hub, and a rim connected to the support arms. An airbag housing is formed integrally with the hub for supporting the airbag. The hub is adapted for mating with a steering column shaft. A snap-on attachment arrangement is provided in cooperation between the hub and the steering column shaft so that the steering wheel may be snapped onto the steering column shaft.

Abstract: In a snap connection system in which a shaft is inserted into a tube to a predetermined position, where co-operating surfaces on tube and shaft engage as in a laterally acting wedge. Two axially spaced spring loaded balls on one side of the tube urge the shaft into wedging engagement with the tube when in the pre-determined position. During insertion, a further spring loaded ball on the opposite side of the tube adjacent the wedge apex urges the shaft out of wedging engagement with the tube. A detent in the shaft accommodates this further ball at the predetermined position, locating the shaft axially and permitting wedging. The balls are biased by a spring sleeve and a tang thereon locates the sleeve on the tube. The tang may extend to the tube interior to coact with a detent in the shaft so that unclipping is necessary for disassembly. Alternatively, a spring loaded pin extending through sleeve and tube wall may accomplish the same end.

Abstract: An energy absorbing type intermediate shaft structure to be incorporated into a steering device of an automobile for transmitting a steering force of a steering wheel to a steering gear, has a shaft inserted in a tube. The shaft has a small cross-sectional area portion and a pressing portion. A cover tube is present around the small cross-sectional area portion. The location at which the pressing portion is formed is regulated so that with the pressing portion bearing against the cover tube, one end edge of the cover tube may lie around the small cross-sectional area portion. A distance .alpha. between the pressing portion and the cover tube, a distance .beta. between the cover tube and the tube, and a distance .gamma. between the shaft and a member associated with a yoke in the steering device are set to satisfy the condition .alpha.+.beta.<.gamma..

Abstract: A position control apparatus for an adjustable steering column including a first toothed rack, a cam block shiftable in linear translation toward and away from the first toothed rack, a rack shoe having a second toothed rack thereon mounted on the cam block for linear translation therewith and for pivotal movement relative thereto, and a spring biasing the rack shoe to a tilted position on the cam block. An end tooth of the second toothed rack engages a mating tooth of the first toothed rack when the cam block is advanced toward the first toothed rack. The force reaction of the mating tooth on the end tooth pivots the rack shoe relative to the cam block to a position parallel to the first toothed rack in which the first and the second toothed racks mesh.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column including a housing supported on a body structure of the vehicle for linear translation in a collapse direction and an energy absorber which converts into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of an impact on the steering column. The energy absorber includes a bare flat metal ribbon, i.e., without friction-reducing coating or lubrication, preformed to define a pair of parallel straight sections and a lateral web between the straight sections. The ribbon is seated edge-wise on a horizontal wall of the steering column housing with the straight sections in a pair of longitudinal guide channels and the lateral web looped over a pair of laterally spaced bare anvils on the housing and wedged between the bare anvils and an abutment on the body structure on the other side of the lateral web from the anvils.

Abstract: A steering bearing between a bracket on a steering column tube and a support on a body of a motor vehicle. The bracket has a slot therein and the steering bearing includes a metal bearing bottom having a rest surface bearing flush against a first side of the bracket and a raised rest in the slot with a second side of the bracket and a collar raised above the raised rest, an elongated slot through the metal bearing bottom, a fastening bolt on the support passing through the elongated slot and clamping the metal bearing bottom against the support, a plastic insert rigidly attached to the bearing bottom seated flush on the raised rest having a tear-off surface which cooperates with the rest surface on the metal bearing bottom in defining a slot for the bracket on the steering column tube, an aperture in the bracket on the steering column tube, and a tear-off body integral with the tear-off surface received in the aperture in the bracket to retain the bracket relative to the plastic insert.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises struts as a support of the steering column tube on vehicle parts. At least one of these struts extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. On at least one transversely extending strut, at least one separating point is constructed by way of which, in the event of a crash load, the strut can be divided into mutually separated strut parts. During a crash, an unfavorable movement of the steering column tube is therefore prevented.

Abstract: The column comprises a column body (1) mounted on the frame via brackets (5, 6) comprising openings (15, 16) for the passage of fixing elements (12) to the frame, and capsules (10, 11) enclosing the brackets and retained by the fixing elements (12). The openings comprise guiding surfaces (21) disposed two by two on both sides of a vertical plane (31) containing the axis (32) of the column. In the event of an impact occurring, the brackets integral with the column body (1) move with respect to the capsules fixed to the frame, the guiding surfaces (21) sliding into the capsules (10, 11). These movements absorb a portion of the energy due to the impact and the surfaces ensure the axial guiding of the column. The capsules are made of plastics and a metallic insert is inserted between the fixing elements and the capsules. The column is particularly useful for motor vehicles provided with an inflatable safety air bag should an impact occur.