Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile steering shaft mounting system which includes a support plate, fixed to a car body and having support member extending on its four corners; a bracket, which cups around a steering shaft and is able to be connected with the support members and move toward and away from the car body in a fixed sphere; cams, mounted to both sides of a fixed axis and can move the bracket toward and away from the car body to connect and disconnect with the support members; and an actuator, controlled by an electronic control unit when the ECU receives signals from an engine rotation sensor, and which rotates the cams according to the inputted signals.

Abstract: In an automobile vehicle steering column including a steering shaft mounted in a tube-body by means of bearings and attached to a reinforcing member of the tube-body which is mounted on a support member fixed to the chassis of the vehicle and an adjustment system with an axle for locking the support member, an active retraction device in the steering column comprises two sloping wedges mounted on and having conjugate inclinations relative to the axle, and at least one fusible pin coupling the sloping wedges. The inside sloping wedge is disposed around the depthwise adjustment slide and the outside sloping wedge is attached to the axle of the adjustment system. In the event of an impact, the fusible pin is sheared by the triggering of an air-bag and allows the sloping wedges to move apart and to release the tension in the adjustment system axle in order to allow the steering shaft to move in a required direction.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device for a steering column of an automotive vehicle comprising energy-absorbing straps on opposite sides of the steering column. The straps are made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. Each strap has a laterally inner leg and a laterally outer leg secured to the inner leg by one or more rivets. The legs of each strap extend lengthwise of the steering column and have corresponding ends laterally connected together by a curved loop portion. The inner leg of each strap is rigidly connected to the steering column. The outer leg of each strap is rigidly connected to the instrument panel. The rivets are adapted to shear in a frontal impact to allow the inner leg of each strap to move with the steering column as it collapses, with the loop portion of each strap resisting such collapse to gradually absorb energy and prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle having a steering shaft includes an elongated crank having a first end operably fixedly connected to an end of the steering shaft and a steering plate rotatably connected to a second end of the elongated crank and having a pair of laterally displaced handles connected thereto, such that the steering plate is rotatable about the steering shaft and may further include at least one idler crank having a first end rotatably connected to a portion of the vehicle and a second end rotatably connected to the steering plate.

Abstract: A shock absorbing plate for a vehicle steering column is provided with a first portion for connection to a vehicle structure and the second portion for connection to a steering column which supports a steering wheel. A pair of parallel grooves are formed in the plate to define the second portion of the shock absorbing plate which is torn from the first portion of the shock absorbing plate when an excess force is applied axially to the steering column in order to absorb such excess force by axially moving the steering column relative to the vehicle structure. The shock absorbing characteristics of the shock absorbing plate can be varied by the shape of the grooves.

Abstract: A safety steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a multi-member steering spindle, of which a portion close to the steering wheel is guided in a steering column tube which is fastened on a cross member largely unaffected in the case of a front collision. A portion of the steering spindle located close to the steering gear is constructed as a deformation member for absorbing an axial displacement of the steering gear. The deformation member is hinged on at one end to the portion of the steering spindle close to the steering wheel and is hinged on the other end to the input shaft of a steering gear. The input shaft of the steering gear has a desired bending point which is designed such that, when the steering gear in the direction of the passenger compartment such as during an accident, first the axial displacement path of the deformation member is largely used up before a buckling deformation starts at the desired bending point.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) has a steering gear (26) connected with a frame (12) to turn steerable vehicle wheels (14). A body (16) of the vehicle (10) is resiliently mounted on the frame (12). A steering wheel (28) is connected with the body (16) of the vehicle and is rotatable to actuate the steering gear (26). An improved shaft assembly (38) is utilized to transmit force between the steering gear (26) and the steering wheel (28). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering wheel (28) through an upper universal joint (40). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering gear (26) through a lower universal joint (42). The shaft assembly (38) includes a variable length portion (46) having upper and lower sections (48 and 52) which are disposed in a telescopic relationship. A connector assembly (54) interconnects an extension section (50) with the variable length portion (46) of a shaft assembly (38) when the upper and lower universal joints (40 and 42) are in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An energy absorber is provided which can primarily be used as a replaceable energy absorbing bumper support structure. The structure includes a hollow cylinder with a stamped pattern on the cylinder wall for initiating an indented buckling pattern during crush of the cylinder. Holes in the patterned cylinder also allow for crash control of the buckling cylinder. The energy absorber is staged to provide for an increase in crush force as it progressively crashes each stage.

Abstract: In a mounting structure of a key lock unit comprising a key lock unit having a locking rod whose end engages and disengages with a lock recess portion formed in a steering shaft in a column tube, and a rod housing which slidably provides the locking rod therein, a boss portion provided on the end of the rod housing being fitted into a penetrating mounting hole of the column tube, and a key lock bracket that receives and supports the end of the key lock unit being welded to the column tube, according to the present invention, a patch bracket having a through hole with a size corresponding to the mounting hole, and disposed in overlap with the outer surface of the column tube, matching the through hole with the mounting hole, and further welded to the key lock bracket, is provided, a through hole-shaped gap is provided between the key lock bracket and the column tube, and a detecting protrusion which fits into the through hole-shaped gap is provided.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a first mast jacket element mounted on a body of the vehicle, a second mast jacket element telescoped into a cylindrical passage in the first element, and a split bushing between the first and second elements. The bushing has a lip on an outside surface thereof which seats against the passage in the first mast jacket element to define a closed circumferential chamber around the bushing interrupted by the split in the latter. A plastic shim is molded in place in the closed circumferential chamber by injecting liquid plastic under pressure through a port in the first mast jacket element. Liquid plastic fills the closed circumferential chamber and clamps an inside surface of the bushing against an outer surface of the second mast jacket element to eliminate lash. Shrinkage of the plastic in the closed circumferential chamber reduces the contact pressure between the bushing and the second mast jacket element to minimize frictional drag.

Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock for an energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column having a linearly collapsible mast jacket includes a unitized construction consisting of a cylinder lock attached to an instrument panel of the motor vehicle remote from the mast jacket, a lateral housing between the cylinder lock and the mast jacket, a lock bolt in the lateral housing, rack and pinion gears which convert rotation of an element of the cylinder lock into linear translation of the lock bolt, and a frangible connection means at which an inboard part of the unitized construction adjacent the mast jacket separates from an outboard part in the direction of linear collapse of the mast jacket. The frangible connection means includes a pair of laterally aligned frangible joints between inboard and outboard segments of the lateral housing and between inboard and outboard segments of the lock bolt.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a motor vehicle steering column including a yoke pivotable about a lateral centerline of a motor vehicle body and an energy absorbing means between the yoke and the mast jacket responsive to linear translation of the mast jacket relative to the yoke. The mast jacket extends through a bore in the yoke and a plastic bushing in the bore prevents the mast jacket from tilting relative to the yoke before and during linear translation of the mast jacket. The energy absorbing means includes a flat metal strap attached at one end to the mast jacket and bent over a convex anvil on the yoke. The metal strap is pulled over the anvil parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the mast jacket and plastically deformed to convert into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of an impact on the steering column.

Abstract: A steering column support having a bracket on the steering column secured to vehicle support structure by fasteners at the rear edge of the bracket. Isolator pads at the front edge of the bracket are clamped under pressure between the bracket and the support structure The isolator pads dampen vibration of the steering column and also prevent undesirable tilting or rocking of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column including a structural housing, a releasable attachment between a body of the motor vehicle and a forward end of the structural housing, and a releasable attachment between an aft end of the structural housing and the vehicle body which restrains the aft end vertically and in the direction of a longitudinal centerline of the structural housing. The aft attachment includes a lateral rod on the vehicle body, a retainer on the structural housing which hooks over the lateral rod, a pair of blocks on the structural housing slidable in the direction of the longitudinal centerline of the latter, each having a ramp facing the lateral rod, and a pair of springs biasing the blocks toward the aft end of the structural housing. The springs wedge the ramps on the blocks under the lateral rod.

Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle provides an improved steering response characteristic and has has an elastic member which is included in a transmission path from a steering wheel to tires of the vehicle to be operated by the steering wheel, such as a steering column coupling which is elastically deformed according to the rotation of a steering column shaft, or a rack insulator for elastically supporting a rack housing of a rack/pinion steering mechanism. The elastic member is comprised of a spring element and a damping element of which the ratio C/K of the damping coefficient C to the spring constant K is such that C/K is greater than 1/(10.pi.).

Abstract: An energy absorbing mounting bracket is made of a flat rolled steel and includes a frame having a window through which a mast jacket of a steering column protrudes defined by a plurality of flat walls which plastically deform in twist instead of in hinge-like bending. The frame includes a horizontal flat wall above the mast jacket and a pair of generally diagonal flat walls converging toward an apex below the mast jacket where the mast jacket is rigidly connected to the mounting bracket. A mounting flange in the middle of the horizontal flat wall defines a platform whereat the frame is rigidly attached to a body structure of the motor vehicle in cantilever fashion with the frame extending laterally on both sides of the mounting flange so that each of the flat walls of the frame reacts in bending and in twist against a force on the mast jacket in a collapse direction.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a safety system for steering shafts, in which shaft parts non-rotatably engage each other and are secured against relative displacement in relation to one another by injected shear materials, which are designed for maximum axial forces in the steering shaft and engage recesses on the outer circumference of the inner shaft part and on the inner circumference of the outer shaft part. Such a safety system has an at least double telescoping shaft system, in which at least two shaft parts are connected to one another by an intermediate shaft part, and the inner shaft parts engage a radial expansion of the corresponding outer shaft part, and a cross section of the shear material designed for shearing is arranged between the shaft parts in the area of the expansion.

Abstract: A steering column is supported on a rear support portion provided on a steering hanger and on a front support portion provided on a steering pivot connected to the steering hanger, and a steering shaft provided at its rear end with a steering wheel is rotatably supported by the steering column. Opposite ends of a connection member are pivotally supported at a dashboard lower member and the steering pivot by pins. If the dashboard lower member is retreated by a frontal collision of a vehicle, the steering pivot and the front support portion are raised upward by a load transmitted through the connection member, and the upper end of the steering column is turned in a rearward and downward direction about the rear support portion. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the steering wheel from being turned in an upward and forward direction, and an air bag can reliably be operated to protect the vehicle driver during the collision.

Abstract: Apparatus for dampening vibration of a steering column which permits quick release and axial collapse of the steering column in a collision. Mounting brackets on the steering column have slide bars which fit in grooves in support brackets secured to the vehicle frame. Wedges fit in recesses between the slide bars and grooves to dampen vibration. The wedges release instantly when the steering column collapses in a frontal impact, allowing the collapse of the steering column without interference.

Abstract: A steering column bearing is comprised of an outer bush and an inner bush held in the outer bush. The outer bush includes: an inner ring having a lip portion and a retaining protrusion formed projectingly along the circumferential direction at a predetermined interval from the lip portion in an axial direction; an outer ring having protrusions; a support leg by which an outer peripheral surface portion of the inner ring not corresponding to a hollow cylindrical recess and an inner peripheral surface portion of the outer ring corresponding to that outer peripheral surface portion are integrally connected to each other in the circumferential direction; and reinforcing ribs each of which extends from an outer peripheral surface portion of the inner ring corresponding to the lip portion to the support leg, and integrally connects the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, and the support leg.

Abstract: A steering shaft for a steering system of a motor vehicle including an outer tubular member, and an inner tubular member extending into the outer member and secured therein against axial and/or radial displacement relative to the outer member, with the two tubular members being axially displaceable relative to each other in case of a collision, and with one of the tubular members having tear-off strips with bent-over front ends having bent-over sections engaging the other tubular member, each of the tear-off strips being formed by two spaced flutes of the one tubular member, the flutes also defining weakness locations.

Abstract: A crash system for the steering column in a motor vehicle, in which two tube ends are connected to one another by an insert which clamps the two tube ends to one another up to a predetermined axial load. This insert is a tolerance ring, whose cross-sectional profile is compressible. An adjustable clamping device surrounds the outer tube end and acts radially.

Abstract: A fixture for identifying the phase angle relationships between two universal joints secured to the ends of a steering shaft assembly includes first and second universal joint assemblies which are connected together by a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a male splitted member which is secured to a first inboard yoke of the first universal joint assembly. The male splined member extends within and cooperates with a female splined member of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly also includes a hollow cylindrical extension member having a first end which is secured to a second inboard yoke of the second universal joint assembly. The extension member has a second end which is journalled on a reduced diameter end portion of the female splined member. Thus, the extension member and the second universal joint can be rotated relative to the female splined member and the first universal joint assembly.

Abstract: A shaft coupling, especially for coupling upper and lower shafts of a vehicle steering column, comprises two yokes interconnected through respective cross members by a pivotable elbow member having two limbs pivoted together. The outer end of each limb is coupled to a respective one of the cross members and the pivot axes of the elbow member and the cross members mounted on the elbow member are parallel to one another. The coupling is suitable for a steering column which is rake and/or reach adjustable and allows, upon impact in a crash situation collapse of the coupling so one limbs contacts the other in order to transmit collapse effort the through the coupling.

Abstract: A steering column support for mounting a steering column in a vehicle comprises a mounting plate having a first surface for engaging the vehicle and a channel for receiving the steering column located on a side opposite from the first surface. The mounting plate is connectable in any one of a plurality of positions along an axis of the steering column. The mounting plate further includes slots located on opposite sides of the channel for receiving fasteners for connecting the mounting plate to the vehicle.

Abstract: A coupling and sliding section A.sub.3 is formed by an outer shaft A.sub.1 and an inner shaft A.sub.2 of a steering shaft A which is telescopically contractable in the axial direction during receipt of an impact. A resin material 5 is injected between a slid portion 4 of the inner shaft A.sub.2 and a sliding portion 2 of the outer shaft A.sub.1 through an opening 1a of the outer shaft A.sub.1, thereby forming a sliding resin portion 6. In addition, a fixing resin portion 6 is formed in the coupling and sliding section A.sub.3 at an appropriate interval from the sliding resin portion 6.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly of the telescopic type having a lower shaft rotatably supported in place within a stationary lower column tube, an upper shaft rotatably supported in place within an upper column tube axially movably coupled within the lower column tube and provided thereon with a steering wheel, the upper shaft being telescopically connected to the lower shaft in such a manner as to restrict relative rotation to the lower shaft, and a lock mechanism for releasably fastening the upper column tube to the lower column tube at an adjusted position, wherein a shock absorbing mechanism is provided in combination with the lock mechanism for absorbing an impact force applied to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column apparatus of a motor vehicle including a steering wheel made of a material whose stiffness is increased while the inside thereof is filled with gas and whose elasticity is increased while the gas is exhausted, and a steering column part connected to the steering wheel for decreasing a secondary shock when the driver strikes the steering wheel at the time of a collision of the vehicle while slidably moving lengthwise by the gas pressure varying depending on the control of a controller. The steering column part has a plurality of hollow steering columns. The compressed gas is supplied to the inside of the steering column part and exhausted therefrom by the control of the controller. If the collision of the vehicle is detected, since the steering column is collapsible lengthwise, the distance between the driver and the steering wheel becomes long.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for a steering column includes an energy absorbing member which is immovably fixed to a vehicle body and a bracket adapted to move together with the steering column with respect to the energy absorbing member. The bracket is provided with a horizontally crushing through-hole portion, while the energy absorbing member is provided with a pair of crushable abutment portions formed respectively on opposite sides of a flat plate-like main portion. The energy absorbing member is disposed by being passed through the horizontally crushing through-hole portion, and both sides of the horizontally crushing through-hole portion normally abut against the crushable abutment portions.

Abstract: An upper supporting member for supporting an upper pin projecting upwardly from a steering gear box is supported on a rear subframe extending in back of the steering gear box. A lower supporting member for supporting a lower pin projecting downwardly from the steering gear box is supported on a front subframe extending between the lower supporting member and a rear surface of an engine in front of the steering gear box. An upper end of a pinion shaft extending upwardly from the steering gear box and a lower end of a steering shaft are interconnected by an intermediate shaft which is capable of being broken by a shear pin. Upon collision of the vehicle, the steering gear box can be turned or rotated forwardly relative to the supporting structure, whereby the steering wheel can be reliably moved forwardly, or released from the steering gear box to provide a secondary stroke.

Abstract: A steering column support (26) for mounting an energy absorbing steering column within a motor vehicle includes a strap (30) that extends transversely with respect to the steering axis A and has a central portion (32) that mounts the steering column as well as having opposite ends (38) each of which include a mounting portion (40) for mounting on the vehicle. The support (26) also includes a guide (52) secured to the vehicle. The guide (52) extends along a predetermined axis and the strap (30) includes a hook (42) disposed adjacent to the guide (52). Collapse of the steering column along the steering axis A deforms the strap to absorb energy while the hook (42) engages the guide (52) to direct the steering column to a predetermined orientation during the collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device disposed between two elements which are movable apart from each other in response to an externally applied force. The device has a wire coil winding having a plurality of turns at one end and a rectilinear length portion at another end extending away from a turn of the coil winding. One of the two elements has a support axis about which the coil winding turns are would axially thereof. A second of the two elements has an end of the rectilinear length portion of the wire secured thereto. The turns of the coil winding are deformable and unwind about the axis to absorb energy of a force applied in a direction parallel to the rectilinear relatively separating apart the two elements. The energy device is uable on automobile vehicle steering columns for absorbing impact forces.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a modular plug-in characteristic. A receiver is rigidly secured on a vehicle cross-car beam. A modular main housing assembly is slidably received by the receiver. Docking of electrical and mechanical connectors occurs as the modular main housing assembly is inserted into the receiver. A lower steering column shaft portion is supported within the receiver. The modular main housing assembly includes an upper steering column shaft portion for mating with the lower steering column shaft portion. The modular main housing assembly is installed in the receiver at any stage in a vehicle assembly after the instrument panel is installed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a longitudinally collapsible mast jacket, a lower mount whereat the mast jacket is supported for vertical pivotal movement, and an upper mount consisting of a pair of stationary rigid strikers and a pair of releasable capsules on the mast jacket each of which receives in plug-in fashion and automatically retains a corresponding one of the strikers. Each of the capsules includes a socket, a plunger bore intersecting the socket, a plunger in the plunger bore, and a plunger spring biasing the plunger toward an extended position partially obstructing the socket. Each striker has a cam at a distal end thereof and an inverted frustoconical body. When the mast jacket is pivoted vertically up, the cams on the strikers shift the plungers inward in the plunger bores.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle including a housing supported on a body structure of the vehicle for translation through a linear collapse stroke in response to an impact on a steering wheel of the steering column and an energy absorber. The energy absorber includes a flat metal ribbon having a first end anchored to the housing, an unrestrained second end, a preformed first undulation near the first end looped over a stationary first roller, and a preformed second undulation tangent to the first undulation looped over a floating second roller. The first and second undulations overlap each other and are confined between a pair of parallel containment walls of the steering column housing.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided, and includes a receiver which slidably receives a telescope housing. The telescope housing includes an internally collapsible shaft. A lower universal joint is removably secured to the receiver for supporting a collapsible intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is collapsible in the direction of the engine compartment upon presentation of sufficient load upon the telescope housing to disconnect the lower universal joint from the receiver once the telescope housing itself has been internally collapsed. A lower bearing retainer supports the lower universal joint within the receiver. Shearable rivets secure the lower bearing retainer to the receiver. The rivets shear when sufficient load is present.

Abstract: This steering column assembly especially for a motor vehicle, of the type including, at least at one of its ends, means for screw-fastening to the rest of the structure of the vehicle, is characterized in that it includes means (5) for centring and for hooking onto the rest of the structure of the vehicle, in order to facilitate the fitting of the screwing means and of the assembly to the rest of the structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp yoke having an angular adjustable insert. The angular adjustable insert has a profiled bore which is complementary to the profile of a shaft. The adjustability of the insert allows the insert to be rotated slightly during installation to account for tolerances in both the clamp yoke and the device the clamp yoke is being installed into. Preferably, the insert is axially restrained within the clamp yoke to prevent the insert from falling out of the clamp yoke prior to installation.

Abstract: In order to obtain sufficient energy absorbing capacity and, at the same time, to reduce the number of components and simplify assembly, synthetic resin is disposed between a shaft and a tube. The synthetic resin is torn and broken when strong compressive force in the axial direction is given at the time of a car crash, allowing the shaft to be pushed deeply into the tube until it contacts a pin. In this state, the contact position between one end of the tube and a cover tube substantially coincides with a small-cross-section portion formed in an intermediate part of the shaft. As a result, the shaft can bend at the small-cross-section portion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle includes a steering column shaft (1) mounted so that it can move rotatably inside a column body (2), and a restraining arrangement (5) for temporarily axially immobilizing the shaft within the body for fitting the assembly onto the rest of the structure of the vehicle, it being possible to move the restraining arrangement between an active immobilization position and a non-obstructing position. The restraining arrangement includes structure (10) for enabling a limited degree of axial movement of the shaft within the body when the arrangement is in the non-obstructing position.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft consisting of a solid inner shaft member slidable within a tube member. A C-shaped connecting member or clip is inserted into a pair of opposed holes in tube member. The ends of connecting member engage a shoulder on the shaft member to prevent the two portions (the shaft member and the tube member) of the intermediate member from disengaging. The shaft member and the tube member are slidable relative to one another to accommodate movement of the front axle and the steering gear mechanism.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system including a tabular outer shaft, a tubular center shaft slidably telescoped in the outer shaft, and a solid inner shaft slidably telescoped in the center shaft and all coupled for unitary rotation by respective pairs of flat sides on each. Each of the flat sides of the tubular center shaft is interrupted by a pair of outward facing shallow grooves always concealed in the overlap between the tubular outer and center shafts. One of the flat sides in the tubular center shaft is further interrupted by an exposed shallow groove located near a distal end of the outer shaft in an extended or normal position of the tubular center shaft.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member is constructed of a main body including a base and a belt portion having first and second folded portions and an interconnecting plate welded to the main body. A middle portion of the belt portion is confined between an upper surface of the base and a lower surface of the interconnecting plate. Thus, the energy absorbing member itself provides two surfaces for guiding the belt portion. Assembly of a shock absorbing steering column apparatus is thereby facilitated and a compact apparatus can be realized.

Abstract: Rotation of a steering wheel (7) is transferred to a steering gear (17) via a pipe-like first shaft (2) and a second shaft (3), which is inserted in the first shaft (2) so that transfer of rotation between the two shafts (2), (3) and relative axial movement between the two shafts (2), (3) are allowable. A ball (23) inserted in a through hole (20) formed through the first shaft (2) is held by a recess (21) formed on the outer surface of the second shaft (3), so that a portion of the ball (23) is projected from the outer surface of the second shaft (3). The inner surface of the first shaft (2) is plasticly deformed by the ball (23) by displacing the recess (21) away from the through hole (20) to form a groove (25).

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly with means to absorb energy transmitted by the steering column upon collapse, including a deformable U-shaped wire clip engaged around a pair of pins. A skid member adjoins the clip and is coupled to the steering column so that, upon collapse of the steering column, the skid member is urged in a direction to deform the wire clip by drawing it over the pins. The clip and skid member are accommodated in a fixed mounting bracket for the steering column.

Abstract: A hollow steering shaft having a good quality can be manufactured at a low cost by passing a blank tube having a circular cross section through a preliminary shaping die and then through a finishing shaping die. The blank tube which has passed through the preliminary shaping die is formed with two kinds of convex curve surface portions having different radii of curvature and arranged continuously, circumferentially and alternately. When the blank tube passes through the finishing shaping die, the larger convex curve surface portions are deformed into flat portions. As a result, a steering shaft having an elliptical cross section is manufactured.

Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus with a motorized power steering device secures an amount of displacement in a secondary collision in spite of the presence of a housing for supporting an electric motor. A housing fixed to the fore end portion of the steering column is supported on a vehicle body by an energy absorbing member. During a secondary collision, the energy absorbing member permits the forward displacement of the steering shaft and steering column while being plastically deformed. When the distance between a first and a second universal joint is shortened with the displacement, the full length of a transmission shaft is shortened.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system including a polygonal tubular shaft, a polygonal solid shaft telescopically slidably disposed in the tubular shaft, and a twist lock for clamping a side of the solid shaft against a side of the tubular shaft to eliminate angular lash between the solid and tubular shafts. The twist lock includes a sleeve rotatably supported on the tubular shaft, a window in the tubular shaft, a plug in the window having an end bearing against a side of the solid shaft, a cantilever spring on the plug, and an actuator on the sleeve. In an open position of the twist lock, the actuator is remote from the cantilever spring and the solid and tubular shafts are freely telescopically slidable relative to each other. The sleeve is rotatable to effect a closed position of the twist lock in which the actuator flexes the cantilever spring to bias the end of the plug against the solid shaft and, consequently, a side of the solid shaft against a side of the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A steering shaft coupling comprising: an outer tubular shaft member, a coaxial inner shaft member slidably inserted within the outer tubular shaft member, the outer tubular shaft member having an inner peripheral wall and the inner shaft member having an outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall having complementary shapes, the complementary shapes transmitting torque between the shaft members, and a biasing member between the inner shaft member and the outer tubular shaft member, the biasing member causing a force opposing the transmitted torque.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for the steering column of an automotive vehicle comprises a pair of generally U-shaped straps made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. One leg of each strap is connected to a bracket affixed to vehicle support structure. The other leg is connected to the steering column. In a collision, the straps resist movement of the steering column and gradually absorb energy to prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver. A connection between the steering column and the bracket prevents vibration of the steering column during normal operation of the vehicle. This connection is releasable in response to initial vehicle impact to allow controlled movement of the steering column under the restraining influence of the straps.