Abstract: Structure of a cross universal joint is achieved in which the fact that an excessive torque was applied to a universal joint due to a collision accident or mishandling can be easily determined afterwards. Protrusions 20, which are straight lines as seen from the outside surface sides of linking arm sections 15c of a yoke 12c, are formed on the outside surfaces of the linking arm sections 15c. When an excessive torque acts and the linking arm sections 15c are plastically deformed, the protrusions 20 change from a straight line to a non-straight line. From this change it is possible to easily confirm that an excessive torque has been applied to a cross universal joint that includes this yoke 12c. Moreover, when the space between the inside surfaces of the linking arm sections 15c is taken to be D, and the length in the axial direction of the linking arm sections 15c is taken to be L, the dimensions of the parts of the yoke 12c are regulated so that the relation 3<L/D?4 is satisfied.

Abstract: Structure of a cross universal joint is achieved in which the fact that an excessive torque was applied to a universal joint due to a collision accident or mishandling can be easily determined afterwards. Protrusions 20, which are straight lines as seen from the outside surface sides of linking arm sections 15c of a yoke 12c, are formed on the outside surfaces of the linking arm sections 15c. When an excessive torque acts and the linking arm sections 15c are plastically deformed, the protrusions 20 change from a straight line to a non-straight line. From this change it is possible to easily confirm that an excessive torque has been applied to a cross universal joint that includes this yoke 12c. Moreover, when the space between the inside surfaces of the linking arm sections 15c is taken to be D, and the length in the axial direction of the linking arm sections 15c is taken to be L, the dimensions of the parts of the yoke 12c are regulated so that the relation 3<L/D?4 is satisfied.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft is provided which connects a steering shaft and a steering gear mechanism together via a universal joint, a shoulder bolt is provided which fastens one of yokes of the universal joint and a shaft portion of the intermediate shaft and on which a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion which are adapted to be brought into engagement with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion are formed sequentially from a distal end portion side, and the intermediate shaft has a bolt engagement recess portion which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in such a manner as to extend in a direction which intersects an axial direction and which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the large diameter portion of the shoulder bolt and a dislocation preventive projecting portion which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of an end portion thereof, whereby a temporary fastening is implemented by bringing the small diameter portion of the sh

Abstract: End portions of lower-side telescopic friction plates 61, 61 which lie to face a front side of a vehicle body are connected integrally by a connecting portion 612, and a lower end 617 of the connecting portion 612 is fixed to an outer circumference of an upper-side lower column 10A by means of welding. When an upper column 11 is fastened on to a vehicle body mounting bracket 3 for tilt and telescopic positioning of the upper column 11, the lower-side telescopic friction plates 61 and upper-side telescopic friction plates 62 are fastened together. The upper column 11 and the lower column 10 are connected together via the lower-side telescopic friction plates 6 and the upper-side telescopic friction plates 62, whereby the rigidity and vibration properties of a steering apparatus as a whole are enhanced.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft is provided which connects a steering shaft and a steering gear mechanism together via a universal joint, a shoulder bolt is provided which fastens one of yokes of the universal joint and a shaft portion of the intermediate shaft and on which a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion which are adapted to be brought into engagement with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion are formed sequentially from a distal end portion side, and the intermediate shaft has a bolt engagement recess portion which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in such a manner as to extend in a direction which intersects an axial direction and which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the large diameter portion of the shoulder bolt and a dislocation preventive projecting portion which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of an end portion thereof, whereby a temporary fastening is implemented by bringing the small diameter portion of the sh

Abstract: End portions of lower-side telescopic friction plates 61, 61 which lie to face a front side of a vehicle body are connected integrally by a connecting portion 612, and a lower end 617 of the connecting portion 612 is fixed to an outer circumference of an upper-side lower column 10A by means of welding. When an upper column 11 is fastened on to a vehicle body mounting bracket 3 for tilt and telescopic positioning of the upper column 11, the lower-side telescopic friction plates 61 and upper-side telescopic friction plates 62 are fastened together. The upper column 11 and the lower column 10 are connected together via the lower-side telescopic friction plates 6 and the upper-side telescopic friction plates 62, whereby the rigidity and vibration properties of a steering apparatus as a whole are enhanced.

Abstract: [Problems]To further improve the operation property at the time of making a tilt and telescopic adjustment and reduce the number of parts and adjust the starting load at the time of a secondary collision. [Means for Resolution] On the outside of opposing flat plate portions 14, 14 of a vehicle body side bracket 11, friction plates 26, 26 for tilting are attached. Between these friction plates 26, 26, friction plates 27, 27 for telescoping are provided. On the friction plates 26, 26 for tilting, slotted holes 26a for tilting are formed corresponding to slotted holes 15 for tilting. On the friction plates 27, 27 for telescoping, slotted holes 27a for telescoping are formed corresponding to a telescopic adjustment range. The slotted holes 15, 26a for tilting are formed into a straight shape and perpendicular to an axis of an upper column 2.

Abstract: An electric power steering system comprising an upper bracket, a steering column, a steering shaft provided rotatably within the steering column, a tilt mechanism comprising a tilt clamp which tightly fastens the steering column between tightening plate portions of the upper bracket and a tilt pivot which oscillates the steering column, an electric assist unit provided at a lower end of the steering column, and a lower bracket fixed to the vehicle body at an opposite side of the electric assist unit to the steering column to rotatably support a pivot shaft of the tile pivot. A housing of the electric assist unit is brought into engagement with a pivot shaft of the tilt pivot in such a manner as to be allowed to move loosely, so that the steering column is allowed to oscillate about the pivot shaft, and a column rotation restricting portion is provided between the lower bracket and the housing.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering apparatus comprises a steering upper shaft fitted with a steering wheel, provided with a collapsible mechanism, a steering column for rotatably supporting the steering upper shaft therein, a first column bracket formed on the side of a front side end of the steering column and used for fixing a front portion of the steering column to a car body structural member, a second column bracket, formed on the side of a rear side end of the steering column and used for fixing a rear portion of the steering column to the car body structural member. A collapsible mechanism is provided, between the first and second column brackets, in the steering column and operating with the collapsing motion of the steering upper shaft.