Abstract: A vehicle body includes a floor member, a support member coupled to an upper surface of the floor member, and a frame member coupled to an upper end of the support member to define a space between the floor member and the frame member, wherein the space is configured to house an item. The item may include a high-voltage battery.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a male shaft having a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from a portion of the male shaft. The steering shaft assembly also includes a female shaft receiving a portion of the male shaft and fixed to the male shaft in a rotational direction, the male shaft axially moveable relative to the female shaft, the female shaft having an end portion and a body portion, wherein the end portion of the female shaft has an end wall thickness that is less than a body wall thickness of the body portion, the end portion curved radially inwardly to define a hard stop position during axial movement of the male shaft. An end of the plurality of teeth of the male shaft contact the curved end portion of the female shaft at the hard stop position.

Abstract: To provide a dust cover capable of maintaining a state in which a first flexible part and a second flexible part of a bellows are fitted onto a mounting member. A dust cover includes a bushing, a bellows, and a mounting member. The mounting member has a main body and a flange part.

Abstract: A dust cover for a steering apparatus of a vehicle includes a first cover coupled to an intermediate shaft in a state in which a bearing member is interposed and fixed to a vehicle body panel. The dust cover also includes a second cover coupled to the intermediate shaft in the state in which the bearing member is interposed and fixed to the vehicle body panel together with the first cover in a state of being bonded to the first cover. A tight contact rib in a long continuous shape along a periphery of the intermediate shaft is formed to protrude from the first cover such that the tight contact rib maintains airtightness between the first cover and the vehicle body panel in a state of being always in a tightly adhered state with the vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes a positioning clip configured to align a pinion shaft with a joint portion of a steering shaft, wherein the pinion shaft includes a torsion bar and a tubular member having the torsion bar inserted thereinto, an upper end of the torsion bar is axially further away from the joint portion than an upper end of the tubular member, the positioning clip includes an inserted portion to be inserted into the tubular member, and a gap between the inserted portion and the tubular member is sealed.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a vehicle includes an instrument panel body including a driver-side portion, a center stack portion, and a passenger-side portion. A cross-car beam assembly is configured to at least partially support the instrument panel body and includes a horizontal member extending across at least the passenger-side portion of the instrument panel body. A first lower reinforcement bracket is spaced apart from the horizontal member and extends across the passenger-side portion of the instrument panel body. A second lower reinforcement bracket is coupled with the first lower reinforcement bracket. A vertical reinforcement bracket extends between the horizontal member and the first and second lower reinforcement brackets. The vertical reinforcement bracket includes a curved portion proximate a first end and coupled with the horizontal member. A second end of the vertical reinforcement bracket is coupled with at least one of the first and second lower reinforcement brackets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autonomous driving system and an autonomous steering apparatus. An autonomous steering apparatus includes: a support bracket having a preset volume, and formed at an inner upper portion thereof with a lower reception portion having a groove or hole structure recessed downward by a preset depth; and a steering drive shaft having a preset length, and having a lower end rotatably provided in the lower reception portion and an upper end connected to a steering system of a vehicle.

Abstract: A front structure of a vehicle is provided and includes a first cowl panel that extends in a panel shape in a width direction of the vehicle, having a lower end coupled to an upper end of a dash panel, having an upper end bending toward a front of the vehicle and extending up to behind a lower end of a front windshield glass. A second cowl panel extends in an panel shape in the width direction of the vehicle, disposed under the first cowl panel, has an upper end that extends forward and is coupled to the lower end of the front windshield glass, has a lower end coupled to the first cowl panel, and forms a member that extends in the width direction of the vehicle behind the lower end of the front windshield glass together with the first cowl panel by being coupled to the upper end of the first cowl panel.

Abstract: A vehicle structural member includes an elongate hollow member having an integrated structure, and supporting members joined to the elongate hollow member. The elongate hollow member includes: a first portion that includes a first pipe, a second pipe disposed outside the first pipe and extending along the first pipe, and a connection portion extending along the first pipe and the second pipe, formed integrally with the first pipe and the second pipe, and connecting the first pipe and the second pipe; and a second portion that includes the first pipe continuing from the first portion, and does not include the second pipe.

Abstract: An installation device is used to install a steering wheel onto a steering column having a plurality of column splines, wherein the steering wheel includes a plate with a central opening and a plurality of wheel splines configured to engage the plurality of column splines. The installation device includes a frame including a base and a cover removably coupled to the base. The installation device also includes a first magnification lens coupled to the frame, and a first pair of posts coupled to the base. The first pair of posts are configured for insertion into a pair of corresponding openings on the steering wheel such that the first pair of posts position the first magnification lens a first predetermined distance from the steering wheel to focus the first magnification lens on the plurality of wheel splines.

Abstract: A steering device includes a handle unit; a steering connection piece; a joint connecting the handle unit to the steering connection piece; a steering connection rod movably connected to the steering connection piece; and a pair of steering rods each rotatably connected to the steering connection rod. In response to a rotation of the handle unit about a first rotational axis, the joint is configured to force the steering connection piece to rotate along with the handle unit about the first rotational axis to cause a shift of the steering connection rod along a first direction perpendicular to the first rotational axis, and the pair of steering rods is configured to rotate about second and third rotational axes, respectively, in response to the shift of the steering connection rod.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front section structure including: a cowl top panel that extends in a vehicle width direction along a lower portion of a windshield glass, that supports the windshield glass, and that has an open cross-section structure; and a cowl reinforcement that is joined to both a lower portion of the cowl top panel and an upper portion of a dash panel, that extends in the vehicle width direction, and that has a closed cross-section structure.

Abstract: A state where the connecting pin is laid across between at least one of the outer diameter side through-holes and the inner diameter side through-hole is maintained by an axial displacement of the connecting pin with respect to the outer diameter side through-hole and the inner diameter side through-hole being regulated based on an engagement between both edges of the connecting pin and a displacement-regulating portion which is a part of the yoke or the bolt.

Abstract: A panel assembly structure for preventing a column dive, which includes a center floor panel including a center floor tunnel curved upward in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and a dash panel having an inclined lower end to be fastened to the center floor panel and including a dash tunnel formed at the inclined lower end of the dash panel, the dash tunnel being curved upward in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be connected to the center floor tunnel, may include a center floor tunnel upper member mounted on an upper surface of the center floor tunnel and expanded bilaterally from the center floor tunnel on an upper surface of the center floor panel.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (2, 202) of the invention of the present application is disclosed, which includes an electrifying plate (40, 240) secured to an inner column (11, 211) and received within a guide groove (25, 225) of an outer column (10, 210). The electrifying plate contacts an electrifying cover (15, 215) of the outer column, and configures part of an electrifying path leading to the outer column from the inner column. The invention of the present application enables a new electrifying path to be ensured, which extends from a steering wheel (101) to a car body (100).

Abstract: A cowl unit includes a cowl top panel connected with a dash panel by forming a bending line in a vehicle width direction, a cowl top upper panel bonded in the vehicle width direction along a top end of the cowl top panel, a first reinforcement plate, and a second reinforcement plate. The cowl top upper panel is assembled to a front glass. The first reinforcement plate includes a first end bonded to a front surface of the cowl top panel. The cowl top panel is bent downward at the first end of the first reinforcement plate. A second end of the first reinforcement plate is bonded to one side of the bending line. A first closed space portion is formed between the first reinforcement plate and the cowl top panel. The second reinforcement plate includes a first end bonded to a front end of the cowl top upper panel.

Abstract: A bracket is used in a support structure for a steering column. The support structure includes an instrument panel reinforcement, a steering support bracket, and a floor brace. In one aspect, the bracket includes a first portion and a second portion, which are configured to be arranged spanning between the steering support bracket and the floor brace. The first portion is arranged between the steering support bracket and the floor brace at a first angle with respect to horizontality. The second portion is arranged between the steering support bracket and the floor brace at a second angle, which is different from the first angle.

Abstract: An inner tube for a telescopic steering column (8) is provided, with a first end sector (2) for assembling a bearing (9), having a substantially circular cross-section obtained by reducing and drawing, a second end sector (3) and an intermediate sector (4) having a regular polygonal section, provided with longitudinal planar external guiding faces (5), wherein the first end sector (2) comprises a plurality of external flanges (6) emerging longitudinally from its external surface (2a) in axial alignment with at least some of the external guiding faces (5), and a plurality of longitudinal internal recesses (7) penetrating its inner surface (2b), each internal recess (7) extending under one of the external flanges (6); each external flange (6) comprises an essentially planar external surface which is at least partially flush with the external guiding face (5) with which it is aligned.

Abstract: A steering member comprises a beam member extending in a vehicle width direction, a steering bracket supporting a steering device, and side brackets fixed to hinge pillars. The beam member includes a weak portion provided between the steering bracket and the side brackets on a driver-seat side and configured to be weak against a load inputted in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and an extension portion provided to extend toward a vehicle outward side beyond the side bracket provided on a passenger-seat side and configured to prevent the steering member receiving the input load from sliding toward the passenger-seat side by contacting the hinge pillar. Accordingly, the steering device can be prevented from moving inward in a vehicle frontal collision, thereby restraining a passenger with an airbag properly.

Abstract: A cowl cross member assembly for a vehicle for improving convenience in mounting a steering module and avoiding interference with an audio system in a vehicle, may include a main cowl crossbar disposed at a driver's seat in a width direction of the vehicle, a sub-cowl crossbar disposed at a passenger's seat in the width direction of the vehicle, a connection unit disposed between one end of the main cowl crossbar and one end of the sub-cowl crossbar and connecting the main cowl crossbar with the sub-cowl crossbar, a cowl bracket coupled to the main cowl crossbar at one side and coupled to a vehicle body at another side, a steering bracket coupled to a bottom of the cowl bracket and coupled to the steering module, and a steering mounting unit coupled to the main cowl crossbar at one side and coupled to the steering module at another side.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column support structure efficiently supports a steering column. A steering support bracket that supports a steering column is fixed to instrument panel reinforcement disposed along the vehicle width direction between left and right front pillars. A floor brace spans between a side portion of a first support member of the steering support bracket and a side wall portion of a floor tunnel portion. A steering brace spans between a side portion of the first support member and a lower portion of the front pillar. Up-down vibration of the steering column can accordingly be supported by axial force of the floor brace and the steering brace.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering system configured to reduce the burden placed on an operator when steered wheels are returned to a neutral position, a knob for operating a steering wheel is turnably attached to the steering wheel. A switch is attached to the knob. A steered system ECU includes a target steered angle setting unit. The target steered angle setting unit changes a target steered angle to a steered angle corresponding to a position closer to the neutral position of the steered wheels when the switch is turned on in a state where the turning amount of the steering wheel from a turning angle of the steering wheel corresponding to the neutral position of the steered wheels is within a prescribed range.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a tilt hinge shaft fixed to a vehicle body, a steering column that rotationally supports the steering shaft, and a ground clamp, which is made of an elastically deformable conductive material. The ground clamp is arranged between the tilt hinge shaft and the steering column. The ground clamp includes a second arcuate section that contacts the tilt hinge shaft, a first bent section that contacts the steering column, and a deformation section that extends between the second arcuate section and the first bent section. The deformation section is elastically deformable such that the second arcuate section and the first bent section approach each other. The ground clamp is arranged between the tilt hinge shaft and the steering column with the deformation section being elastically deformed.

Abstract: A steering member comprises a beam member extending in a vehicle width direction, a steering bracket supporting a steering device, and side brackets fixed to hinge pillars. The beam member includes a weak portion provided between the steering bracket and the side brackets on a driver-seat side and configured to be weak against a load inputted in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and an extension portion provided to extend toward a vehicle outward side beyond the side bracket provided on a passenger-seat side and configured to prevent the steering member receiving the input load from sliding toward the passenger-seat side by contacting the hinge pillar. Accordingly, the steering device can be prevented from moving inward in a vehicle frontal collision, thereby restraining a passenger with an airbag properly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tilt or tilt and telescopic steering apparatus for use in a vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a conventional structure, which should be provided with both of tilting fixing gears and telescopic fixing gears for locking after a tilt or tilt and telescopic operation, is improved in such a manner that the tilt or tilt and telescopic operation may be locked by a locking member and a linear protruding portion. As a result, an improper tooth-engagement phenomenon (tooth-on-tooth phenomenon) between gear teeth can be prevented, the tilt operation and the telescopic operation can be simultaneously locked, and required components can be reduced such that material costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft; an inner jacket; a column jacket that includes an outer jacket that covers the inner jacket from outside, and supports the steering shaft; a movable bracket that is fixed to the inner jacket; a fixation bracket that has a retention portion, and is fixed to a vehicle body; and a press contact/release portion that brings a first plate-shaped region and a second plate-shaped region into press contact with each other along the plate thickness direction to press the first plate-shaped region and the second plate-shaped region against the retention portion, and releases the first plate-shaped region and the second plate-shaped region from a state of being in press contact with each other and a state of being pressed against the retention portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel which is coupled in terms of movement to a steerable axle of the motor vehicle via a steering axle. The steering wheel is arranged rotatably on a steering column having a housing body. The housing body has at least one upwardly open recess which is bounded at least by two opposite walls extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the housing body.

Abstract: A steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of a steering column for a motor vehicle includes at least one circumferentially closed region for accommodating at least one bearing for rotatably mounting the steering shaft, and at least one securing region for securing the steering shaft bearing unit to a console part of the steering column. At least one through-hole, in particular two through-holes, for guiding a clamping bolt of the steering column therethrough is/are arranged in the securing region. The steering shaft bearing unit is formed by joining, preferably welding, together at least two, preferably exactly two half-shells, each of which includes at least one section of the securing region and at least one section of the at least one circumferentially closed region.

Abstract: Provided is construction of a steering apparatus for an automobile that is capable of simplifying tuning for stabilizing forward displacement in the forward direction of a steering wheel during a secondary collision, and preventing damage to the component members of the section that supports a bracket 12b on the column side with respect to the bracket 11 on the vehicle side. In construction where the bracket on the vehicle side 11 and the bracket 12b on the column side are connected at only one location in the center section in the width direction of the both brackets by a locking capsule, the top edges of a pair of protruding sections 63 that protrude to both the left and right sides of the bracket 12b on the column side closely face the bottom edge of a bent section 56 of the bracket 11 on the vehicle side.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an inner column, an outer column fitted onto the inner column, a vehicle body mounting bracket, a distance bracket fixed to the outer circumference of the outer column and slidably held between left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket, and a tightening rod. The distance bracket is formed with telescopic slots through which the tightening rod is inserted. The distance bracket includes left and right front tightening portions and left and right rear tightening portions. The axial distance between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions is shorter than the axial length of each telescopic slot. The outer column is formed with a pair of left and right through-holes into which the left and right front tightening portions or the left and right rear tightening portions is inserted.

Abstract: When clamped side plates of an upper column bracket (movable bracket) are fastened via clamping side plates of an upper fixed bracket by a fastening shaft in response to a rotating operation of an operating lever, the brackets are locked with each other. A pressing mechanism that includes a pressing member moves in the axial direction of the fastening shaft in accordance with fastening by the fastening shaft, and presses a lower tube (inner tube) through an insertion hole formed in an upper tube (outer tube). The entirety of the axial force of the fastening shaft is used as a retaining force for retaining the posture of a steering column.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first part for connecting to the body of a vehicle and a second part for connecting to part of a steering mechanism, the first and second parts being interconnected to permit relative movement therebetween as the assembly collapses, wherein: one of the first or second parts comprises a slot, the slot comprising a pocket and a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall being the outer edge of a deformable structure; the other of the first or second parts comprises a lug, the lug extending into the pocket when the assembly is in a non-collapsed state and being configured to be driven through the channel to cause plastic deformation of the deformable structure as the assembly collapses; and the assembly comprises a re-enforcement that limits the plastic deformation of the deformable structure during the collapsing stroke to regions of the deformable structure adjacent to regions of the channe

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering shaft, a column rotatably supporting the steering shaft, a bracket attached to the column, a capsule configured to be fixed to a vehicle body and having upper and lower holding plates sandwiching the flange portion, a coupling part coupling the flange portion and the capsule such that the flange portion is detachable from the capsule by an impact force toward the front of the vehicle body, a rounded portion formed at a front end portion of the flange portion with a curvature radius varying along a vehicle-width direction, and an energy-absorbing member. The energy-absorbing member includes a rear portion engaged with the capsule, a front extension portion extending forward from the rear portion, a bent portion bent in front of the rounded portion, and a rear extension portion extending rearward and inclined in the vehicle-width direction with respect to the column center axis.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft; an outer pipe; a first bearing that causes the steering shaft to be rotatable with respect to the outer pipe; and a front body that is disposed in front of the bearing in an axial direction, and the steering shaft; in which a first space into which the steering shaft is capable of being inserted is formed on a radially inner side of the front body, and a second space into which the outer pipe is capable of being inserted is formed on a radially outer side of the front body, and the steering device further includes a release mechanism that releases a relative restraint between the first bearing, a first front end portion, and a second front end portion in the axial direction in a case where the first bearing collides with the front body during the secondary collision.

Abstract: The strength of an instrument panel member (12) at a portion thereof between a steering shaft support part (16) and a linking part (13) on the side near a steering shaft (11) is set lower than the strength of the instrument panel member (12) at a portion thereof between the steering shaft support part (16) and a linking part (14) on the far side from the steering shaft (11), with respect to a load input through the linking part (13) on the side near the steering shaft (11) in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The above configuration makes it possible to suppress movement of a steering wheel inward in the vehicle width direction to thereby securely restrain a vehicle occupant by an airbag at the time of a vehicle frontal collision.

Abstract: A steering device includes a fixed bracket, a movable bracket, a friction plate, a first friction washer, a pressing plate, engagement units, a second friction washer, and a fastening tool. The friction plate is attached to face, with an appropriate gap, at least one of both fixed side portions of the fixed bracket. The first washer is inserted between the fixed side portion and the friction plate. The pressing plate is attached to an outer surface of the friction plate. The engagement unit causes the pressing plate to be detachably attached and be immovable at least in a vertical direction. The second friction washer is clamped between the pressing plate and the friction plate. The fixed bracket, the friction plate, the first friction washer, the second friction washer, and the pressing plate are connected by penetrating therethrough a lock bolt of the fastening tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument panel support assembly (1) in a motor vehicle, comprising a transverse tube (2) extending substantially between the A-columns of the motor vehicle and configured for receiving a steering column, air bags, a fuse box and/or an instrument panel, wherein the instrument panel support assembly (1) is characterized in that an extruded retainer profile made of a light metal alloy encloses the transverse tube (2) at least in sections, wherein the retaining profile extends in sections in the axial direction of the transverse tube (2).

Abstract: A tilting mechanism is provided with a movable column member for pivotally supporting a steering column to be swung about a swinging center provided at a front part of a vehicle body, and a movable bracket holding it. A lift-up mechanism is provided with a fixing bracket fixed to the vehicle body, and a link member with one end thereof being supported rotatably on the movable bracket, and the other one end thereof being disposed to be engaged with and removed from the fixing bracket. A lift-up biasing portion (spring member) biases the movable bracket in a direction to be lifted up from the fixing bracket. A lift-up manipulating lever selectively provides a hold state for engaging the link member with the fixing bracket to hold the movable bracket at an initial position or a lift-up position, and a release state for releasing its engagement.

Abstract: A working vehicle attachable an implement includes a steering wheel which is disposed in a rear side of an engine hood covering an engine compartment for accommodating an engine, a control panel which is disposed near the steering wheel, a joy-stick control lever which is disposed in a rear side of the engine hood and in a lateral side of the steering wheel, a valve which is disposed in the rear side of the engine hood and is connected to the joy-stick control lever, a top cover which is disposed below the control panel, a bottom cover which includes a portion standing up from a floor surface and is a front portion of a floor part, and a middle cover which is disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover, wherein the valve is covered by the top cover and the middle cover, and the middle cover is detachable.

Abstract: A unique motor type motor driven column apparatus may include a motor attached to a telescoping tube that slidably receives a column tube therein, wherein the telescoping tube may be pivotally coupled with a vehicle body by a tilt bracket, an actuating rod rotating by the motor, a tilt mechanism including a tilt clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by a motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the tilt mechanism to make a tilt motion of the column tube, and a telescoping mechanism including a telescoping clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by the motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the telescoping mechanism so as to make a telescoping motion of the column tube.

Abstract: A steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of a steering column for a motor vehicle includes an outer metal sheet having at least one circumferentially closed region for accommodating at least one bearing for rotatably mounting the steering shaft, and at least one securing region for securing the steering shaft bearing unit to a console part of the steering column. In the securing region, the outer metal sheet has an opening delimited by at least two opposite securing flanges which project freely from the outer metal sheet and which are part thereof.

Abstract: A work vehicle has a ground-work unit that is mounted under a frame supported by front wheels and rear wheels and disposed forwardly of the front wheels. The work vehicle includes a steering wheel supported to a steering post and consisting of spokes and a ring. A man-machine interface face formed in the steering post downwardly of the steering wheel and around a rotational axis of the steering wheel includes a display face having a flat panel display and an operation face having an operation input device. The steering wheel is greater in size than the flat panel display as seen in the direction of rotational axis of the steering wheel, and the operation face is greater in length than the flat panel display in the direction of vehicle width.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first panel having a first side and a second side and defining a first hole. The apparatus also includes a second panel having a third side and a fourth side and defining a second hole. A seal assembly extends from the first panel to the second panel and through the first and second holes. The seal assembly includes a first wall that defines a passageway from the first hole to the second hole, and a second wall that surrounds the first wall and cooperates with the first wall to define a chamber therebetween. The seal assembly forms a first seal around the first hole and a second seal around the second hole.

Abstract: A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth.

Abstract: A steering device is provided that includes an aluminum-alloy column bolted with a steering lock apparatus, that prevents destruction of a flange to be bolted, and that prevents the bolt from being loosened by applying shock to a bolt head section through the use of a special tool. A counterbore is formed so deep that a slant plane is higher than a top end of a disk-shaped member of a bolt. A thief can hardly apply shock to the disk-shaped member of the bolt using a special tool. It is difficult to rotate and loosen the bolt. A vehicle can be prevented from being stolen by removing a steering lock apparatus from an outer column.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rolling bearing (1) having an inner ring (2), an outer ring (3) and a row of rolling elements (4) disposed between the rings (2, 3). At least one of the rings (2, 3) includes a housing (6), at least two raceway elements (7, 8) mounted in the housing (6) and at least one pre-stressing element (9) mounted in the housing. At least one pre-stressing element (9) mounted in the at least one of the inner and outer rings (2, 3) is provided with at least one portion (92) having a circumferential extension of less than 360° and in sliding contact with the other of the inner and outer rings (2, 3).

Abstract: The strength of an instrument panel member (12) at a portion thereof between a steering shaft support part (16) and a linking part (13) on the side near a steering shaft (11) is set lower than the strength of the instrument panel member (12) at a portion thereof between the steering shaft support part (16) and a linking part (14) on the far side from the steering shaft (11), with respect to a load input through the linking part (13) on the side near the steering shaft (11) in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The above configuration makes it possible to suppress movement of a steering wheel inward in the vehicle width direction to thereby securely restrain a vehicle occupant by an airbag at the time of a vehicle frontal collision.

Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device, the stress applied to around a through hole formed in a column to which the steering block device is attached is reduced. Since there is a slight clearance formed, in the vehicle height direction, between the outer periphery of the lock pin and the through hole and also between the guide groove and the engaging convex part, the clamping force is born by the flange section and first ribs and also by the flange section and second ribs without any force applied to the through hole. The engaging convex part is not fitted in the through hole, so that the through hole is only required to be large enough to allow the lock pin whose cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the engaging convex part to come in and out. This makes it possible to reduce the cross-sectional area of the through hole and thereby increase the strength of the outer column.

Abstract: A steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of a steering column for a motor vehicle includes at least one circumferentially closed region for accommodating at least one bearing for rotatably mounting the steering shaft, and at least one securing region for securing the steering shaft bearing unit to a console part of the steering column. At least one through-hole, in particular two through-holes, for guiding a clamping bolt of the steering column therethrough is/are arranged in the securing region. The steering shaft bearing unit is formed by joining, preferably welding, together at least two, preferably exactly two half-shells, each of which includes at least one section of the securing region and at least one section of the at least one circumferentially closed region.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a bracket for securely fixing a steering lock mechanism to the shroud of the steering shaft. The lock mechanism includes a bolt that projects in a locked position to act upon the shaft to limit rotation. The bracket is secured to the shroud in such a way that it is free to move relative to the shroud against a spring force. This helps the lock resist an attack using a high impact force.