Abstract: A retention bracket configured for use with a latch mechanism including a laterally extending housing. The retention bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, a collar, and a deformable section. The first and second walls are longitudinally offset from one another and are structured to receive the housing therebetween. The collar extends longitudinally outward from one of the walls and defines an opening having an effective diameter. The deformable section has a natural state in which the effective diameter is a first diameter, and a deformed state in which the effective diameter is a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A dust cap for a steering system is disclosed. A dust cap for a steering system, which has an accommodation hole for accommodating a pinion shaft and of which the lower part is coupled to a rack housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a floor surface which extends from the upper part toward the outer side of the accommodation hole; a first rim forming a lateral wall on the edge of the floor surface; a second rim forming an intermediate wall between the first rim and the accommodation hole; and one or more slits insert-formed from the second rim toward the floor surface.

Abstract: The outer column 25 has a front-side small-diameter tubular portion 37 into which the inner column 24 is press fitted. The inner-circumferential surface of the front-side small-diameter tubular portion 37 and the outer-circumferential surface of the inner column 24 come in contact with an interference fit at only a plurality of contact locations separated in the circumferential direction. At least one location in the axial direction of the column-side bracket 26 is welded to the outer-circumferential surface of the front-side small-diameter tubular portion 37 at only two weld locations that are close in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A steering device includes a main pipe, an inner shaft supported by the main pipe so as to be rotatable, and an outer shaft into which the inner shaft is fitted and which is rotatable together with the inner shaft. The outer shaft is provided so as to be relatively movable along an axial line via a movement mechanism. The inner shaft includes a first inner shaft and a second inner shaft. The first inner shaft includes a first abutting member and a second abutting member arranged side by side along the axial line and having different hardness. The outer shaft abuts either the first abutting member or the second abutting member only upon operation given to the movement mechanism.

Abstract: Example power steering assembly mounts with tapered protrusions apparatus disclosed herein include a power steering assembly. The power steering assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a flexible mount and a rigid mount to attach the power steering assembly to a subframe. The rigid mount includes a tapered protrusion to deform the subframe to reduce movement of the rigid mount relative to the subframe.

Abstract: Electric power steering systems and a method for controlling an electric power steering system are provided. The method, for example, includes, but is not limited to, determining, by a controller, a speed of a vehicle based upon data from a sensor, and adjusting, by the controller, a stiffness of an isolator in an electric power steering system via at least one piezoelectric device embedded in the isolator based upon the determined speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for correcting a length and an angle of a steering shaft in a rack and pinion steering system of a vehicle after a distance between a steering wheel and a rack is altered comprises a coupler having a straight portion and an angular portion. The straight portion has a proximal end and a distal end, and the straight portion is coupled at the proximal end to the angular portion with a universal joint that allows for angular movement of the angular portion with respect to the straight portion. The device comprises an extension shaft that is coupled to the straight portion at the distal end, and a locking member having a threaded shaft and a casing having an opening. The opening is configured to receive the extension shaft. Each of the extension shaft and the angular portion are configured to be operably coupled to the steering shaft.

Abstract: Steering assembly for a two-wheeler comprising a frame, a handlebar and a fork holding a steering front wheel. The steering assembly comprises a head tube rigid with the frame and defining a swivel axis, a steering rod mounted swivelling through the head tube and connected on the one hand to the handlebar and on the other hand to the fork. A torque generation device comprises an elastically deformable component arranged in a space inside the steering assembly and surrounding the steering rod. The elastic component having a first portion that cooperates with the tube and a second portion that cooperates with the rod, so as to create restoring torque when the steering rod swivels through at least a given angle with respect to a neutral angular position corresponding to travel in a straight line.

Abstract: A seal system (9) for sealing an opening (4) which leads into an interior space of a motor vehicle that receives a steering housing (8). The seal system (9) has at least one guide channel (14) that opens into a receiving region (17) for receiving at least one lug (10) which is arranged on the steering housing (8), with the result that the seal system (9) can be connected in a frictionally locking manner to the steering housing (8) through a locking element (24) in the receiving region (17).

Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.

Abstract: A steering column attachment assembly is disclosed for adjustably locating and securing after market steering columns to an automotive vehicle. The attachment assembly comprises a penannular flexible insert having inner and outer portions. The outer portion of the flexible insert comprises a plurality of sides. The attachment assembly also comprises a strap clamp having inner and outer regions and an opening provided to the inner region for receiving the flexible insert. The inner region and outer region are formed from a plurality of sides corresponding to the plurality of sides of the outer portion of the flexible insert such that the plurality of sides of the flexible insert and corresponding plurality of sides of the inner region of the strap clamp are in contact during assembly. The strap clamp features a plurality of adjustable compression members that engage the flexible insert.

Abstract: A dust cover for a steering shaft includes a bush of low-frictional material, through which a steering shaft penetrates; a plurality of bellows made of rubber, provided in an axial direction of the steering shaft, and arranged between the bush and a panel for sealing the clearance; and an annular seal lip in contact with the outer periphery of the steering shaft.

Abstract: To constrain a load applied to a steering shaft and a power assist unit. In a rough terrain vehicle including a power assist unit including an electrically-driven power steering apparatus provided coaxially with a steering shaft, and an electrically-driven motor provided in the power assist unit arranged so as to be orthogonal to the steering shaft, a rear end portion of the electrically-driven motor is supported by a motor supporting member which is mounted to inclined frames of a vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A damper for a steering column assembly includes a housing attached to and extending along an axis of the steering column assembly. A mass is attached to a distal end of the housing with a resilient member being disposed between the housing and the mass that permits movement of the mass along an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of the steering column assembly relative to the housing to absorb vibrational forces exerted on the steering column assembly along the axis.

Abstract: A column hole cover is interposed between a circumferential portion of an aperture of a column hole of an instrument panel and a steering gear box capable of being displaced in a predetermined direction. The column hole cover includes a cylindrical main body extended in the predetermined direction. The main body includes a first annular end portion directly or indirectly fixed to the steering gear box, and a second annular end portion. The second end portion is provided with an annular seal. An intermediate portion between the first and second end portions is provided with a expandable/contractible portion capable of being elastically expanded or contracted in the predetermined direction. Irrespective of the displacement of the steering gear box, the annular seal is maintained in an elastic pressure contact against the circumferential portion of the aperture of the instrument panel by a reaction force of the compressed expandable/contractible portion.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a sound absorbing material made of sponge and attached to an elastic joint which connects a second steering shaft extending from a steering wheel and a third steering shaft extending from a steering gear box to each other. The sound absorbing material faces an opening in a joint cover which is mounted on a dashboard and through which the second steering shaft passes. Therefore, the sound absorbing material absorbs noise which is produced in the steering gear box such that the noise does not pass from the engine room side through the opening in the joint cover to the vehicle compartment side, thereby preventing transmission of the noise to the vehicle compartment side. Further, the sound absorbing material requires only a simple shape and construction, thereby reducing the cost. Furthermore, the sound absorbing material does not come into sliding contact with the second steering shaft, and thus does not produce sliding noise or sliding resistance.

Abstract: A structure for fastening a column side member to a vehicle-body side, so as to fix a steering column relative to a vehicle body such that the column is movable in event of application of an excessively large load to the column. One of the column side member and vehicle-body side member provides a first clamped member having a slot elongated in parallel with a direction in which the column is movable, while the other of the column side member and vehicle-body side member provides a second clamped member.

Abstract: A dashboard support for a motor vehicle includes a support beam extending between windshield pillars of a motor vehicle body; and an active arrangement for implementing a vibration damping. The active arrangement includes a single-mass oscillator which is arranged on the support beam in an attachment area of a steering column and has a housing in which a mass body is spatially movable and resiliently suspended. The mass body can be caused to vibrate by actuators in the form of piezo elements.

Abstract: A vibration dampener for a vehicle to militate against vibration which results in undesirable noise. In an embodiment, the dampener is used in a steering column in the vehicle to militate against the vibration being transmitted to the hands of a driver during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A damper mechanism includes an outer pipe and an inner member. The outer pipe has first inward convex portions, second inward convex portions, and concave grooves extending along the axial direction and alternately formed in the circumferential direction at the inner periphery thereof. Outward convex portions are formed in the circumferential direction at a plurality of portions on the outer periphery of the inner member. An elastic body is provided between the outer pipe and the inner member. The elastic body includes thick wall portions and thin wall portions. The thick wall portion is provided between one side face of the outward convex portion and the first inward convex portion. The thin wall portion is provided between the other side face of the outward convex portion and the second inward convex portion.

Abstract: A vibration dampener for a vehicle to militate against vibration which results in undesirable noise. In an embodiment, the dampener is used in a steering column in the vehicle to militate against the vibration being transmitted to the hands of a driver during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column having a composite steering column support housing formed from a fiber reinforced matrix material. By layering the fibers within the matrix material of the support housing to a specific orientation, controlling fiber length, and controlling fiber and polymer type, the performance of the steering column can be manipulated to optimize NVH, structural stiffness, load path, crash energy management, mass balance, and cost. The column support housing contains at least one mounting hole for coupling to either an instrument panel or engine compartment wall. The column support housing may have a protruding region for stabilizing the steering column to the instrument panel when the support housing is mounted to the engine compartment wall. The mounting hole can also contain an elastomeric washer or a filler material for improving dampening characteristics, and further may have a circular fiber orientation immediately surrounding the mounting hole to further improve performance characteristics.

Abstract: A damper for a vehicle rack and pinion-type power steering system reduces or eliminates high frequency and low amplitude vibrations commonly associated with high-speed steering wheel shake. The damper includes a hydraulically actuated clutch that is energized by a spring in the damper. The damper locks or inhibits rotation of a steering shaft coupled to the rack and pinion assembly while the vehicle is traveling straight down the road to absorb the input energy and cancel any vibration from the wheels, suspension or road. The clutch is released when there is any steering wheel input from the operator. Increased pressure from the power steering pump as a result of steering wheel input increases the pressure in the damper to compress a spring and release the multi-disk clutch. This allows the steering system to behave in an acceptable manner by not adding any friction or extra force requirements to the driver and providing acceptable feel and return to center characteristics for the steering system.

Abstract: In a device for rockably supporting a steering column for a tilt-type steering apparatus, a front end of the steering column is passed through a hole formed through a support bracket fixed to a car body. The steering column is rockable with respect to the support bracket to effect tilt adjustment, and is fixed in the tilt-adjusted position. When the steering column is moved forward upon a secondary collision (a collision of the driver with the steering wheel), the support bracket deforms plastically to absorb collision energy.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a mounting bracket for the steering column, such that during a crash situation friction surfaces on the steering column slides through an opening in a plastic block carried by the mounting bracket. The friction surfaces have an interference fit with the opening in the plastic block, so that during normal operation of the vehicle the steering column is effectively locked to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A steering system (10) includes a vehicle steering mechanism (34) which, when actuated, turns steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle. The vehicle steering mechanism (34) is mounted for limited movement in opposite directions from a normal position. An intermediate steering column (26) includes first and second column members (28, 30) which are axially movable relative to each other. The first and second column members (28, 30) are rotatable together about a common axis. The first column member (28) is connected with the steering mechanism (34) to actuate the steering mechanism upon rotation of the first column member. The first and second column members (28, 30) move axially relative to each other upon movement of the vehicle steering mechanism (34) from the normal position. A flexible mount (70) for the second column member (30) elastically deforms in the event the steering mechanism (34) moves from the normal position and the first and second column members (28, 30) fail to move axially relative to each other.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle having a gear box of an electric power assist apparatus in front of the steering column. The steering column includes a rigid mast jacket consisting of a short tubular sleeve and a bracket attached to the tubular sleeve having a pair of laterally separated guides straddling the gear box. A pair of lugs on the gear box cooperate with a pair of elongated slots in the guides in connecting the mast jacket to the gear box for vertical pivotal movement and for linear translation. A longitudinally collapsible steering shaft is rotatably supported on the tubular sleeve with a steering hand wheel at one end and a flexible coupling at the other end connecting the steering shaft to an input shaft on the gear box. The tubular sleeve is connected to the vehicle body by a clamp which releases the tubular sleeve for a collapse stroke of the mast jacket. The mast jacket protects the steering shaft against beam bending during the collapse stroke.

Abstract: A steering device equipped with an air bag, in which the air bag is completely inflated and expanded in a state in which a steering wheel has been moved in a direction toward a driver when a vehicle suddenly decelerates. The steering device equipped with the air bag has a driving device which tilts the steering wheel toward the driver when the vehicle suddenly decelerates and includes a pawl, a tilt cam, a connected member, a wire, and a pretensioner and a holding device which maintains a tilted state of the steering wheel and includes a lock member and a lock plate. When the vehicle suddenly decelerates, the wire is pulled, the tilt cam rotates, and the pawl moves away from a steering support. The steering wheel is tilted a maximum amount toward the driver, this state is maintained by the holding device, and the air bag inflates and expands.

Abstract: An articulation device for the steering column of an automobile vehicle includes a member joined to the steering wheel of the vehicle, a member joined to the structure of the vehicle, and a single member joining and disposed between the two above mentioned members. The single member is a spherical articulation member enabling axial displacement between the two above mentioned members and providing a seal between them.

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: 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: 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: In an elastic seal 6 for sealing a part passing through a motor vehicle body opening 3, e.g., a steering gear 2 or a steering column of a motor vehicle, a sealing lip 6 connected to a holding part 8 is designed as a hollow bead 5 whose free end 7 is fixed in a detachable manner to the holding part 8.

Abstract: A steering system has a steering shaft carrying at its end a steering wheel, and a steering column through which the steering shaft is extended.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having an upper steering column tube and a lower steering column tube which are telescopically connected at their lower and upper portions respectively, a stationary bracket fixed to a vehicle body and an energy absorption bracket fixed to the stationary bracket. The energy absorption bracket fixedly receives the upper steering column tube which extends therethrough. The energy absorption bracket gets plastically deformed in response to an impact load exceeding a predetermined value to allow the upper steering column tube to displace downward with respect to the lower steering column tube. The impact load is applied to the energy absorption bracket through the upper steering column tube in the direction along the axis of the steering column. The applied impact load is absorbed through the plastic deformation of the energy absorption bracket.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a driver's seat in an automotive vehicle having a steering column extending to the driver's seat. The safety arrangement is comprised of a column bracket to which the steering column is secured. The column bracket is slidably secured to a sliding block 5 fixed to vehicle body side. The column bracket is put into a slidable condition under the action of a solenoid when a driver is restrained by a seat belt, while into a fixed condition under the action of the solenoid when the driver is released from the seat belt. The column bracket is moved forward together with the steering column when an impact force is applied to a knee protector, thereby absorbing impact energy while withdrawing the steering column. Even under the fixed condition of the column bracket, an impact force applied to the steering column can be effectively absorbed by an energy absorbing mechanism provided between the steering column and the column bracket.

Abstract: A bearing and seal assembly for supporting a steering driveshaft of an automotive vehicle includes a rolling bearing for accepting the driveshaft, with the bearing being adjustable to accommodate variations of the diameter of the driveshaft, and a driveshaft seal assembly for excluding environmental contamination from entering the rolling bearing from outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The bearing and seal assembly includes a housing comprising a first cavity in which the rolling bearing is housed and a second cavity in which at least a portion of the seal assembly is housed.

Abstract: A low-vibration steering device for use on industrial vehicles comprising a steering shaft rotatably supported at its lower end by a gearbox and connected to a steering wheel at its upper end, a tubular steering column enclosing the steering shaft with an annular spacing left between the inside diameter of the steering column and the outside diameter of the steering shaft, a steering column clamp secured to a chassis frame of the vehicle and holding the steering column at a portion above its middle portion, a flexible vibration shutoff member disposed between a lower end portion of the steering column and a portion of the steering shaft near its lower end to support the said lower end portion by said portion near said lower end, and an oil-impregnated bearing interposed between an upper end portion of the steering column and a corresponding upper end portion of the steering shaft and having a greater rigidity than the flexible member.

Abstract: An instrument panel concealing plate is integrally formed with an instrument panel about a steering column for concealing the inside of the instrument panel so as not to be visible through the instrument panel and a steering column cover. According to the invention the concealing plate is formed with a breaking portion consisting of a series of slots or grooves formed in the concealing plate, so that the plate is adapted to be easily broken off when it is subjected to an impact by a steering column cover in collision of a vehicle, thereby absorbing the impact caused by a collision of a bosom of a driver against a steering wheel and preventing sharp edges of broken parts of the steering column cover caused by the breaking off of the cover itself, which would otherwise injure the driver.

Abstract: A tractor has a hydrostatic steering assembly 16 including a steering column 22 connected to a steering valve 18 mounted on a housing 10 for a dash.To dampen vibrations of the steering column 22, and to prevent any excessive movement of it when a high load is applied, a support assembly 26 is provided. This comprises a support column 28 with a bracket 30, at its upper end, which has an aperture 42 through which the steering column 22 passes. On the underside of the bracket 30, there is a polyurethane vibration dampening insert 32 which has an aperture 46 through which the steering column 22 also passes. The latter aperture 46 fits around the steering column 22 closely while the bracket aperture 42 is larger.