Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower steering shaft of which low end being mounted with a steering gear, an upper steering shaft of which top end being mounted with a steering wheel, a universal joint that joints a top end of the lower steering shaft with a low end of the upper steering shaft, a lower column member fixed to a vehicle body to support the lower steering shaft to be pivotable, an upper column member that supports the upper steering shaft to be pivotable, and a tilt lock mechanism that tilt-locks the upper column member to the lower column member. The top end side of the upper column member is closed.

Abstract: A cam locking assembly for an adjustable steering column. The assembly includes a tie bolt that is secured relative to the steering column. A lever member is positioned for rotation about the tie bolt. A caming unit is positioned about the tie bolt adjacent the lever member. The caming unit has a roller assembly positioned between a pair of opposed cam plates. One of the cam plates is associated with the lever member and rotates therewith and the other plate is fixed relative to such rotation. Each cam plate has a plurality of ramped recesses on its internal surface such that rotation of the one plate causes the rollers to ride up the ramps such that the plates are pushed apart. The pushed apart ramps cause clamping upon the steering column to lock its position.

Abstract: The gear mechanism for minimizing backlash may include a convoluted spring positioned between an external spline of a gear or shaft and an internal spline of a gear. The gear mechanism may include a cam and cam follower arrangement upon two adjacent gears positioned on the same shaft. Two stacked gears may include a U-shaped backlash eliminating element passing through both gears. The gear mechanism may include rollers which may be conically shaped.

Abstract: In a connection between an inner casing tube of a steering column of a motor vehicle and a sleeve-shaped holder, an adjusting device for the casing tube is fastened and engages around the casing tube in an encircling manner and is fixed thereon in a form-fitting manner. In order to hold the holder on the casing tube in a secure and positionally correct manner counter to high axial forces and torques using the simplest arrangement possible, the casing tube has at least two axially spaced apart, radially protruding stops against which, on a mutually facing side, the holder bears with a respective stop edge, and the casing tube has at least one form-fitting element which interacts in a latching manner in the circumferential direction with a mating form-fitting element arranged on the holder.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column (10) comprises an axially extending input shaft (12) for connecting to a vehicle steering wheel. The input shaft (12) is rotatable about an axis (A) upon rotation of the steering wheel. The vehicle steering column (10) also comprises a housing (16) at least partially enclosing the input shaft (12). A bearing (92) is interposed between the housing (16) and the input shaft (12) and supports the input shaft (12) for rotation about the axis (A). The housing (16) has at least one series of axially spaced, annular ribs (52) that at least partially extend around the bearing (92). Axially adjacent annular ribs (52) are separated by an annular groove (58). A gasket (100) is interposed between the bearing (92) and the ribs (52). The gasket (100) encircles the bearing (92). The ribs (52) resist axial movement of the gasket (100).

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle includes an outer body including a cavity having an axis, and an inner body situated partially within the cavity for relative movement into the cavity when the absorber is subjected to an impact. The inner body has at least one lateral protrusion. A number of deformable units are located in the outer body at different positions along the cavity. The deformable units partially protrude into the cavity for successive engagements and deformations, one unit after another unit, along the cavity, by the protrusion of the inner body moving into the outer body, thereby absorbing the energy of an impact in different stages. Each deformable unit includes a rigid ball protruding into the cavity and a deformable plate fixed behind the ball.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for adjusting an energy absorbing system of an automobile vehicle steering column mounted in a support assembly which is connected to and attached to the structure of the vehicle by fixing devices each having a respective fixing axis. At least one fixing device includes at least one energy absorbing capsule disposed in the support assembly on a retaining axis and clamped in the support assembly by fastening devices. The fixing axis and the retaining axis coincide. The fastening devices are independent of the fixing devices and include a nut and a rod shoulder in order to allow adjustment to achieve the required clamping of the fastening devices to obtain the required energy absorption. Adjustment of the clamping of the energy absorbing capsule or capsules is therefore independent of the clamping of the devices for fixing the support assembly to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: An upper steering shaft assembly for a steering column and method of construction therefore having a tubular shaft section and a stub shaft section fabricated separately from one another. The tubular shaft section has a main body portion and a splined portion. The stub shaft section has a shaft portion and a hub engagement portion comprising a splined segment and a tapered portion. A connection end extends axially from the shaft portion of the stub shaft section and is disposed within the main body portion of the tubular shaft section and the tubular shaft section and the stub shaft section are fixedly attached to each other.

Abstract: A connector assembly/device for elastically connecting a steering wheel to a rotary member supported by a stationary member so the rotary member is rotatable upon rotation of the steering wheel, including a first member fixed to the rotary member for rotation therewith, a second member fixed to the steering wheel for rotation steering wheel, an elastic body interposed between the first and second members to elastically connect the first and second members, and a relative-rotation restrictor located between the first and second members, for restricting an amount of elastic deformation of the elastic body upon rotation of the second member relative to the first member, to restrict a maximum angle of relative rotation of the first and second members permitted by the elastic deformation of the elastic body, for thereby restricting a maximum angle of rotation of the steering wheel relative to the rotary member.

Abstract: A device for fastening a casing tube switch module to a casing tube of a steering wheel shaft when a steering wheel is mounted on the steering shaft. The device including a clamping element and a bearing. The clamping element is arranged coaxially between the casing tube and the switch module. The clamping element exerts a clamping force in a direction extending radially out from the steering shaft. The bearing rotationally decouples the steering wheel from the switch module. The bearing has a stator operable for transferring an axial motion of the steering wheel as the steering wheel is mounted on the steering shaft to the switch module such that the switch module moves axially with respect to the casing tube toward the clamping element and tensions the clamping element to apply the clamping force to fasten the switch module to the casing tube.

Abstract: A bearing configuration in which a shaft is supported by a first and second bearings, the second bearing being spaced from the first bearing. The first bearing and said second bearing are supported by a corresponding first bore and second bore in a shaft housing, a first axis being coincident with an axis of the first bore and a second axis being coincident with an axis of the second bore. The first axis and the second axis are purposefully offset from one another a sufficient distance to substantially eliminate internal clearance within the first bearing.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes an actuating lever for actuating a clamping device which is coupled to an operating lever to which is mounted an operating handle. The two levers are interconnected intermediate their ends such that one lever can pivot and slide in a slot relatively to the other and the lever having a moveable fulcrum to allow for adjustment of the steering column. The fulcrum of the lever is fixed and the geometry is such that the clamping device always returns to the same, fully locked position, regardless of the rake and/or reach adjustment position of the steering column.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for clamping a system adjusting the position of a member (30) relative to a support assembly (6). The adjustment system can adjust in height and/or in depth an automobile vehicle steering column body-tube considered as the member. The member is disposed inside two vertical uprights (11, 12) of the support assembly. The clamping axis (5) is perpendicular to the two uprights. The device comprises a bracket (20) consisting of a base (21) and two tie-rods (22, 23) which are connected by a closure and support member (56) on one (12) of the uprights, and an external clamping rod (19) mounted on the base. A locking assembly (40), an intermediate member bearing on the upright (11) and disposed between the base (21) and the locking assembly (40), and an axial retention assembly (47) for the locking assembly that is adjusted to obtain clamped and unclamped positions, are mounted on the external clamping rod (19).

Abstract: A cam lock tilt cartridge for a steering column enables the steering column to tilt with respect to an instrument panel. The cam lock tilt cartridge has a housing connected to the steering column. A pawl is rotatably coupled to the housing. A rack is slideably coupled to the housing and connected to the instrument panel. A cam is coupled to both the pawl and rack to move the pawl with respect to the rack to enable movement of the steering column.

Abstract: A safety steering column for a motor vehicle, with a casing tube which is arranged concentrically to a steering shaft and is fastened to the vehicle body and which, in the event of an axial impact action, can be shortened while at the same time absorbing energy. The casing tube consists of two casing-tube parts and the displacement force between the two casing-tube parts can be set. Arrange between the two casing-tube parts is a connecting element which is fastened to one of the casing-tube parts and is pressed with a predetermined force into a groove introduced into the other casing-tube part.

Abstract: Energy absorbing steering devices may include an outer cylindrical member (OU) that is press-fited around an inner shaft member (IN). The outer shape of the inner shaft member and the inner shape of the outer cylindrical member have a circular cross-section and the diameter of the inner shape of the outer cylinder member is larger than the diameter of the outer shape of the inner shaft member. A plurality of fine members (W) is disposed along the axial direction between the circular cross-sectional outer shape and the circular cross-sectional inner shape in order to provide a clearance (G) between the inner shaft member and the outer cylindrical member. The arrangement of the fine members may be modified in order to adjust the rigidity of relative movement along the axial direction of the outer cylindrical member and the inner shaft member.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column device for adjusting a position of a steering wheel at a desired position. The device includes: a steering column connected to the steering position; a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the steering column; the position adjustment mechanism including a clamping section for clamping the steering column at a desired position; and a flip-up mechanism for causing flip-up of the steering wheel, the flip-up mechanism separately disposed at a position closer to the steering wheel with respect to the clamping section.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12). A mounting bracket (66) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. The mounting bracket (66) has a surface defining an aperture (77). A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) and is movable relative to the mounting bracket. A locking mechanism (130) prevents movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A first portion (42) is connected with the support (24) and is movable with the support (24) and the steering column member (12) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A follower pin (63) extends from the first portion (42) and into the aperture (77) in the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: An intermediate steering column (10) for a vehicle with a firewall (14) includes a first shaft (30) pivotally attached to a first U-joint (54) and rotatable about a longitudinal axis (32) of the first shaft upon rotation of the first U-joint. A second shaft (28) drivingly connected to the first shaft (30) has a slip joint connection (42) with the first shaft permitting relative axial movement of the first and second shafts while maintaining a rotary drive connection between the first and second shafts. The first shaft (30) includes first and second shaft parts (60 and 62) and a quick disconnect joint (64) between the first and second shaft parts permitting disconnection of the first and second shaft parts and pivoting of the first shaft part relative to the first U-joint (54) to a first out of the way position and pivoting of the second shaft part relative to a second U-joint (36) to a second out of the way position.

Abstract: An impact absorbing structure for vehicle steering systems includes a support and release mechanism for a tilt rotation center which mechanism makes it easy to change an impact load bearing capacity in a head-on collision. A steering column and a steering shaft are coaxially coupled to each other and are longitudinally rigid against compression. The steering column is supported by an upper bracket which can be released from a vehicle body in response to an impact and by a lower bracket which defines a tilt rotation center. A notch which has an open side to the front of the vehicle is formed in the lower bracket. A pivot, which is rigidly coupled to the steering shaft and provides a center of the tilt rotation, is engaged with the notch including a protrusion near the closed end.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a steering column mounting bracket with a deformable component that is joined to the mounting bracket and that can collapse in the event of vehicle crash thereby to absorb energy. The deformable component is restrained in a normal position by locating means and is provided with regions of weakness to allow collapse. The provision of such deformable means actually in the mounting bracket itself eliminates the need for additional brackets, for example, to achieve the same purpose.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking the steering shaft of a motor vehicle, includes a blocking device and a toothed ring which is arranged on the steering shaft and in which a blocking element, which is arranged so that it can be displaced from an unlocked position into a locked position, of the blocking device engages. To allow the blocking device to be attached to the steering device of the vehicle in question and exchanged in a simple manner and to ensure that the blocking device cannot be removed in the locked state of the blocking element, the blocking device, which is provided with a housing, is releasably connected to a flange, which is attached to the steering device, via an adapter part. The flange has a recess which is designed in such a manner that the adapter part, for fitting of the blocking device, can be inserted in a partial area of the recess and can then be displaced along a guide into its limit position.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column of a vehicle is able to compensate for the severity of a crash and the weight of the driver to better manage the absorption of energy in a crash event. A housing has at least one fixed abutment surface, and at least one adjuster disposed in the housing for selective lateral slidable movement. At least one anvil is disposed adjacent an initial abutment surface of the adjuster in spaced relation to the fixed abutment surface of the housing in a first position of the anvil associated with high energy absorption. A plastically deformable strap is supported between the anvil and the housing. The adjuster slides out of the path of the anvil in a crash event in response to input of a control signal allowing the anvil to slide into contact with the fixed abutment surface of the housing to define a second position of the anvil associated with lower energy absorption.

Abstract: A plastic honey comb mounting bracket having a center passage surrounds a mast jacket of the steering column. The top of the plastic mounting bracket is clamped flush against a flat panel on a body of the motor vehicle by a pair of spring washers supported below respective ones of a pair of platforms on the mounting bracket by a pair of rigid studs on the vehicle body. The rigid studs are exposed through a pair of vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In some embodiments the spring washers release the plastic mounting bracket for linear translation as a unit with the mast jacket with the path traversed by the mast jacket being defined by the vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In another embodiment, the plastic mounting bracket remains stationary and the path traversed by the mast jacket during its collapse stroke is defined by the center passage in the plastic mounting bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection between a steering mechanism and a steering column (1) of a motor vehicle steering system. The connection comprises a steering coupling (2) which connects these two components, is attached by one end (3) to the steering mechanism or to the steering column (1) and, at the other end (4), bears a coupling piece (5) in an articulated manner. The latter forms a connecting partner with the other component (1) in each case and has two clamping jaws (6, 7) which, after the coupling piece (5) has been pivoted around the axis of articulation (8), engage around a section (9) of the other component (1). Furthermore, the connection comprises a clamping screw which is inserted into two openings (19) formed in the clamping jaws (6, 7) and aligned with each other, and is screwed into a thread (20) in such a manner that the section (9) which is engaged around is secured by the clamping jaws (6, 7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering spindle arrangement having a first component remote from the steering wheel and a second component near the steering wheel, with one of the mutually facing ends of the one component dipping into the hollow end of the other component, and with the two ends being connected frictionally to each other. Furthermore, the invention concerns itself with a method for producing the arrangement. In order, in a simple manner, to obtain as specific a definition as possible of the absorption by the steering spindle of the deformation energy in the event of a crash while ensuring that the arrangement is durable and directly transmits the steering moment, it is proposed that the walls of the two ends lie directly on each other in the form of a press fit over the region of the frictional connection.

Abstract: A locking device has an actuating lever for an adjustable steering column in a vehicle. The locking device is provided between a mounting fixed on the vehicle and a casing tube. The casing tube surrounds the steering column and can be adjusted relative to the mounting. The actuating lever can be pivoted below and/or to the side of the casing tube between a locking position and a release position for locking and releasing the casing tube. A handle component for the actuating lever is positioned at a given distance from the casing tube when the actuating lever is in the locking position. The actuating lever is configured as a deformation element and, when there is an impact, the handle component can be deformed in a direction toward the casing tube for absorbing energy and protecting the driver.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a steering column apparatus that enables a single operation lever provided apart from the steering wheel and to be used for clamping/unclamping each of the telescopic mechanism and the tilting mechanism independently, as well as for keeping at least one of the telescopic mechanism and the tilting mechanism unclamped after it is unclamped even after the driver takes his/her hand off the operation lever. This makes it possible for the driver to use both hands to adjust at least either the position in the front-rear direction or tilting angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A device for locking a steering column of a vehicle has a force-loaded locking member and a control device for adjusting the locking member relative to the steering column between a locking position preventing rotation of the steering column and a release position allowing rotation of the steering column. The locking member has one or more clamping jaws having a smooth friction surface without profile. A smooth counter friction surface without profile is provided on the circumference of the steering column. A force generator is connected to the control device and exerts in a locking situation, where the locking member is in the locking position, a clamping force onto the locking member directed against the counter friction surface and turns off the clamping force in a release situation, where the locking member is in the release position.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a plastically deformable metal strap for resisting the collapse of a steering column. The strap is initially deformable into one or more V-shaped wave formations by anvils to increase the energy required to advance the strap, thereby increasing the resistance to collapse of the steering column. One of the anvils may be removed to eliminate one of the wave formations and thereby reduce the amount of resistance to collapse of the steering column. Alternatively, the position of an anvil may be varied to vary the shape of a wave configuration from a deep V to a shallow V.

Abstract: An electric tilt and/or telescopic steering column apparatus comprises a steering shaft having a steering wheel mounted on a rear end thereof, a steering column for rotatably supporting the steering shaft, an electric actuator for adjusting the tilt and/or telescopic position of the steering shaft by driving this steering column, and position detecting means for detecting the position of the steering shaft in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A tilt adjusting unit for steering columns prevents a steering column from popping up due to an external impact. The tilt adjusting unit includes a support bracket mounted to a predetermined portion of a vehicle body. A steering column is mounted to a predetermined portion of the vehicle body to tilt relative to the vehicle body. A movable bracket tilts along with the steering column. A connection rod connects the movable bracket to the support bracket. A guide slot is formed on a predetermined portion of the support bracket along a tilting direction of the steering column, with the connection rod passing through the guide slot. A locking unit is provided on a predetermined portion of the connection rod to lock or unlock the movable bracket to or from the support bracket.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering system includes a gear mechanism, coupled to a steering column, with a gear and a mating gear. The two transmission gears have teeth (4, 5) via which they engage with each other, movement and power being transmitted from one gear to the other gear via effective profiles of their tooth faces (11, 12). In order to provide a gear mechanism that has an enhanced load-bearing capacity and at the same time can be manufactured in a simple and economical way, the effective profiles of the tooth faces (11, 12) of the gear and the mating gear contact over the height (h4, h5) of the teeth (4, 5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing type steering device in which variations in press fitting loads corresponding to a friction force between two columns are decreased, whereby a shock can be appropriately absorbed by relative movements of the two columns in an axial direction. According to the shock absorbing type steering device, at least one of a first column and a second column press fitted into an opening at one end of the first column is formed with swaged parts on a peripheral wall thereof at a plurality of positions having intervals in a circumferential direction of the column, respectively at a plurality of positions having intervals in an axial direction of the column. And, positions of tip ends of said swaged parts are difference between a group of swaged parts near the opening at the end of said first column and other groups remote from the opening.

Abstract: A system for rotationally coupling telescopic interior and exterior shafts, which are disposed so that they can slide one within the other along a common axis, includes a first rotational coupling between the two shafts which is constituted by a rotation friction system. A second rotational coupling between the two shafts is constituted by internal and external splines. The internal splines are on the periphery of the end of the interior shaft and the external splines are on the internal face of the exterior tubular shaft so that a normal rotation torque is transmitted by friction and an exceptional rotation torque is additionally transmitted by the splines.

Abstract: An upper steering shaft assembly for a steering column and method of construction therefore having a tubular shaft section and a stub shaft section fabricated separately from one another. The tubular shaft section has a main body portion and a splined portion. The stub shaft section has a shaft portion and a hub engagement portion comprising a splined segment and a tapered portion. A connection end extends axially from the shaft portion of the stub shaft section and is disposed within the main body portion of the tubular shaft section and the tubular shaft section and the stub shaft section are fixedly attached to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing tube of a steering column of a motor vehicle, the tube comprising two telescopic tube sections which are connected frictionally to each other in a press fit and, in the event of a crash, can be displaced relative to each other over an axial displacement path. In order, in the case of a vehicle accident, in a simple manner firstly to prevent a hard impact of the driver on the steering wheel and secondly to achieve the greatest possible absorption of impact energy, the tube sections are connected frictionally to each other over the entire displacement path. Furthermore, a method for producing a casing tube of this type is disclosed.

Abstract: An active energy absorbing system including a steering column housing movable on a collapse stroke. An energy absorbing device is mounted on the steering column housing and exerts a resistance force against the movement of the steering column housing along its collapse stroke. The energy absorbing device includes a base unit having an adjustable deforming member disposed within. A deformable strap is also housed by the base unit and is attached at one end to a vehicle structure. The deformable strap engages the adjustable deforming member. An actuator is associated with the base unit and adjusts the adjustable deforming member. A spring attachment member is associated with the base unit and includes an adjustment portion that engages the adjustable deforming member and provides for movement of the adjustable deforming member to vary the total active surface area engaging the deformable strap.

Abstract: A steering column structure of a vehicle comprises an upper shroud placed toward the upper part of a steering column, whose top section is parallel or tapers off from a part contacting a crash pad toward an operational line of the steering column collapse; and a lower shroud formed with a depression at a place near a driver's knees and a central part of the steering column, such that the safety of passengers is enhanced during a vehicle collision.

Abstract: A steering lock apparatus is composed of: a rotational member 2 having an engagement means 3; an operating portion 21 positioned on a front side of the rotational member 2 and connected to the rotational member 2; a holder 4 for holding the rotational member 2 rotatably in forward and backward direction and for holding the same rotatably in a rear position; an actuator 9 driven by a signal transmitted by a controller upon detection of the rotational member 2 being operated to a rear side; and a lock member 11 that is operated by the actuator 9 to be engaged with the engagement means 3 of the rotational member 2 in LOCK position for preventing rotation of the rotational member 2. The rotational member 2 is held rotatably in a rear position and disabled from moving to a front position when the rotational member 2 is operated to a rear position to release engagement between the engagement means 3 of the rotational member 2 and the lock member 11.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a main body having upper and lower attachment points. The lower attachment point includes at least one closed-end slot having a ramped surface. A washer having a ramped surface is engaged with the ramped surface of the slot, and a fastener extends through the slot and through the washer.

Abstract: A polymeric steering column housing assembly is provided formed from a plurality of components interconnected together using conventional fastening methods for housing a tilting and/or telescoping steering column shaft assembly. In one form of the invention, the steering column housing assembly includes a lower housing member formed from at least two mating parts. Pivotally coupled to the lower housing assembly is an upper steering column assembly likewise formed from at least two mating parts interconnected together. The upper and lower housing members are in turn interconnected by a positioning locking system to control the tilt position of the upper housing member relative to the lower housing member.

Abstract: A non-linear energy-absorbing column assembly has tunable force gradient which enables a non-linear collapse response under rapid dynamic loading. The column assembly includes the cooperating components of an outer sleeve, an inner tube, and a bearing sleeve, the inner tube received within the bearing sleeve, and the bearing sleeve received within the outer sleeve. Radially spaced serrations are made in an insert end of the inner tube to form one or more deflection tabs at an end of the inner tube. The bearing sleeve holds one or more spherical elements in contact with one or more deflection tabs of the inner tube, and in contact with an interior surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus provided with a collision energy absorbing device for absorbing an energy of a secondary collision of an occupant upon a collision of a vehicle comprises an energy absorption quantity adjusting device for changing a secondary collision energy absorption quantity of the collision energy absorbing device, at least one sensor for detecting a condition of the occupant or the vehicle, and electric control device for controlling a drive of the energy absorption quantity adjusting device on the basis of a result of detection by the sensor.

Abstract: A device for fastening a casing tube switch module to a casing tube of a steering wheel shaft when a steering wheel is mounted on the steering shaft. The device including a clamping element and a bearing. The clamping element is arranged coaxially between the casing tube and the switch module. The clamping element exerts a clamping force in a direction extending radially out from the steering shaft. The bearing rotationally decouples the steering wheel from the switch module. The bearing has a stator operable for transferring an axial motion of the steering wheel as the steering wheel is mounted on the steering shaft to the switch module such that the switch module moves axially with respect to the casing tube toward the clamping element and tensions the clamping element to apply the clamping force to fasten the switch module to the casing tube.

Abstract: Described is a shaft support structure (2) comprising, (a) an elongated shell (11) having interior surfaces (14) which define a hollow interior (17); and (b) a plurality of reinforcing ribs (20) of plastic material located within the hollow interior (17) of the shell (11). At least a portion of the reinforcing ribs (20) are in abutting relationship (23) with the interior surfaces (14) of the shell (11). The reinforcing ribs (20) define a longitudinal passage (41) through the elongated shell (11) for receiving and supporting a rotatable shaft (47). The reinforcing ribs (20) are fixedly attached to the elongated shell (11). The reinforcing ribs (20) are preferably formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, of plastic material onto the interior surfaces (14) of the elongated shell (11).

Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus has a pivot fixed to, for example, a pair of fixed side plates of a vehicle body. The pivot is inserted through a connection hole provided in a steering column. At the time of tilt adjustment, the steering column is swung around the pivot. In either one of an inner peripheral surface of the connection hole and an outer peripheral surface of the pivot opposite thereto, a projection extending in a substantially circumferential or axial direction is formed in contact with the other peripheral surface. Consequently, the contact area between the pivot and the connection hole is reduced, thereby reducing friction therebetween. When the pivot is pressed into the connection hole, the projection is suitably crushed, so that fitting between the pivot and the connection hole is loosened, which is useful for the reduction in the friction therebetween.

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: With the steering apparatus, a tilt can be adjusted by sliding a column bracket, which is fastened to a column housing supporting a steering shaft so as to be rotatable, along tilting apertures provided at side walls of a tilting bracket. A contact projection which is projected toward a stopper from a substantially center portion of the column bracket for limiting a tilt angle crashes into the stopper with a slide of the column bracket caused by a secondary crash and pushes the stopper into guiding apertures arranged in an extension to the tilting apertures. The steering apparatus can realize absorption of energy of a secondary crash by increasing a tilt angle always under a proper condition, while high accuracy is unnecessary in shaping related parts.

Abstract: Vehicle steering column ride down apparatus to guide the direction of steering column collapse in the event of vehicle crash includes a first part for fixedly mounting to a support such as a cross car beam and a second part for coupling to a steering column assembly. At least one of the parts has one or more tracks to act as guides and the other part has structure that runs in the one or more tracks. The apparatus also includes a tightener to tighten the two parts, one upon the other, to provide a predetermined frictional resistance at least to initial relative break-away movement of the two parts in the event of vehicle crash. Each track may be constituted by at least one slot. Coated plates can be clamped between flanges of the parts, which are each in the form of brackets to provide further initial frictional resistance to the initial relative break-away movement of the two parts.