Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes upper and lower column assemblies and a central collapsible steering column drive shaft mounted in upper and lower bearings and a central bearing comprising a cylindrical plastics tube that surrounds the steering column and is slidably mounted in the upper column assembly and rotatably supports the central collapsible steering column at its lower end.

Abstract: A length-adjustable shaft for a vehicle steering column assembly includes an inner column member mounted in an outer column member, the two column members being relatively slidable to allow axial adjustment of the steering column. A bush is mounted with a sliding fit on the inner member inside the outer member, the bush being fixed within the outer member by means of adhesive injected through fill holes provided in the outer steering column member. The inner member has a stop near its free end to prevent removal of the bush from the inner member.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle includes upper and lower steering column subassemblies that are slidable one within the other, the upper steering column subassembly being slidably mounted on a fixed mounting bracket mountable on a vehicle body part. The lower steering column subassembly includes, at its end remote from the upper subassembly, an intrusion bracket that is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket. Clamping means applies clamping force between the mounting bracket and the intrusion bracket to inhibit relative sliding movement of the mounting and intrusion brackets.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism can be supported for controlled collapse in crash situations, by constructing the steering shaft support housing as a rigid assembly having a metal die casting and tubular steel shroud as the principal components. The rigid die casting transmits a shock force from the vehicle steering wheel to shearable fasteners that connect the die casting to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Undesired resilience or spring in the steering shaft support mechanism is eliminated, such that the system has a desired predictability in frontal crash situations. The shaft housing deflection is effectively snubbed by a friction ring encircling a lower portion of the tubular steel shroud.

Abstract: A modulatable energy absorption device for an automobile vehicle steering column includes a number of coils of particular section, a mobile support guided by a fixed support fastened to the vehicle and locked to the fixed support with a particular clamping force, the coils being each connected to a retaining pin and to an attachment pin consisting of a fixed holding rod and two mobile holding rods moved along their axis by a pyrotechnic actuator so as to uncoil one or more coils in the event of an impact.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle has a steering shaft rotatably mounted in a jacket tube. The jacket tube has at least one plastically deformable deformation element associated therewith, with energy adsorption during axial displacement of the jacket tube. The at least one deformation element is secured on at least one side to the jacket tube and abuts a deflecting structure that is permanently attached to the body, and positioned axially with respect to the deformation element in such fashion that the deformation element is deformed with the aid of the deflecting structure during an axial displacement of the jacket tube.

Abstract: A ball spline joint interconnecting an inner shaft and an outer shaft in mutually loose-fitted relation as allowing the shafts to integrally rotate and relatively move from each other in an axial direction. Raceway grooves are respectively formed in the inner shaft and the outer shaft in face-to-face relation and are extended in the axial direction. A plurality of balls are interposed between the corresponding raceway grooves of the inner shaft and the outer shaft, forming an array along the axial direction. A resilient member biases an array-end ball in an angled direction relative to the axial direction.

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

Abstract: A system for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft which slide one within the other in the direction of a common axis, the system comprising balls disposed between the inner shaft and the outer shaft in axial grooves on the inner shaft and in axial grooves on the outer shaft. Thrust is applied to each row of balls by an axial coil spring which bears in the groove and which applies thrust to two races of the balls which come into contact with the groove.

Abstract: In a steering column (1) which is telescopic in the event of a crash, an outer column tube (6) is connected to a stem (7) by means of a shearing body (10). This two-piece shearing body (10) has a shearing area which is reduced relative to its external dimensions and is determined by a projection connecting its two sections (11, 12). The shearing body (10) can therefore absorb relatively large axial forces, for example for assembly purposes, and yet permits maximum admissible shearing forces which can be set largely as desired and which at the same time can be reproduced with high accuracy.

Abstract: A brake pedal supporting structure designed for a brake pedal of a car having a pedal arm coupled with a mounting bracket attached to a dash panel and a cowl panel to rotate via an actuating rod and a hinge point of a brake booster, wherein pedal arm pushing preventing means is fixed at the rear portion of the pedal arm to face a predetermined interval of the total length of the pedal arm including the hinge point to prevent the pedal arm from being pushed to the rear by the brake booster which will be pushed toward the inside of the car room at the time of a head-on colliding car crash, thereby keeping the pedal arm from being pushed toward the rear of the chassis or enabling the lower portion of the pedal arm to rotate to the front of the chassis to rule out an impact given by the pedal arm onto the driver's lower body and reduce the possibility of the injury at the time of the head-on colliding car crash.

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: An actively variable energy absorber including a convex anvil on a steering column housing, a flat metal strap attached to a steering column support and slidably engaging the convex anvil on an active surface area of the convex anvil, and a control apparatus for actively varying the geometric relationship between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil in response to changes in a control variable thereby to adjust the magnitude of the active surface area. Adjusting the magnitude of the active surface area changes the severity of plastic deformation of the flat metal strap and the magnitude of the friction between the flat metal strap and the convex anvil thereby to adjust the force resisting linear translation of the steering column housing. In some embodiments of the actively variable energy absorber, the flat metal strap is plastically deformed by being pulled over a single convex anvil during linear translation of the steering column housing.

Abstract: A tilt-steering mechanism for a vehicle including a steering shaft, a steering wheel, universal joint interconnecting the steering shaft and the steering wheel wherein rotation of the steering wheel correspondingly rotates the steering shaft, the universal joint including a yoke defining a cavity therein and a shaft having a first end pivotably supported within the cavity in the yoke, and a locking structure for selectively locking the shaft of the universal joint at a predetermined angle to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an adjustable steering column (1) adapted to pivot about a point along its length relative to a mounting bracket (6). The steering column assembly also includes a gearbox adapted to transfer torque generated by an electric motor to the steering column (1). A spring (9), between the steering column (1) and the bracket (6), applies a twisting force sufficient to take up any radial play at the pivot. The spring (9) may be offset radially from the axis of the pivot in a direction parallel to the steering column axis as well as laterally offset from the axis of the steering column (1). An advantage is that the spring (9) eliminates vibration in the steering column (1) due to reaction torque from the electric motor, and can also act as a counter-balance to the weight of the electric motor.

Abstract: An lever assembly for an adjustable steering column, comprising a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, the bracket having a first and a second bracket arms, a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between the first and second bracket arms such that opposite ends of the lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions; and a lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with the lever arm when one of the ends is in said first position. An adjustment member is provided adjacent the biasing member for adjusting the biasing force of the lever pin against the lever arm.

Abstract: A self-locking telescoping device including an outer tube, an inner tube telescoped into the outer tube having a cone-shaped ramp at an inboard end, and a plurality of metal spheres between the ramp and the outer tube. The metal spheres wedge between the ramp and the outer tube when the inner tube is thrust into the outer tube in a collapse direction thereby locking the tubes together. When the thrust is attributable to a severe impact, the spheres plastically deform the outer tube by plowing tracks therein thereby to absorb energy. The self-locking telescoping device further includes an actuator rod, a driver which translates the actuator in the collapse direction and in an expansion direction, a first clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the expansion direction, a second clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the collapse direction, and a tubular retainer on the actuator rod having a plurality of closed-ended slots around the metal spheres.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) includes a housing (90) and a longitudinal member (80) movable in opposite directions relative to the housing. A first cam (176) is pivotable relative to the housing (90). The first cam (176) is engageable with the longitudinal member (80) to prevent movement of the of the longitudinal member in a first direction relative to the housing (90). A second cam (186) is pivotable relative to the housing (90). The second cam (186) is engageable with the longitudinal member (80) to prevent movement of the longitudinal member in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the housing (90). At least one spring (210) biases the first and second cams (176, 186) into engagement with the longitudinal member (80). An actuator (250) moves the first and second cams (176, 186) out of engagement with the longitudinal member (80) to permit movement of the longitudinal member relative to the housing (90).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first steering column part (32) and a second steering column part (34). The apparatus also comprises supporting structure (46) supporting the first steering column part (32) and the vehicle steering wheel (22) for movement relative to the second steering column part (34) along an axis (36) of the steering column (12). The apparatus further comprises an energy absorbing device (20) interposed between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34) for resisting movement of the first part relative to the second part. The energy absorbing device (20) comprises a fluid (50) having a shear strength which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The apparatus also includes means (54, 60) for varying the shear strength of the fluid (50) by varying the energy field to vary the resistance to movement of the first steering column part (32) relative to the second steering column part (34).

Abstract: An assembly for coupling two selectively rotatable shafts is provided. The assembly includes a first cross-member which is fixedly coupled to the first rotating shaft, and a second cross-member which is fixedly coupled to the second shaft. A third member is pivotally coupled to the first and to the second cross-member and selectively pivots about a first axis. A fourth member is pivotally coupled to the first and to the second cross-member and pivots about a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The third member and the fourth member cooperate to transmit torque from the first rotating shaft to the second shaft and substantially aligns the first and second longitudinal axes of symmetry of the first and second shafts while maintaining the alignment as torque is transmitted from the first rotating shaft to the second shaft.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint includes: a tube shaft; a shaft coaxially inserted in the tube shaft so that a predetermined axial region of the shaft overlaps with a predetermined axial region of the tube shaft; and a damper inserted between the predetermined axial region of the shaft and the predetermined axial region of the tube shaft for damping vibration and providing an elastic play in a rotation direction.

Abstract: A linear guide device for an automobile vehicle steering column includes a steering shaft rotatably mounted inside a guide-tube which is connected to a support assembly which is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. A fixed support member is fastened to the chassis of the vehicle. A mobile support member is connected to the fixed support member in order to constitute the support assembly and is immobilized to the fixed support member against forces up to particular value. Rolling members are disposed between fixed rollways formed on the fixed support member and mobile rollways formed on the mobile support member. The fixed and mobile rollways each lie in the required guidance direction.

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: An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first steering column part (32), a second steering column part (34), and supporting structure (46) supporting the first steering column part and the vehicle steering wheel for movement relative to the second steering column part. An energy absorbing device (20) is interposed between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34) for resisting movement of the first part relative to the second part. The energy absorbing device (20) comprises a fluid (50) having a viscosity which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The energy absorbing device (20) also comprises at least one orifice (76) through which the fluid (50) flows upon movement of the first part (32) relative to the second part (34).

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle has a steering shaft rotatably mounted in a jacket tube. The jacket tube has at least one plastically deformable deformation element associated therewith, with energy adsorption during axial displacement of the jacket tube. The at least one deformation element is secured on at least one side to the jacket tube and abuts a deflecting structure that is permanently attached to the body, and positioned axially with respect to the deformation element in such fashion that the deformation element is deformed with the aid of the deflecting structure during an axial displacement of the jacket tube.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint comprises a shaft with a pair of outer-diameter side engagement surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other at two positions on the opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, a rotary member with a pair of restraint plate portions which are substantially parallel to each other, having an opening on a lateral side thereof, and a vibration absorbing member provided between the rotary member and the shaft. The vibration absorbing member is constituted by an elastic member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of a part fixed to the rotary member and a sliding sleeve which is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and which inner peripheral surface is in slidable contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A coupling structure of a variable length shaft, comprises a pipe member having an end formed with a plurality of slits elongated in the axial direction to be capable of expanding and diminishing in diameter, an intermediate shaft spline-fitted in the end of the pipe member, and a ring member fitted on an outer periphery of the end of the pipe member, the intermediate shaft being fastened by the end of the pipe member. A holder is releasably attached to an end of the ring member to expand a diameter thereof and thereby reduce a slide frictional resistance of the pipe member against the intermediate shaft. When the holder is released, the ring member diminishes in diameter, and a fastening force of the pipe member on the intermediate shaft is increased.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement has an interior steering column tube which can be axially and telescopically adjusted by a spindle drive relative to an exterior steering column tube. A threaded spindle of the spindle drive is disposed by way of energy-absorbing bearing blocks. The longitudinally extending adjusting member is provided with a desired buckling point. At the level of the desired buckling point, a supporting bow is provided which is stationarily arranged on the exterior steering column tube, reaches at least partially over the desired buckling point and is designed to be plastically deformable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lubricating device for telescopic shaft with axial conduits formed in the relatively sliding tubular parts, with conformal profile. It comprises a lubricating sleeve in the inner tubular part connected, internally thereto, to a grease distributor element integrally movable with the same inner tubular part, inside the outer tubular part. The inner and outer tubular parts comprise axial conduits between their opposite surfaces. The distributor element presents two segments, one stably inserted in the inner tubular part, the other one able to slide with reduced play in the inner profile of the outer tubular part. Inside the distributor element a passage of the grease to the axial conduits is obtained.

Abstract: A steering column holding structure, includes: a column lower bracket locating at rear end of an automobile in relation to a pedal lever, the column lower bracket holding a steering column, wherein the column lower bracket comprises: a column holding section holding the steering column; and a first and a second protruding sections formed with a first and a second through holes so that the column lower bracket is attached to a column holding frame of the automobile with bolts. In the above construction, the first protruding section is formed with an opening channel so as to open the first through hole, thereby making the first protruding section between the opening channel and the steering column as a absorbingly deforming section which is to be deformed by the pedal lever when the automobile forwardingly bumps.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement has an adjusting spindle of a spindle drive for the axial adjustment of the interior steering column tube relative to the exterior steering column tube which is fixed by a holder on the interior steering column tube. The holder is a ring-shaped collar which, by way of a ring arrangement positioned between the outer jacket of the interior steering column tube and the inner circumference of the collar, is axially form-lockingly and frictionally engaged in the circumferential direction fixed on the interior steering column tube.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a receiver forming an aperture therethrough. A steering column armature assembly is received within the receiver aperture and includes a steering column. The steering column armature assembly includes a tilt locking feature for selectively locking the steering column at desired tilt locations with respect to the receiver, and a telescope locking feature for selectively locking telescoping movement of the steering column armature assembly with respect to the receiver. A single handle is operatively connected to the tilt locking feature and to the telescope locking feature for selectively disengaging the tilt locking feature and telescope locking feature for adjustment of the steering column.

Abstract: In a system for adjusting the position of a first member relative to a second, support member regarded as fixed, the support member comprises a base having an upright at each of its two ends. The first member is inside the two uprights of the support member and the uprights are substantially parallel to the axis of the first member. The position adjustment system is locked in a chosen position by a clamping device, whose component parts are mounted on a clamping rod passing through the two uprights and whose axis is the clamping axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first member.

Abstract: A system for modulatable absorption of energy from an automobile vehicle steering column comprises a steering shaft mounted in a body-tube connected to a support assembly fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. The system for modulatable absorption of energy comprises a required number of windings with a particular section which are connected to a retaining pin device and to an anchor pin device. The anchor pin device comprises a holding rod which is moved along its axis by an electric actuator to select the number of windings concerned in the event of an impact.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a receiver forming an aperture therein and having first and second gear racks at opposing sides of the aperture. A steering column armature assembly is received within the receiver aperture and includes first and second gears engaged with the first and second gear racks, respectively, in a manner to facilitate counter-rotation of the first and second gears as the steering column armature assembly is moved along the first and second gear racks. The first and second gears are selectively lockable together to prevent movement of the steering column armature assembly along the first and second gear racks. The first and second gears include an energy absorber positioned therebetween for dissipating energy when the first and second gears are forcibly displaced and counter-rotate with respect to each other in a high energy impact.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided for locking a motor vehicle steering column against rotation. The steering column includes a gear wheel which is fixed coaxially to the steering column shaft, and a pinion with an axis parallel to the steering column axis. The pinion is mounted for rotation in a moveable pinion support which is displaceable between a disengaged position, in which the pinion is disengaged from the gear wheel, and an engaged position in which the pinion is in mesh with the gear wheel. The steering lock also includes a clutch for preventing rotation of the pinion about its axis on the pinion support below a specific torque.

Abstract: A steering shaft includes: an outer shaft having an inner splined portion; an inner shaft having a shaft portion and an outer splined portion which are arranged continuously along an axial direction; a retaining portion formed on at least one of the outer splined portion and the shaft portion; a sliding coupling section formed by a coupling portion of the outer shaft and a coupling portion of the inner shaft so as to allow the outer shaft and the inner shaft to be telescopically slidable in the axial direction relative to each other by means of splines; and a sliding resin member which is filled in a space formed in the sliding coupling section between an opening portion of the outer shaft and the retaining portion of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A method and a steering wheel suspension system for reducing the extent of injuries sustained by a driver in the event of a head-on collision of a vehicle that includes a steering wheel fitted with an air bag and having a steering shaft (8) which is rotatably carried in a holder device for steering purposes, wherewith the holder device is, in turn, mounted for rotation about a support shaft (2) which is based from the steering shaft and extends across the vehicle and, under normal conditions, is locked in a determined position relative to the support shaft (2) by means of a breakable locking device (14).

Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel, a telescoping steering spindle, and a telescoping jacket tube made up of a lower tube part and an upper tube part. The steering wheel is connected by way of the spindle to a steering gear and the spindle is rotatably mounted in the jacket tube, the lower tube part being supported by a lower steering column bearing on a first support component which projects the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision and the upper tube part being supported by an upper steering column bearing on a second support component which substantially retains its position in event of a frontal collision. An unlocking device normally couples the second support component and the upper tube part and is activatable to uncouple them in the event of a frontal collision, and a wedge member is movable in the event of a frontal collision to prevent and/or diminish an upward movement of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle is an integral constituent of a safety steering arrangement or an occupant protection arrangement. To minimize the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, the steering column includes deformation members and a geometrically stable intermediate segment. Such a steering column is combined with a steering wheel to which an airbag cover, movable into an open position by the airbag, is articulated so that it will not protrude from the contour of the steering wheel during opening motion of the airbag.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first steering column part (32) supported for movement relative to a second steering column part (34). An energy absorbing device (20) is interposed between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34) for resisting movement of the first part relative to the second part. The energy absorbing device (20) comprises at least one bendable strap (50) that bends to absorb energy in response to relative movement between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34). A member (70) is movable across the width of the at least one bendable strap (50) to vary the rate of bending of the at least one bendable strap to vary the resistance to movement of the first steering column (32) part relative to the second steering column part (34).

Abstract: A connection between a collapsible mast jacket of an energy absorbing steering column and a motor vehicle body including a mounting bracket on the mast jacket having a planar flange, a capsule slot in the planar flange, and a snap-in capsule. The snap-in capsule includes a retaining channel, an integral cantilever spring, and a detent lug on the end of the cantilever spring which overlaps the retaining channel. When the snap-in capsule is pushed into the capsule slot, the retaining channel cooperates with a peripheral edge of the capsule slot in guiding the snap-in capsule and in retaining the snap-in capsule perpendicular to the planar flange. Concurrently, the detent lug is ejected from the retaining channel against a restoring force attributable to resilient flexure of the cantilever spring. When the snap-in capsule attains a seated position in the capsule slot, the cantilever spring snaps the detent lug into a detent notch in the planar flange.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes a mounting bracket secured to the steering column. Upper fasteners rigidly secured to vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending upper slots in the mounting bracket. Lower fasteners rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending lower slots in the mounting bracket. The connection of the fasteners in the slots of the mounting bracket releases in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The vehicle support structure overlies the mounting bracket to resist upward displacement of the mounting bracket when the steering column collapses. Pull loop assemblies are associated with the lower fasteners. Each pull loop assembly includes a generally U-shaped strap of flexible, bendable material having a first leg connected to one of the lower fasteners. Each strap has a second leg which is unattached.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the occupant of a motor vehicle including a seat belt for restraining the occupant and a stress-bearing structure are disclosed. The apparatus includes a steering shaft, a steering column supporting the steering shaft, the steering column displaceably mounted with respect to the stress-bearing structure, a first energy absorber for absorbing energy upon displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant, a sensor for detecting a condition in which the occupant is restrained by the seat belt, a second energy absorber for absorbing energy upon displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant, and a lock for permitting absorption of energy by the second energy-absorbing unit by displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant when the condition is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A steering device is mounted in a limited space in a small engine compartment, thereby providing improved efficiency for assembly on production lines and improved vehicle maintenance. A steering column extends upward diagonally from in front of an engine into a driver's cabin. When seen from above the vehicle, the steering column extends from the front of the engine to driver's cabin through a space formed between the engine and a side member of a chassis frame. A steering shaft and a middle shaft of the steering column are connected via a joint, which passes along the side of the engine. The joint has a pair of tightening bolt holes, and serrations. Both shafts also have serrations mating with the serrations on the joint. One of the bolts is loosely fitted into one of the bolt holes during installation. A flat cavity on one of the joining shafts receives the loosely fitted tightening bolt. The flat cavity permits limited in and out motion of the joint for setting the final position of the joint.

Abstract: A steering column for an automotive vehicle, provided with an energy absorbing structure. The steering column comprises a jacket tube. A steering shaft is rotatably disposed through bearings inside the jacket tube. The steering shaft includes lower and upper shafts which are connected with each other through a connection using a resin, the resin being able to be sheared by an axial load over a predetermined level so as to allow an axial relative movement between the lower and upper shafts. An upper bracket is securely supported to a vehicle body of the automotive vehicle. The upper bracket includes generally parallel first and second support sections which are movable upon receiving an energy in an axial direction of the steering shaft so as to absorb the energy. The first and second support sections have respectively first and second openings. A distance bracket includes generally parallel first and second side wall sections between which a part of the jacket tube is securely supported.

Abstract: A telescopic steering column for motor vehicles with a steering shaft 1, whose axial, plastic-coated teeth 1.1, which are arranged at least in some areas, engage complementary teeth 2.1 of the steering column jacket 2, which accommodates and guides the steering shaft and which is accommodated in a housing of the steering column, wherein a securing element 3 engages a recess 2.2 of the steering column jacket 2 with at least one hook-shaped claw 3.1 on one side and is supported at or in the end section of the steering column jacket 2 via a radially directed shoulder 3.2 on the other side and thus forms an axial displacement limitation of the steering shaft 1 in at least one direction.

Abstract: A steering column connectable to a frame of a vehicle includes a first steering column member pivotable relative to a second steering column member. A tilt lock bar has an end portion movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The tilt lock bar moves relative to the second steering column member upon pivoting of the first steering column member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering column member. A locking member engages a plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column member and pivoting of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The locking member has a first position engaging the plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: A torsional damper significantly reduces vibrations in a steering system of a motor vehicle. The torsional damper (12) includes a housing (30) defining an interior (42) and flanges (34) for secure attachment to a structural member (28) of the motor vehicle. The torsional damper also includes a pump (78) driven by rotational movement of a steering shaft. The housing includes first and second chambers (120, 124) disposed within the interior and in fluid communication with the pump and each other through a fluid track (60). The housing also includes a diaphragm partitioning the first and second chambers and a predetermined stiffness. The fluid track is sized so as to establish a critical frequency above which steering shaft cyclic rotational motions are attenuated and below which steering shaft cyclic rotational motions are unaffected.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a steering column. The shock absorbing device is provided in the interferential fitting junction between the upper and lower columns of the steering column. The shock absorbing device has a plurality of friction members formed on the upper column by a piercing process, with the base part of each friction member facing the outside of the upper column and the remainder being folded down into the internal surface of the upper column to form a friction part. The friction part is brought into frictional contact with the external surface of the lower column, thus increasing the frictional contact surface area of the shock absorbing device. The shock absorbing device effectively absorbs and relieves shock in the initial stage of a car collision, thus effectively preventing the shock from being transmitted to a steering wheel in order to protect the driver in a collision.