Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-09
2001-05-22
Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C074S411500, C074S492000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234040
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a vehicle steering column assembly including a rotating, traveling energy absorber for energy dissipation in a high energy impact.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicle steering column assemblies often include energy dissipation features for dissipating energy when an axial force is applied to the steering column. Such energy dissipation assemblies typically include multiple components attached to the movable steering column and to the cross-car beam or instrument panel support structure. The energy dissipation component generally includes one or more deformable metal components which are deformed automatically when the steering column is forcibly collapsed.
Such assemblies may be labor-intensive and expensive to assemble as a result of the multiple components involved and the fact that the energy dissipation components associated with the steering column and the instrument panel support structure must be attached after installation of the steering column assembly into the vehicle. This adds difficulty and expense to the steering column assembly operation.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a simplified steering column assembly including an energy dissipation structure which does not require additional installation steps for assembly.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above-referenced shortcomings of the prior art steering column assemblies by providing a steering column armature assembly including an integral rotating, traveling energy absorber which is installed with the steering column assembly into the vehicle, and does not require additional installation steps.
More specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle including 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.
Preferably, a clutch is positioned between the first and second gears, and the energy absorber comprises a pin extending from one of the gears and cooperating with a slot formed in the clutch. The slot has a width less than the width of the pin, whereby forced counter-rotation of the first and second gears causes the pin to be dragged through the slot which forcibly widens the slot, thus dissipating impact energy. The first and second gears are axially movable toward each other for locking and away from each other for unlocking. At least one of the first and second gears includes side teeth facing corresponding side teeth on the clutch for locking.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an improved vehicle steering column assembly including an energy absorber mechanism which is installed integrally with the steering column assembly and does not require additional manufacturing steps.
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Hedderly Gregory Thomas
Kutsche Patricia Kaye
Luckett Thomas Junior
Weber William Francis
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Fenstermacher David
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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