Collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle
US6595079B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.In the event of vehicle crash, the intrusion bracket and the steering assembly accommodates collapse from the front by intrusion of a firewall acting on the intrusion bracket. The clamping means run down a slot in the fixed bracket and the intrusion bracket runs in guideways in the fixed mounting bracket to accommodate the intruding firewall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.