Patent · US Expired

Structure for fixing steering column with fastener and disk spring

US7360793B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
7References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 29, 2005
Grant dateApr 22, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 17, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D1/195
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

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. The structure includes: (a) a fastener including (a-1) a gripper body cooperating with the second clamped member to grip the first clamped member interposed therebetween and (a-2) a shaft body passing through the slot of the first clamped member and connected to the second clamped member and gripper body; and (b) a disk spring mounted on the shaft body of the fastener and held in a deformed state thereof, for generating a clamping force with which the first and second clamped members are fastened to each other. The disk spring has axially opposite end surfaces in the form of tapered surfaces.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.