[go: up one dir, main page]

GB2398040A - Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle - Google Patents

Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2398040A
GB2398040A GB0302463A GB0302463A GB2398040A GB 2398040 A GB2398040 A GB 2398040A GB 0302463 A GB0302463 A GB 0302463A GB 0302463 A GB0302463 A GB 0302463A GB 2398040 A GB2398040 A GB 2398040A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plates
steering column
clamping
vehicle
metal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0302463A
Other versions
GB2398040B (en
GB0302463D0 (en
Inventor
Mohammed Ali
Seichi Moriyama
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NSK Steering Systems Europe Ltd
Original Assignee
NSK Steering Systems Europe Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NSK Steering Systems Europe Ltd filed Critical NSK Steering Systems Europe Ltd
Priority to GB0302463A priority Critical patent/GB2398040B/en
Publication of GB0302463D0 publication Critical patent/GB0302463D0/en
Publication of GB2398040A publication Critical patent/GB2398040A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2398040B publication Critical patent/GB2398040B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/16—Steering columns
    • B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
    • B62D1/19—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable incorporating energy-absorbing arrangements, e.g. by being yieldable or collapsible
    • B62D1/195—Yieldable supports for the steering column
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
    • B62D7/22—Arrangements for reducing or eliminating reaction, e.g. vibration, from parts, e.g. wheels, of the steering system
    • B62D7/224—Arrangements for reducing or eliminating reaction, e.g. vibration, from parts, e.g. wheels, of the steering system acting between the steering wheel and the steering gear, e.g. on the steering column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F7/00—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers
    • F16F7/08—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers with friction surfaces rectilinearly movable along each other
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F2226/00—Manufacturing; Treatments
    • F16F2226/02—Surface treatments

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Abstract

A clamping apparatus for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes at least two, relatively slidable, metal plates (1,2) that can be clamped relatively to one another, the two plates having relatively slidable, clamping surfaces that contact one another in a clamped condition of the apparatus. At least one of the plates has a region that has been treated with a hydrogen-enriching chemical compound, which reacts chemically with the metal to produce a chemically active surface for reaction with metal of the clamping surface of the other plate to produce a friction-enhancing interface between the two plates in the event of the high load which occurs between the plates in the event of vehicle crash.

Description

1- 2398040
CLAMPING APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN
FOR A VEHICLE
This invention relates to a clamping apparatus for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle.
Space factors are often needed to be taken into account when constructing steering column assemblies, particularly in the region of the driver of a vehicle, where steering column clamping mechanisms are generally located.
According to the present invention, there is provided a clamping apparatus for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle, the clamping apparatus including at least two, relatively slidable, metal plates that can be clamped relatively to one another, the two plates having relatively slidable, clamping surfaces that contact one another in a clamped condition of the apparatus, at least one of the respective clamping surfaces of the two plates having been treated with a hydrogen- enriching chemical compound which reacts chemically with the metal to produce a chemically active surface for reaction with metal of the clamping surface of the other plate to produce a friction-enhancing interface between the two plates in the event of high load arranged to occur between the plates produced as a result of vehicle crash.
One of the plates may be used in connection with reach adjustment of the steering column and the other plate may be used in connection with rake adjustment of the steering column. However, both plates could form part of the reach adjustment or part of the rake adjustment apparatus. - 2 -
Several plates of each type may be provided to form a pack of clamping plates.
The plates may be made of a metal such as mild steel or aluminium or aluminium alloy.
The invention also extends to an adjustable steering column for a vehicle incorporating a clamping apparatus essentially as defined above.
Of course, the invention also extends to a vehicle incorporating such an adjustable steering column, which may be rake and/or reach adjustable.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of part of a clamping apparatus for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle; and Fig. 2 is a chart comparing the use of clamping plates made of a metal alone with clamping plates where at least one of the plates has been treated with a hydrogen-enriching chemical compound to produce a hydrogen enriched surface compared with clamping plates that have had no such treatment.
Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a pair of clamping plates 1, which in the example shown are used for reach adjustment of a steering column (not shown) in combination with a pair of clamping plates 2 which in the example shown are used for rake adjustment of the steering column. As is clearly seen, the plates 1 and 2 are alternately disposed relatively to one another.
To provide the required frictional effort between the plates when clamped together, regions 3 of the plates 1, for example, and/or regions 3 of the plates 2 are coated with a hydrogen-enriching chemical compound, which saturates the top surface of the metal with free hydrogen atoms within the metal atomic matrix. The resultant surface is then considered in that condition to be primed and ready for use.
When the plates are clamped together to form a clamping pack, the oppositely-facing surfaces of the plates naturally contact one another. Any number of plates can be provided.
When the plates are clamped, or when they come into or out of the clamped condition, the plates begin relative sliding movement.
The principle behind the use of a hydrogen-enriching chemical compound is to take advantage of the atomic hydrogen free bonds. The chemical can be applied as a liquid or as a gel to the surface of the metal of the plate(s) in, e.g. the regions 3, the compound etching into the metal, so that the hydrogen is induced into the surface of the metal with any excess rubbed off. This is to be distinguished from applying a discrete coating of a material to the metal. - 4
During rubbing together of the clamping plates under a high clamp load, however, received for example in the event of a vehicle crash, the asperities in the topological surface of the metal break open. As they do so, hydrogen is released to form bonds with the metal matrix causing a near weld condition with the adjacent plate. This in turn creates further shear in the surface and this releases more hydrogen and repeats the cycle until the weld overcomes friction. This allows the crash energy to be transferred to another energy absorption system, such as deformable, energy-absorbing wires (see, e.g. GB-A-2 326 135). In other words, the asperities break, thereby releasing free hydrogen atoms. These atoms search for other free atoms to achieve molecular stability and in doing so will pass between the plates, thereby shifting the metal matrix thereby encouraging a weld-like condition at sub-atomic level.
The table shown below provides some figures that have been obtained under test, with and without the friction enriching solution.
Breaking Transverse Point Loads kN STANDARD MILD STEEL 0.554 0.370 FRICTION ENRICHING SOLUTION 1.200 2.490 It will be appreciated that with the use of the chemical compound as aforesaid for the plates 1 and 2, the actual size and even thickness of the reach and rake - 5 plates can be reduced, especially since a friction coating on the plates need not be provided. This means that the packaging size of the clamping mechanism can be reduced as can be the weight of the mechanism. - 6

Claims (10)

  1. Claims 1. A clamping apparatus for an adjustable steering column for a
    vehicle, the clamping apparatus including at least two, relatively slidable, metal plates that can be clamped relatively to one another, the two plates having relatively slidable, clamping surfaces that contact one another in a clamped condition of the apparatus, at least one of the respective clamping surfaces of the two plates having been treated with a hydrogen- enriching chemical compound which reacts chemically with the metal to produce a chemically-active surface for reaction with metal of the clamping surface of the other plate to produce a friction-enhancing interface between the two plates in the event of high load arranged to occur between the plates produced as a result of vehicle crash.
  2. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen-enriching compound is applied to the or each plate in the form of a liquid or a gel.
  3. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the plates is used in connection with reach adjustment of the steering column.
  4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein one of the plates is used in connection with rake adjustment of the steering column.
  5. 5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plates is made of mild steel. - 7
  6. 6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plates is made of mild aluminium or aluminium alloy.
  7. 7. A clamping apparatus for an adjustment steering column for a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  8. 8. An adjustable steering column for a vehicle incorporating a clamping apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.
  9. 9. An adjustable steering column according to claim 8, which is rake and/or reach adustable.
  10. 10. A vehicle incorporating an adjustable steering column according to claim 8 or 9.
GB0302463A 2003-02-04 2003-02-04 Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle Expired - Fee Related GB2398040B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0302463A GB2398040B (en) 2003-02-04 2003-02-04 Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0302463A GB2398040B (en) 2003-02-04 2003-02-04 Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0302463D0 GB0302463D0 (en) 2003-03-05
GB2398040A true GB2398040A (en) 2004-08-11
GB2398040B GB2398040B (en) 2005-10-26

Family

ID=9952346

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0302463A Expired - Fee Related GB2398040B (en) 2003-02-04 2003-02-04 Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2398040B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006009304B3 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-07-26 Daimlerchrysler Ag Steering column arrangement for vehicles, has console and steering column, where lamella is pivoted towards longitudinal middle axis, in fixed condition of steering column acting in transverse direction to longitudinal axis
WO2008011945A1 (en) 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Daimler Ag Clamping device for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2267873A (en) * 1992-06-19 1993-12-22 Torrington Co Collapsible steering column for a vehicle

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2267873A (en) * 1992-06-19 1993-12-22 Torrington Co Collapsible steering column for a vehicle

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006009304B3 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-07-26 Daimlerchrysler Ag Steering column arrangement for vehicles, has console and steering column, where lamella is pivoted towards longitudinal middle axis, in fixed condition of steering column acting in transverse direction to longitudinal axis
WO2008011945A1 (en) 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Daimler Ag Clamping device for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle
DE102006034714A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Daimler Ag Clamping device for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle
DE102006034714B4 (en) * 2006-07-27 2009-03-19 Daimler Ag Clamping device for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2398040B (en) 2005-10-26
GB0302463D0 (en) 2003-03-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Merklein et al. New materials and production technologies for innovative lightweight constructions
Stronge et al. Long stroke energy dissipation in splitting tubes
TWI224658B (en) Variable force energy dissipater and decelerator
GB2398040A (en) Clamping apparatus for adjustable steering column for a vehicle
bin Muhamad et al. Enhancements on dissimilar friction stir welding between AZ31 and SPHC mild steel with Al–Mg as powder additives
Saito et al. Hydrogen desorption behavior trapped in various microstructures of high-strength steels using thermal desorption analysis
DE2139745A1 (en) HOLDER FOR AT LEAST ONE DISC-SHAPED SEMI-CONDUCTOR ELEMENT
GB2392971A (en) Clamping apparatus for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle
US20180094334A1 (en) Laser spot hardening
DE4344879A1 (en) Composite steel for armour-plating vehicles
Kimura et al. Improving joint properties of friction welded joint of high tensile steel
Wang Predicting the effect of die gap on flange springback
DE102017104010A1 (en) MATCHING ELECTRODES FOR RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING OF ALUMINUM WORKPIECES ON STEEL WORKPIECES
Ojima et al. Application to body parts of high-strength steel sheet containing large volume fraction of retained austenite
Kanahashi et al. Improvement of crashworthiness in ultra lightweight metallic foam by heat-treatment for microstructural modification of base material
Laird The general cyclic stress-strain response of aluminum alloys
FR2728038B1 (en) ENERGY ABSORBING BEAM AND THIN METAL BLANK FOR MAKING THIS ENERGY ABSORBING BEAM
Boddé et al. A mathematical model for drug release from a two-phase system to a perfect sink
Omar et al. Crush Behavior of Spot Welded Hat Section Components With Material Comparison
GB2377471A (en) Clamping apparatus with zinc coated clutch plates
JP2002295417A (en) Clamp fitment and its manufacturing method
Rauser Energy absorption of passenger car body structures made of steel and aluminium
DE1508315B2 (en) Process for the temporary protection of the surface of parts made of light metal alloys
Mella et al. A diffusion Monte Carlo accurate interaction potential between H and PsH
Gall et al. Frontal Crash Testing of a Class V Lift Truck

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20090204