MXPA99010553A - Steering column - Google Patents

Abstract

A steering column (10) connectable to a frame of a vehicle includes a first steering column member (12) pivotable relative to a second steering column member (14). A tilt lock bar (80) has an end portion (84) movable with the first steering column member (12) relative to the second steering column member (14). The tilt lock bar (80) moves relative to the second steering column member (14) upon pivoting of the first steering column member (12) to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steeringcolumn member (14). A locking member (114) engages a plurality of teeth (120) on the tilt lock bar (80) to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar (80) relative to the second steering column member (14) and pivoting of the first steering column member (12) relative to the second steering column member (14). The locking member (114) has a first position engaging the plurality of teeth (120) on the tilt lock bar (80) to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar (80) relative to the second steering column member (14). The locking member (114) has a second position spaced from the plurality of teeth (120) on the tilt lock bar (80) to enable movement of the tilt lock bar (80) relative to the second steering column member (14) and pivoting of the first steering column member (12) relative to the second steering column member (14). A support tube (42) for connecting the steering column (10) to the frame of the vehicle rotatably supports the second steering column member (14).

Description

STEERING TUBE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a steering tube, and more specifically to a steering tube in which the first steering tube member is pivotable relative to a second steering tube member. A known steerer tube is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,363,716. U.S. Patent No. 5,363,716 discloses a steer tube in which a first steerer member can pivot relative to a second steer tube member. An inclined closure bar has a first movable end portion with the first steering tube member relative to the second steering tube member. The inclined closure bar moves relative to the second steering tube member to the pivoting of the first steering tube member to any one of a plurality of pivot portions relative to the second steering tube member. A pair of coil springs are tightly wound in a normal manner around the periphery of the inclined closure bar so that, when fully coiled, they hold the inclined closure bar and prevent relative movement between the inclined closure bar and the second member of steering tube. The rotation of a lever around an axis of the inclined closing bar causes the springs to partially unroll and release their grip on the inclined closure bar. When the springs unwind, the first steering tube member can pivot relative to the second steering tube member. The steer tube of the present invention includes first and second pivotable steering tube members relative to each other. An inclined closure bar has a movable end portion with the first steering tube member relative to the second steering tube member. The inclined closure bar is movable relative to the second steering tube member to the pivoting of the first steering tube member to any one of the plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering tube member. Closing means for coupling a plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar prevents movement of the closing bar inclined relative to the second steering member and pivoting of the first steering tube member relative to the second steering member. Steering tube. The closure means has a first position that engages the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member and the pivoting of the first steering tube member with relation to the second steering tube member. The closure means has a second position separated from the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to allow movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member and the pivoting of the first steering tube member with relation to the second member of the steering tube. The mounting means for connecting the steering tube to the vehicle chassis rotatably holds the second steering tube member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the closure means applies a first force to the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member. The closure means includes means for applying a second force to the inclined closure bar greater than the first force when a load is applied to the first steering tube member that urges the first steering tube member to pivot relative to the second member. of steering tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of a steering tube of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of the steering tube of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of closure means for closing the steerer tube in a desired adjusted position; Figure 4 is an elongated sectional view of a portion of the closure means of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an illustrative view of a piston of the closure means of Figure 3; Figure 6 is an elongated schematic view of a second embodiment of the closure means of the present invention; Figure 7 is a sectional view of the closure means of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an illustrative view of a driving arm of the closing means of Figure 6; Figure 9 is an elongated schematic view of a third embodiment of a closure means of the present invention; and Figure 10 is a sectional view of the closure means of Figure 9.

A first embodiment of the present invention comprises an angularly adjustable vehicle steering tube 10 (Figures 1 and 2). Steering tube 10 can be connected to the chassis of a vehicle by mounting clamps (not shown), as is well known in the art. Steering tube 10 includes an inlet arrow or steering tube member 12 and a steering tube member 14 that are rotatable to move addressable wheels of a vehicle (not shown). A vehicle steering wheel 18 (Figure 2) is attached to a steering tube member 12 by a nut 30. Steering tube member 12 and steering tube member 14 rotate to the steering wheel rotation of the steering wheel. vehicle 18 by a vehicle operator. The steering tube member 12 is pivotable relative to the steering tube member 14 to affect the angular adjustment of the steering wheel 18. An inclined locking mechanism 20 (Figure 1) closes the steering tube member 12 in either a plurality of pivot positions relative to the steering tube member 14. The steering tube member 12 extends in an upper housing 26. The bearings located in the upper housing 26 support the steering tube member 12 for rotation with relation to superior accommodation. A cover 28 is removable from the upper housing 26 so that the bearings can be reached for repair and maintenance. The cover 28 (Figure 1) is connected to the upper housing 26 by screws 32. A universal joint 34 (Figures 1 and 2) interconnects the steering tube members 12, 14. The steering tube member 12 is connected to a yoke of the universal joint 34. Another yoke of the universal joint 34 is connected to the steering tube member 14. The steering tube member 12 and the upper housing 26 can pivot, relative to the steering tube member 14, around the a pivot axis A of the universal joint 34. From the foregoing, it is clear that upon rotation of the steering wheel 18, the steering tube member 12 and the steering tube member 14 rotate. A clamp 40 (Figure 1) pivotally supports the upper housing 26 and the steering tube member 12 for pivotal movement relative to the steering tube member 14. The upper housing 26 is pivotally connected to the bracket 40 which is connected to a mounting member or had support 42 circumscribing the steering tube member 14. The support tube 42 holds the steering tube member 14 for rotation and connects the steering tube 10 to the vehicle chassis, as is well known in the art. The upper housing 26 is pivotable about the axis A relative to the clamp 40 and the support tube 42. Therefore, the upper housing 26 pivots together with the steering tube member 12 relative to the clamp 40 and the member of steerer tube 14. The clamp 40 (Figure 1) includes generally parallel side walls 48. The portions 52 extending radially inward from the side walls 48 are connected to an upper portion of the support tube 42. A portion 56 of the clamp 40 extends between the side walls 48. The clamp 40 partially encloses the inclined closure mechanism 20. A handle 62 and the actuator member 64, connected to the handle are pivotally mounted on the portion 56 of the clamp 40 by a pin 66. The handle 62 and the operating member 64 release the inclined locking mechanism 20 to allow the inclination of the steering tube member 12 with respect to the ion to the steering tube member 14. A portion 68 of the operating member 64 extends into an opening 70 in the portion 56 of the bracket 40 and engages the inclined closure mechanism 20. A torsion spring 72 is extends around the actuating member 64 to deflect the handle 62 and the actuator member to an initial position in which the inclined closure mechanism 20 is closed. An inclined closure bar 80 is pivotally connected to the upper housing 26 by a pin 82. An end portion 84 of the inclined closure bar moves with the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14. An assembly piston-cylinder 90 (Figure 3 and 4) closes the inclined closure bar 80 in one of a plurality of positions relative to the steering tube member 14. When the inclined closure bar 80 is closed in one of the positions, the steering tube member 12 is closed in one of a plurality of positions relative to the steering tube member 14. The inclined locking bar 80 extends through the piston-cylinder assembly 90 (Figures 3 and 4) which closes the inclined closure bar 80 in one of the plurality of positions. The piston-cylinder assembly 90 is pivotally connected between one of the side walls 48 and a flange 92 extending from the portion 56 of the bracket 40 by a bolt 94 and a nut 96. The bolt 94 extends through a plate 100 of the piston-cylinder assembly 90. The plate 100 is connected by screws 102 to a flange 104 extending from a cylindrical housing 106 of the piston-cylinder assembly 90. The inclined closure bar 80 (Figure 4) extends through the openings 108 in the housing 106. A piston 114 located within the housing 106 is movable transverse to a longitudinal axis 116 of the inclined closure bar 80. The piston 114 has an oval-shaped opening 117 through which the inclined closure bar 80 extends to allow movement of the piston relative to the inclined closure bar. A plurality of teeth 118 define a portion of the opening 117. The teeth 118 engage the teeth 120 of the inclined closure bar 80 to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the housing 106 and therefore the clamp 40. and the steering tube member 14. A spring 124 located within the cylindrical housing 106 urges the piston 114 to the left, as seen in Figure 4, so that the teeth 118 engage the teeth 120 of the inclined closure bar. 80. The spring 124 acts between a surface 126 of the piston 114 and the plate 100. An extension 130 of the piston 114 extends through an opening 132 in the housing 106. The extension 130 couples the portion 68 of the actuator member 64. Al pivoting of the handle 62 and therefore, the actuator member 64, downwardly as seen in Figure 1, from the initial position, the portion 68 of the actuator member moves toward the piston-cylinder assembly 90 The driving member 64 moves the piston 114 to the right, as seen in Figure 4, to release the inclined closure bar 80 and allow pivoting of the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14. When the steering member Steering tube 12 is pivoted relative to the steering tube member 14, the inclined locking bar 80 moves relative to the piston-cylinder assembly 90 and the piston-cylinder assembly pivots about the bolt 94-. Upon release of the handle 62 after placement of the steering tube member 12, the spring 124 moves the teeth 118 on the piston 114 in engagement with the inclined closure bar 80. The spring 72 and the piston 114 move the handle 62 and the actuator member 64 towards the starting position. The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6-8 are generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1-5. The embodiment of Figures 6-8 is the same as the embodiment of Figures 1-5 with a different closing mechanism. An inclined locking mechanism 140 of the second embodiment (Figures 6 and 7) closes the steering tube member 12 in any of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the steering tube member 14. An inclined locking bar 142 is connected pivotally to the upper housing 32. An end portion 143 of the inclined closure bar 142 moves with the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14. The inclined closure bar 142 extends through a closure housing 144. The closure housing 144 is pivotally connected between one of the side walls 48 and the flange 92 of the bracket 40 by a bolt 146 and a nut 148. The bolt 146 extends through a mounting flange 150. of the housing 144. A pair of actuator arms 156 are pivotally connected to the housing 144 by a pivot pin 158. Each of the actuator arms 156 has teeth 164 (F Figure 7) for engaging the teeth 166 on the inclined closure bar 142. The teeth 164 on the actuator arms 156 are deviated in engagement with teeth 166 on the closure bar 142 by springs 168 located in the recesses 169 in the housing 144. The springs 168 engage the extensions 170 of the actuator arms 156 to cause the actuator arms to pivot in engagement with the inclined closure bar 142. The pins 172 extend through openings 174 (FIG. 8) in the extensions 170 and within the inside of the springs 168 to place the springs 168 on the extensions 170. The actuator arms 156 are substantially similar and, therefore, only one of the actuator arms will be described in detail. The actuator arm 156 Figure 8 includes a recess 180 for receiving a portion of the other actuator arm 156. The actuator arm 156 includes an opening 182 through which the pin 158 extends. Each of the extensions 170 on the actuator arms 156 engages the portions 68 of the actuator member 64. Upon pivoting of the portion 68 of the actuator member 64 towards the closure mechanism 140 from the initial position, the actuator arms 156 pivot in opposite directions around the pin 158. The teeth 164 on the actuator arms 156 move out of engagement with the inclined closure bar 142 to allow pivoting of the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14. When the steering tube member 12 is pivoted relative to the pipe member of direction 14, the inclined closure bar 142 moves relative to the housing 144 and the housing 144 pivots about the bolt 146. Upon release of the handle 62 after placement of the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14, the teeth 164 on the actuator arms 156 move in engagement with the inclined closure bar 142. The spring 72 and the actuator arms 156 move the handle 62 to the initial position. Each of the actuator arms 156 applies a first force against the inclined closure bar 142 under the influence of the springs 164 and 72. When a load is applied to the steering tube member 12 which drives the steering tube member to pivot around the axis A and the actuating arms 156 are engaging the inclined closure bar 142, the force applied by one of the actuator arms 156 on the inclined closure bar increases a second force. When a load is applied to the steering tube member 12, the load is transmitted to the inclined closure bar 142. The inclined closure bar 142 transmits the load to one of the actuator arms 156 which drives the actuator arm to pivot around the pin 158 towards the coupling with the inclined closing bar. Therefore, the actuator arm 156 applies a greater force on the inclined closure bar 142 to prevent further inclination of the steering tube member 12. The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 is generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1-8. The embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 is the same as that of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 8 with a different closing mechanism. An inclined closure mechanism 190 of the third embodiment (Figures 9 and 10) closes the steering tube member 12 at any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the steering tube member 14. An inclined locking bar 192 is pivotally connected to the upper housing 32. An end portion 193 of the inclined closure bar 192 moves with the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14. The inclined closure bar 192 extends through the a locking housing 194. The locking housing 194 is pivotally connected between one of the side walls 48 and the flange 92 of the bracket 40 by a bolt 196 and a turk 198. The bolt 196 extends through a mounting flange 200 of accommodation L94. A pair of actuator arms 206 are pivotally connected to the housing 194 by a pin 208. Each of the actuator arms 20G has teeth 211 for engaging the teeth 214 on the inclined closure bar 192. The teeth 212 on the actuator arms 206 are offset in engagement with the teeth 214 on the inclined closure bar 192 by a spiral spring (not shown) wound around the pin 208. Each of the actuator arms 206 has a portion 216 in engagement with the portion 68 of the actuating member LJ. Upon pivoting of the portion 68 of the actuator member 64 towards the locking mechanism 190 from the initial position, the actuator arms 20b pivot in opposite directions around the pin 208. The teeth 212 on the actuator arms 206 move out of engagement with the rod inclined closure 192 to allow the pivoting of the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14. When the steering tube member 12 is pivoted relative to the steering tube member 14, the inclined locking bar 192 moves relative to the housing i J4 and the housing .194 pivots about the bolt 196.? the release of the handle 62 after the placement of the steering tube member 12 relative to the steering tube member 14, the teeth 212 on the actuator arms 206 move in engagement with the inclined closure bar 192. The spring 72 and the actuator arms 206 move the handle 62 to the initial position. From the above description of the invention, those with experience in the art will perceive the improvements, changes and modifications. It is contemplated that the inclined closure bars can be so uniform that an infinite adjustment of the inclination position of the i-direction tube can be obtained. In addition, it is contemplated that the steerer tubes may be tilting telescope steer tubes in which the length of the tilt tube may also be adjusted. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill in the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. A steering tube connectable to a chassis of a vehicle, the steering tube comprising: first and second steering tube members, the first steering tube member that is pivotable relative to the second steering tube member; an inclined closure bar having a movable end portion with the first steering tube member relative to the second steering tube member, the inclined locking bar moving relative to the second inclination tube member when pivoting the first steering tube member towards any of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering tube member, the inclined closure bar having a plurality of teeth; closure means for coupling the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member and preventing pivoting of the first steering tube member relative to the second steering member of steering tube, the closing means having a first position that engages the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member and a second, separate position of the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to allow movement of the locking bar inclined relative to the second steering tube member, and pivoting of the first steering tube member relative to the second steering tube member; and mounting means for connecting the steering tube to the vehicle chassis, the mounting means that rotatably hold the second steering tube member. The steering tube according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means includes a plurality of teeth engageable with the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar. The steering tube according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes means for deflecting the closing means in engagement with the inclined closing bar. The steering tube according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means includes a piston and means supporting said piston for movement in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the inclined closure bar, the piston having a a plurality of teeth engageable with the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member. The steering tube according to claim 4, characterized in that said piston includes surface means defining an opening through which the inclined closing bar extends, the plurality of teeth of the piston being located on the means of surface that define the opening in said piston. The steering tube according to claim 4, characterized in that the means supporting the piston for movement are pivotally connected to the mounting means., 7. The steering tube according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of closure include a first pivotable member about a pivot axis spaced apart from the inclined closure bar, the first member having a first portion engageable with the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar. The steerer tube according to claim 7, characterized in that it further includes spring means for applying a force for urging the first member to pivot about the pivot axis and the first portion towards engagement with the plurality of teeth on the inclined closing bar. 9. A steer tube according to claim 8, further including actuator means engageable with a second portion of the first member for pivoting the first member about the pivot axis in the first portion remote from the plurality of teeth of the inclined closure bar . 10. A steering tube according to claim 7, which further includes support means for holding the first member for pivotal movement about the pivot axis, the support means being pivotal relative to the mounting means. A steering tube according to claim 7, characterized in that the first portion of said first member includes a plurality of teeth engageable with the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar. 12. Steering tube according to claim 7, characterized in that the closing means includes a second member pivotable about the pivot axis, the second member having a first portion engageable with said plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar. . A steering tube according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the first portions of the first and second members includes a plurality of teeth engageable with the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar. 14. Steering tube according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclined closure bar is pivotally connected to a housing that rotatably holds the first member of the steering tube. 15. A steering tube connectable with a chassis of a vehicle, the steering tube characterized in that it comprises: first and second steering tube members, the first steering tube member that is pivotable relative to the second steering tube member , an inclined closure bar having a movable end portion with said first steering tube member with respect to the second steering tube member, the inclined locking bar moving relative to the second steering tube member upon pivoting of the steering tube member. first steering tube member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering tube member; closure means for applying a first force towards said inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member and pivoting of the first steering tube member relative to the second tube member of direction, the closure means including means for applying a second force to the inclined closure bar greater than the first force when a load is applied to the first steering tube member that urges the first steering-tube member to pivot with relation to the second steering tube member. 16. Steering tube according to claim 15, characterized in that the closing means includes a member engageable with the inclined closure bar, the member being pivotable about a pivot axis separated from the inclined closing bar, the member having a portion engageable with the inclined closure bar. 17. Steering tube according to claim 16, characterized in that the portion has a plurality of teeth engageable with a plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar. 18. Steering tube according to claim 17, further including spring means applying the first force that urges the portion of the member toward engagement with the inclined closure bar. 19. A steerer tube according to claim 18, characterized in that the teeth on the inclined closure bar apply a force to urge the portion of the member to pivot towards the inclined closure bar when the load drives the first tubular member of the tube. direction to pivot relative to the second steering tube. 20. Steering tube according to claim 15, characterized in that the inclined closure bar is pivotally connected to a housing that rotatably holds the first steering tube member. SUMMARY A steering tube connectable to a chassis of a vehicle includes a first steering tube member pivotable relative to a second steering tube member. An inclined closure bar has a movable end portion with the first steering tube member relative to the second steering tube member. The inclined closure bar moves relative to the second steering tube member to the pivoting of the first steering tube member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering tube member. A closure member engages a plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member and pivoting of the first steering tube member relative to the second steering member. Steering tube. The closure member has a first position that engages the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to prevent movement of the inclined closure bar relative to the second steering tube member. The closure member has a second position spaced from the plurality of teeth on the inclined closure bar to allow movement of the closure bar relative to the second steering tube and the pivoting of the first steering tube member relative to the second. member of steering tube. A support tube for connecting the steering tube to the vehicle chassis rotatably holds the second steering tube member.