Adjusting and fixing device for a steering shaft, whose height and/or length can be adjusted

• US 20030172765A1
• Filed: 05/12/2003
• Published: 09/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG (Thyssenkrupp AG)
• Original Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG (Thyssenkrupp AG)
• Inventors: Heiml, Roland
• Application Number:
  US10/258,069
• Publication Number:
  US 20030172765A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 74/493
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/181 with power actuated adjustment, e.g. with position memory
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/184 Mechanisms for locking columns at selected positions

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting mechanism (3) for a steering shaft (2) for adjusting the length and/or inclination, and at least one fixing system (4) fixing the adjusted position, which has a tensioning element (24) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft (2), on which fixing mechanisms (13; 14) are provided which can be adjusted relative to one another in the longitudinal direction by means of a lever (84), each having at least one base element with at least one clamping element, at least one guide element and at least one resilient element, in which at least one clamping element is disposed between the steering shaft (2) and the bearing element (10) and/or between the mount (5) and the lever (84), and in a locked position the clamping element or the clamping elements releasably fix the steering shaft (2) or the bearing element (10) and/or the mount (5) in its position relative to the tensioning element (24) against the action of the elastically deformable resilient element by means of an intermittent and/or linear friction connection.

Claims

1. Adjusting mechanism for a steering shaft, which is disposed in a stationary mounting point in a vehicle so as to be slidable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft and pivotable in at least one direction disposed radially thereto, the telescopically extendable steering shaft being retained by means of bearings in a bearing part of a bearing element so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft with and/or relative to this bearing part and/or pivotable relative to the mount, and being fixedly retained by means of at least one fixing mechanism, and the fixing mechanism has a tensioning element extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft on which fixing mechanisms mutually adjustable by means of a lever are provided, at least one of which has respectively at least one base piece with at least one clamping element, at least one guide element and at least one resilient element, the clamping elements of which are designed to provide a clamp connection between the steering shaft or the bearing element and the mount, characterised in that at least one clamping element (96;

168) is disposed between the steering shaft (2) and the bearing element (10) and/or between the mount (5) and the lever (84), and in a locked position the clamping element (96;

168) or the clamping elements (96;

168) releasably fix the steering shaft (2) or the bearing element (10) and/or the mount (5) in its position relative to the tensioning element (24) against the action of elastically deformable resilient element (88) by means of an intermittent and/or linear friction connection.

2. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that, in a non-clamped open position, the guide elements (89) of the fixing mechanisms (13;

14) are guided without any clearance by means of the resilient elements (88) on surfaces (15;

16), facing the latter, of the mount (5) and/or the bearing element (10).

3. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, in a non-clamped open position, the clamping elements (96) of the fixing mechanisms (13;

14) extend at a distance from the surfaces (15;

16) directed towards them.

4. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the locked position, the clamping elements (96) are pushed with a pre-settable pressing force against the surface (15, 16) of the mount (5) and/or the bearing element (10.)

5. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tensioning element (24) is a tension bolt.

6. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base element (87) and the guide element (89) and optionally the resilient element (88) have bores (90, 123) for receiving and radially guiding the tensioning element (24).

7. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one other clamping element (96) of the fixing mechanism (13;

14) is disposed so as to produce a positive-fit engagement.

8. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one shaped element for providing a positive-fit engagement is provided on one of the surfaces (15;

16) of the mount (5) and/or the bearing element (10).

9. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, mounted in the mount (5) fixedly joined to the bodywork (6), the adjusting mechanism (3) has a profiled piece (8) mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (7) with the longitudinally slidable bearing element (10) guided therein.

10. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mount (5) is of a profiled design and has a circular and/or multi-cornered, in paticular U-shaped, cross section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal extension.

11. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a leg (18) of the U-shaped mount (5) is provided with an orifice (22) through which the tensioning element (24) extends.

12. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that an orifice (22) extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft (2) has an arcuate, convex contour directed towards the pivot axis (7).

13. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a length (20) of the orifice (22) bounds an adjustment path (25) of the steering shaft (2) transversely to the longitudinal extension thereof.

14. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the profiled piece (8) has a multi-cornered, in particular U-shaped, cross section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal extension.

15. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a base (32) of the profiled piece (8) adjacent to the leg (18) with the orifice (22) is provided with a bore (40) through which the tensioning element (24) extends, in which the tensioning element (24) is radially guided.

16. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that two oppositely lying, spaced apart side legs (30) extend starting from the base (32) in the direction of the other leg (18) of the mount (5) at least across a part of an opening width (39).

17. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the transition region between the base (32) and the side legs (30), the profiled piece (8) forms a guide mechanism (37) extending parallel with the steering shaft (2) for the longitudinal displacement of the bearing element (10).

18. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide mechanisms (37) form support and/or guide surfaces (38).

19. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support and/or guide surfaces (38) extend parallel with or at an angle to the base (32).

20. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support and/or guide surfaces (38) extend at an angle towards one another in the direction of the base (32).

21. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support and/or guide surfaces (38) forming the guide tracks subtend an angle of more than 90°

in a cross-sectional plane.

22. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing element (10), mounted in the profiled piece (8) so as to be longitudinally slidable, is provided with a cutout (43) in a base (54) directed towards the orifice (22) extending in the longitudinal extension of the steering shaft (2) through which the clamping element (24) extends.

23. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cutout (43) in the bearing element (10) overlaps at least partially with the orifice (22) in the mount (5) and the orifice (22) and the cutout (43) are disposed transversely to one another.

24. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing element (10) has a first part (44) provided with the cutout (43) and another part (45) joined, in particular welded, thereto.

25. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first part (44) and the other part (45) have a multi-cornered cross section in a plane perpendicular to their longitudinal extension.

26. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first part (44) has a substantially trapezoid cross section.

27. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the other part (44) has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

28. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first part (44) has two side legs (57) inclined in mirror image towards a base (54) and in a direction remote from the orifice (22).

29. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that guide elements (9) co-operate with the side legs (57).

30. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide elements (9) are provided in the form of guide strips, guide depressions, guide arms, etc..

31. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide elements (9) have a substantially trapezoid cross section matching the guide mechanism (37) in a plane perpendicular to their longitudinal extension.

32. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide elements (9) provided for adjusting the length of the telescopically adjustable steering shaft (2) are of a length that is the same as an adjustment path (120), in particular a length projecting beyond the length of the profiled piece (8).

33. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a cam disc (82;

83) is provided between the lever (84) rotatably or pivotably mounted on the tensioning element (24) and the clamping element or elements (96), generating a clamping force at least in the longitudinal extension of the tensioning element (24) when the lever (84) is pivoted into the locked position

34. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cam disc (82) is integrally formed on the fixing mechanism (13) or is joined, in particular welded, thereto.

35. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the mutually facing end faces of the relatively rotatable cam discs (82, 83) has a rising screw surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tensioning element (24).

36. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base element (87) has a longer length in the direction of the steering shaft (2) than in a direction extending transversely thereto.

37. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastic resilient element (88) co-operating with the base element (87) is disposed between the base element (87) and the guide element (89) overlapping with the surface (15;

16).

38. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base element (87) forms a cutout (101) in an underside (100) remote from the base (54) in which the tensioning element (24) is received so as to be prevented from rotating.

39. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping element or elements (96) are disposed perpendicular to or at an angle to the surface (91) of the base element (87) extending parallel with a bottom edge (122).

40. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that clamping elements (96) are disposed in the longitudinal extension and/or transversely to the longitudinal extension and/or at least at an angle to the longitudinal extension of the base element (87).

41. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping elements (96) extending across at least a part of the length of the base element (87) are disposed on the two oppositely lying sides (92, 93) of the base element (87).

42. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several clamping elements (96) are disposed on the two oppositely lying sides (92, 93) spaced apart in the longitudinal extension of the base element (87).

43. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a width (102) between longitudinal side faces of the base element (87) is slightly smaller than a width dimension (103) as measured on a bottom edge (122) transversely to the longitudinal extension of the bearing element (10).

44. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping element (96) is provided with teeth (105) extending at least at an angle to the direction of the longitudinal displacement of the bearing element (10) and the steering shaft (2).

45. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping element (96) has a structured surface or profiling or similar.

46. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base element (87) forms at least one guide and/or stop surface (109) projecting into the cutout (43) of the bearing element (10).

47. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide and/or stop element (109) is formed by a substantially U-shaped projection projecting beyond the surface (91).

48. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide and/or stop element (109) disposed between the oppositely lying clamping elements (96) is arranged in the longitudinal extension of the base element (87), preferably on the two oppositely lying end faces (107, 108).

49. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a width (112) of the guide and/or stop element (109) is bounded by side faces (113, 114) running in the longitudinal extension of the base element (87) and the latter form lateral guide tracks.

50. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a height (97) of the clamping elements (96) measured perpendicular to the surface (91) of the base element (87) is shorter than a height (110) of the guide and/or stop element (109).

51. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is a plate spring or a compression spring.

52. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is made from a material other than iron, in particular from an elastic synthetic material.

53. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide element (89) is substantially strip-shaped.

54. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross-sectional shape formed by the surface (91) of the base element (87) substantially matches the shape of the guide element (89).

55. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that stop surfaces extend on the two oppositely lying end regions of the cutout (43) across the width (104) of the cutout (43).

56. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that tabs (118) are provided on the two oppositely lying end regions of the cutout (43) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the bearing element (10).

57. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tabs (118) are integrally formed on the bearing element (10) and/or are joined, in particular welded, thereto.

58. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a bore (117) formed by the tab (118) holds a damping element (119) in position, for example an elastomer damper, spring damper, etc..

59. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the oppositely lying damping elements (119) bounding the adjustment path (120) co-operate alternately with the guide and/or stop elements (109).

60. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that clamping elements (168) are disposed in compartments (166, 167) of the fixing mechanisms (13;

14), preferably in the form of at least one roller (169) or clamping wedge, etc...

61. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that compartments (166, 167) of the fixing mechanism (13, 14) arranged in mirror image have support surfaces (172, 173) tapering in a conical arrangement in the direction the clamping element (24).

62. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a lifting mechanism (174) is joined so as to be integral with the tensioning element (24) in rotation or is integrally formed thereon and forms a spiral curved contour, in particular an eccentric or cam, etc..

63. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping elements (168) disposed in the compartments (166, 167) of the fixing mechanisms (13;

14) are biassed starting from the tensioning element (24) in the direction of the support surfaces (172, 173) of the fixing mechanism (13, 14) by means of a spring arrangement, e.g. compression springs (171), etc..

64. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing part forming a bearing receiving point (78, 79) on the bearing element (10) is integrally formed thereon and/or is joined thereto.

65. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plastics disc (85) disposed on the tensioning element (24) with a bigger diameter than a width (104) of the cutout (43) passes across and overlaps a surface of the base (54) of the first part (44) directed towards the profiled piece (8), which is positioned and fixedly retained in the axial direction by another sheet metal disc (86) joined, in particular welded, adhered, soldered, etc., to the tensioning element (24).

66. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one drive system (176;

179;

180) is assigned to the fixing mechanisms (13;

14) and the adjusting mechanism (3) respectively.

67. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive system (176) of the fixing mechanisms (13;

14) has an actuator drive (177), in particular a threaded spindle, optionally with different thread pitches.

68. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that an electric motor (178) is disposed on a side face of the base element (87) of the fixing mechanism (13) extending parallel with the surface (15) remote from the leg (18).

69. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a rack gear system is provided for the drive system (179) to adjust the angular position transversely to the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft (2) and for the drive system (180) to adjust the longitudinal position of the steering shaft (2).

70. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that an electric motor (178) for adjusting the angular position is provided with an end gear co-operating with the end-side front region of the mount (5) and a rack segment (184) curving in a convex arrangement towards the pivot axis (7)of the base (54) of the profiled piece (8) drivingly linked thereto.

71. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electric motor (178) for making the length adjustment is provided with an end gear co-operating with the end-side front region of the profiled piece (8) and the straight rack segment (184) drivingly linked therewith, which is disposed on the side leg (57;

62) of the bearing element (10).

72. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive system (176;

179;

180) has an electric motor (178), in particular a stepper motor or servo motor and such like, with a gear and brake mechanism and optionally a measuring sensor.

73. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive systems (176, 179, 180) are wired to at least one central or decentralised memory and control unit (175).

74. Adjusting mechanism as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive systems (176, 179, 180) can be remotely operated directly with an operating unit (193;

194) and the inclination and/or the length of the steering shaft (2) optionally adjusted.

75. Fixing mechanism for a steering shaft adjusting unit having at least one base element with at least one clamping element, at least one elastically deformable resilient element co-operating therewith and at least one guide element supported on the resilient element, arranged on a tensioning element disposed transversely to a steering shaft, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is designed to act as a damping element in the direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tensioning element (24).

76. Fixing mechanism as claimed in claim 75, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is designed to act as a damping element in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning element (24).

77. Fixing mechanism as claimed in claim 75 or 76, characterised in that the guide element (89) has at least one guide and stop element (149) with a cutout (142) extending in the longitudinal extension of the guide element (89) through which the tensioning element (24) extends and the guide element (89) can be adjusted relative to the base element (87) in the direction of the longitudinal displacement of the steering shaft (2) and/or in a clamping direction extending transversely thereto.

78. Fixing mechanism as claimed in claim 75 or 77, characterised in that the base element (87) has at least one cutout (161) of a rectangular shape, for example, recessed into the surface (91) between the clamping elements (96) extending in the direction of a length of the base element (87).

79. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 78, characterised in that the base element (87) is provided with a groove (163), between the clamping elements (96) projecting on either side beyond a width of the cutout (161) transversely to the longitudinal extension of the base element (87) for receiving the resilient element (88).

80. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 79, characterised in that the depth (162) as measured perpendicular to the surface (91) of the base element (87) is smaller than a depth of the groove (163) for receiving the resilient element (88).

81. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 80, characterised in that a shoulder (164) extending radially around and adjoining the bore (90) of the base element (87) stands proud of the surface (91).

82. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 81, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is retained in position by the shoulder (164).

83. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 82, characterised in that the guide element (89) has projections (146) on an underside (145) adjacent to the base element (87) with a concave curved piece directed towards the tensioning element (24) and the base element (87) lying opposite the latter, in particular the shoulder (164), in a side directed towards the guide element (89), has a convex curved piece directed towards the tensioning element (24), between which the resilient element (88) is held and/or fixed in position.

84. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 83, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is made from an elastic part made from synthetic material.

85. Fixing mechanism as claimed in one of claims 75 to 84, characterised in that the resilient element (88) is an elastic O-ring.