Support Bracket for a Steering Column Assembly

• US 20110278426A1
• Filed: 09/04/2009
• Published: 11/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TRW Automotive USLLC (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: TRW Automotive USLLC (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Duffy, Patrick Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 8,678,436 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/674
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/16 Steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/192 Yieldable or collapsible columns
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/195 Yieldable supports for the steering column

Abstract

A support bracket assembly for a steering column assembly comprises a first bracket part, a second bracket part which is fixed to the vehicle by at least one fastener, and at least one capsule which comprises a main body fixed to the first bracket part by a frangible connector. The main body of the capsule is fixed to the second bracket part by the at least one fastener. The main body includes at least one opening which is aligned with a corresponding opening in the first bracket part and the two aligned openings are filled with a frangible material that forms part of the frangible connector which secures the capsule to the first bracket part. A further opening is provided in the second bracket part which is coaxial with an opening in the capsule and filled with additional frangible material which forms a frangible connection between the capsule and the second bracket part.

Claims

1. A support bracket assembly for use in fixing a shroud of a steering column assembly to a vehicle, said support bracket assembly comprising:

a first bracket part which is arranged to be fixed to said shroud, a second bracket part which is fixed to said vehicle by at least one fastener, and at least one capsule which comprises a main body fixed to said first bracket part by a frangible connection, the main body of said capsule being fixed to said second bracket part by said at least one fastener in which said main body includes at least one opening which is aligned with a corresponding opening in said first bracket part, such that said openings are aligned, and in which said openings are filled with a frangible material that forms part of said frangible connection which secures said capsule to said first bracket part, wherein a further opening is provided in said second bracket part which is coaxial with a further opening in said capsule and filled with additional frangible material which forms a frangible connection between said capsule and said second bracket part.

2. A support bracket assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least one opening in each of said main body of said capsule, said first bracket part and said second bracket part are coaxial and wherein a single frangible connector passes through each of those openings.

3. A support bracket according to claim 2 wherein said single frangible connector comprises a plastic dowel.

4. A support bracket according to claim 2 wherein said frangible material located within said aligned openings is moulded in position.

5. A support bracket according to claim 1 wherein said main body of said capsule comprises a male part which is located within a corresponding female cut-out in an edge of said first bracket part and a base portion which forms a lip that prevents said capsule being pulled up though said female cut-out.

6. A support bracket according to claim 5 wherein said male part is terminated flush with an upper surface of said first bracket part.

7. A support bracket according to claim 5 wherein, during assembly, a top of said male part extends slightly above said upper surface of said first bracket part to form an upper collar which, during assembly is peened into a counter sunk recess in said second bracket part.

8. A support bracket according to claim 1 wherein said second bracket part comprises a part of a body of said vehicle.

9. (canceled)