Claims:We claim:

1. A steering column assembly (100) to absorb load during collision of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a steering column (101);
a mounting bracket (102) fixed to a support member (103) of the vehicle for supporting the steering column (101);
at least one energy absorbing member (104) fixed to the support member (103) at a pre-determined distance from the mounting bracket (102), wherein, the at least one energy absorbing member (104) is configured to absorb forces from the mounting bracket (102) when load acts on the steering column (101).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member (104) comprises a first end (104a) fixed to the support member (103) and a second end (104b) extending from the first end (104a) towards the mounting bracket (102).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second end (104b) of the at least one energy absorbing member (104) extends from the first end (104a) forming an inverted U-shape member.

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one energy member (104) comprises one or more crumple zones between the first end (104a) and the second end (104b).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member (104) is provisioned on either side of the steering column (101).

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (102) moves towards the at least one energy absorbing member (104) when the load of an occupant acts on the steering column (101) during collision of the vehicle.

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member (104) is configured to collapse in axial direction by absorbing energy from the mounting bracket (102) when the load acts on the steering column (101) during collision of the vehicle.

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member (104) is composed of steel or alloys of steels.

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering column (101) is rigid.

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (103) is cross car beam of the vehicle body.

11. A vehicle comprising a steering column assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to steering assembly for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the steering assembly of the vehicle provided with an energy absorbing member to absorb forces when load acts on a rigid steering column.

BACKGROUND

With on-going developments in automobile technology and introduction of new features into the automobile to improve fuel economy, performance and looks, safety of occupants in vehicles is also now a top priority. Vehicle safety addresses the safety of all road users and comprises measures to avoid a crash, mitigate the severity of a crash before it occurs through various ways like slowing the vehicle through intelligent speed management or advanced braking, reducing injury to occupants in the event of a crash or reduce the consequences of injury. Increasingly, vehicle systems which integrate these safety systems are being considered and pursued. Additionally, for automobile or vehicle safety, during crash or collision of vehicle some features such as air bags, modification in seat belt and modification in steering column are being increasingly considered to reduce the impact of crash.

One such safety feature is provided in the steering systems of the vehicles. The steering system mainly consists of a steering wheel, steering column, and a steering gear box among other parts. A steering column is primarily intended to connect the steering wheel to the steering mechanism/steering gear box for transferring user’s input torque from the steering wheel. Generally, the steering column may be composed of one or more steering shafts to transmit the input torque by the driver on the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. During crash or collision of the vehicle, the driver may strike the steering wheel which may result in injuries to the driver. Particularly, the driver or occupant load on the steering column is through chest portion of the body and in case of crash or collision, the driver or occupant may be affected with severe impact on chest portion. Conventionally, various arrangements are proposed in the steering system in order to minimize the impact on the driver and thereby reduce the possibility of serious injury. One such arrangement includes, configuration of one or more steering shafts as collapsible in the steering system. The steering shafts may be configured to collapse telescopically to absorb the loads on the steering wheel and thus reduce impact on the driver during collision. However, steering columns in some of vehicles may be non-collapsible due to various aspects including packaging constraints. The problem associated with impact on the driver or an occupant from the steering wheel during crash or collision of the vehicle still persists in such vehicles having rigid steering column.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional assemblies are overcome by assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a steering column assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering column assembly comprises a steering column, and a mounting bracket fixed to a support member of the vehicle for supporting the steering column. The assembly also comprises at least one energy absorbing member fixed to the support member at a pre-determined distance from the mounting bracket. The at least one energy absorbing member is configured to absorb forces from the mounting bracket when load acts on the steering column.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one energy absorbing member comprises a first end fixed to the support member and a second end extending from the first end towards the mounting bracket forming an inverted U-shape member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one energy member comprises one or more crumple zones between the first end and the second end.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one energy absorbing member is provisioned on either side of the steering column.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket moves towards the at least one energy absorbing member when the load of an occupant acts on the steering column during collision of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one energy absorbing member is configured to collapse in axial direction by absorbing energy from the mounting bracket when the load acts on the steering column during collision of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one energy absorbing member is composed of steel or alloys of steels.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the steering column is rigid.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member is cross car beam of the vehicle body.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates perspective view of a steering column assembly of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2 illustrates side view of the steering column assembly of FIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.3 illustrates perspective view of a support member of a vehicle to support the steering column assembly of FIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS.4A – 4C illustrates exemplary schematic illustration of different stages of movement of the steering column assembly during collision of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiment of the disclosure discloses a steering column assembly for vehicle having an arrangement to absorb load acting on steering column during scenarios such as frontal crash or collision of the vehicle. The present disclosure may be useful for a vehicle having a non-collapsible steering column. The non-collapsible steering column may be a rigid column and hence does not collapse under action of load on the steering column. Therefore, in order to reduce impact of the steering column on an occupant of vehicle during crash situations or collision of vehicle, the present disclosure discloses an energy absorbing member to absorb loads acting on the steering column.

The steering column assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a steering column which may be rigid and does not collapse under application of load or forces. The steering column assembly further comprises a mounting bracket to support the steering column. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket may be fixed on a supporting member of the vehicle. The supporting member may be such as but not limited to cross car beam of the vehicle. Further, the steering column assembly includes at least one energy absorbing member fixed to the supporting member at a predetermined distance from the mounting bracket of the steering column, to absorb load acting on the steering wheel. During frontal crash or collision of the vehicle, the occupant may strike on the steering wheel and thus transmit the load on the mounting bracket configured to support the steering column. Due the action of load, the steering column may move downwardly and may hit the solid members of the vehicle which would amplify the forces. In order to prevent the forces, and to reduce the impact of collision on the occupant, the at least one energy absorbing member are configured in the steering column assembly. The at least one energy absorbing member absorbs forces from the mounting bracket, and collapse when the mounting bracket comes in contact with the energy absorbing member during crash or collision of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one energy absorbing member may be provided on either side of the steering column assembly to absorb the load completely acting on the steering column mounting brackets. The energy absorbing member may be made of steel or alloys of steel.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. The steering column assembly shown in figures is of one particular configuration, it is to be noted that slight variations in configuration of the steering column assembly are to be considered as part of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be noted that the steering system may be used in any vehicles such as passenger cars, light duty vehicles, heavy duty vehicles. However, for the purpose of simplicity the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure.

FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of a steering column assembly (100) of a vehicle. As shown in FIG.1, the steering column assembly (100) comprises a steering column (101) extending from a steering wheel [not shown in the figure]. The steering column (101) may be a rigid member and hence does not collapse under the application of load. The steering column assembly (100) further comprises a mounting bracket (102) to hold and support the steering column (101). In an embodiment, the mounting bracket (102) may be fixed to a support member (103) [as shown in FIG.3] of the vehicle. The support member (103) may be a rigid part of the vehicle such as but not limited to cross car beam of the vehicle. The cross car beam of the vehicle may be constrained in all degrees of freedom to offer rigid support to the steering column assembly (100). The mounting bracket (102) may be a rigid member having a supporting portion (102a), and connecting arms (102b and 102c) extending outwardly from the supporting portion (102a). The supporting portion (101a) of the mounting bracket (102) is configured to hold the steering column (101). In an embodiment, the steering column (101) may be fixed to the supporting portion (101a) of the mounting bracket (102) through suitable joining techniques such as fastening and welding. The connecting arms (102b and 102c) of the mounting bracket (102) may be fixed to the support member (103) through suitable joining techniques such as fastening and welding, such that the mounting bracket (102) may move along the direction of application of load that acts on the steering column (101).

Further, the steering column assembly (100) comprises at least one energy absorbing member (104) to absorb loads acting on the steering wheel during conditions such as frontal crash or collision of the vehicle. The at least one energy absorbing member (104) may be configured at a pre-determined distance from the mounting bracket (102). In an embodiment, the at least one energy absorbing member (104) is configured at a pre-determined distance from lower portion of the mounting bracket (102). Since, the steering column (101) is a rigid member, the steering column (101) may not absorb forces or loads acting on the steering wheel during collision. This may leave the occupant or the driver at high risk of injury due to impact of the steering wheel. During collision of the vehicle, the occupant load on the steering wheel may be transmitted to the mounting bracket (102). In order to reduce the impact of collision on the occupant, the at least one energy absorbing member (104) positioned slightly away from the mounting bracket (102) absorbs forces from the mounting bracket (102). Thus, the energy absorbing member (104) collapses when the mounting bracket (102) comes in contact with the energy absorbing member (104) during crash or collision of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least energy absorbing member (104) may be provided on either side of the steering column (101). In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG.1, a pair of energy absorbing member (104) may be provided on either side of the steering column (101). The energy absorbing member (104) may be composed of steel or alloys of steel. In an embodiment, the at least one energy absorbing member (104) may be made in the form of inverted U-shape to absorb energy or forces from the mounting bracket (102).

Referring now to FIG.2, which illustrates side view of the steering column assembly (100). As shown in FIG.2, the at least one energy absorbing member (104) may be mounted at a pre-determined distance from the mounting bracket (102). In one embodiment, the pre-determined distance may be determined based on the distance of the occupant and the steering wheel, and the predetermined distance may be in the range of 15 millimeter (mm) to 25 millimeter (mm). In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance may be 20 millimeter (mm). During collision of the vehicle, the occupant load may act on the steering wheel and load may be transmitted to the mounting bracket (102). The mounting bracket (102) carrying the occupant load or driver load from the steering wheel through the rigid steering column (101) moves towards the energy absorbing member (104) and strikes the energy absorbing member (104). In an embodiment, the at least one energy absorbing member (104) may comprise a plurality of crumple zones configured between the first end (104a) and the second end (104b), such that the energy absorbing member (104) collapse when the mounting bracket (102) strikes the energy absorbing member (104). Thus, by collapsing, the energy absorbing member (104) absorbs the forces or loads from the mounting bracket (102) acting on the steering column (101) or steering wheel. The configuration of the crumple zones in the energy absorbing member (104) initiates the collapsing and facilitates axial collapse of the energy absorbing member (104). Thus, helps the energy absorbing member (104) to absorb the forces during collision.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the energy absorbing member (104) may comprise of a first end (104a) and a second end (104b). The first end of the energy absorbing member (104a) may be fixed to the supporting member (103) through suitable joining techniques such as welding and fastening. The type of welding may be such as but not limited to arc welding. The second end (104b) of the at least one energy absorbing member (104) extends upwardly from the first end (104a) of the energy absorbing member (104) towards the mounting bracket (102) forming a substantially inverted U-shaped member. Thus, during collision, the second end (104b) of the energy absorbing member (104) comes in contact with the mounting bracket (102).

FIG.3 is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of the support member (103) in the vehicle body for mounting the steering column assembly (100). The steering column assembly (100) may be mounted on a rigid beam such as cross car beam of the vehicle. The cross car beam may extend between the longitudinal members of the vehicle, and may be configured as a support member (103) for various components of the vehicle, including the steering column assembly (100) of the vehicle. As shown in the FIG. 3, the mounting bracket (102) of the steering column (101) may be fixed to the support member (103) or a cross car beam (103) of the vehicle to rigidly support the steering system in the vehicle. The support member (103) may have provisions (103a and 103b) to accommodate connecting arms (102b and 102c) of the mounting bracket (102). The provisions (103a and 103b) are configured such that the connecting arms (102b and 102c) may be fixed to the support member (103) through joining members [not shown]. The provisions (103a and 103b) are also configured such that connecting arms (102b and 102c) may be received by the provisions during collision.

Referring now to FIGS.4A-4C illustrating different stages of steering column assembly (100) during collision of the vehicle. As shown in FIG.4A, before the collision or crash of the vehicle, the mounting bracket (102) may be at a pre-determined distance (X) from the energy absorbing member (104). Upon, collision or crash of the vehicle, the load of the occupant on steering wheel and in turn steering column (101) may be transmitted to the mounting bracket (102). The mounting bracket (102) along with the steering column (101) moves towards the energy absorbing member (104) due to occupant load. Thus, as can be seen in FIG.4B, the distance between the energy absorbing member (104) and the mounting bracket (102) may be reduced to X’. At a further stage, as shown in FIG.4C, the mounting bracket (102) may strike the at least one energy absorbing member (104). The energy absorbing member (104) comprising a plurality of crumple zones may collapse or compresses as the mounting bracket (102) strikes the energy absorbing member (104). During this, the energy absorbing member (104) may absorb the forces from the mounting bracket (102) due to load such as occupant load acting on the steering wheel or the steering column (101), and the energy absorbing member (104) collapse to a distance X’’ as shown in FIG.4C. Thus, the energy absorbing member (104) may reduce the impact force acting on the occupant due to collision or crash and hence avoids or reduces risk of injuries to the occupant.

Advantages of the present disclosure

The present disclosure discloses a steering column assembly with rigid columns. The steering column assembly is provisioned with at least one energy absorbing member to absorb forces acting on the steering wheel or the steering column during collision of the vehicle.

The present disclosure discloses a steering column assembly which avoids or reduces the risk of injuries to the occupant or driver of the vehicle during collision.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:
Description Reference Number
Steering column assembly 100
Steering column 101
Mounting bracket 102
Supporting portion 102a
Connecting arms 102b and 102c
Support member 103
Provisions 103a and 130b
Energy absorbing member 104
First end of the energy absorbing member 104a
Second end of the energy absorbing member 104b
Distance between the mounting bracket and the energy absorbing member at different stages X, X’ and X’’