STORAGE ORGANIZATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEMS

Abstract

A bearing arrangement system for a vehicle steering system includes a tubular element with a radially inwardly projecting shoulder, wherein the tubular element has a radially inwardly angled support section, the support section having a support surface. The bearing arrangement system also includes a bearing located within the tubular element and in contact with the radially inwardly projecting shoulder. The bearing arrangement system further includes a holder located within the tubular element and in contact with the bearing, the bearing being located between the holder and the radially inwardly projecting shoulder, the holder having an angled surface, the angled surface being in flush contact with the support surface in a fully assembled state.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The following description refers to vehicle steering systems and, in particular, to a bearing arrangement system for vehicle steering systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, minivan, watercraft, aircraft, off-road vehicle, motorhome, or other suitable vehicle incorporates various steering systems for performing steering maneuvers. These steering systems typically include a steering column assembly to translate steering input into output, which interacts with a steering linkage to ultimately cause the vehicle's wheels to turn.

[0003] The steering column assembly can include one or more sheaths that house a section of a steering shaft. In one configuration, an upper sheath is contained within a lower sheath and can be displaced or telescopically moved relative to the lower sheath to adjust the position of the steering column assembly. In such a configuration, the outer diameter of the upper sheath is at least partially defined by components that are (directly or indirectly) connected to the upper sheath. For example, a combination switch can partially determine the outer diameter of the upper sheath.

[0004] A combination switch is a lever switch that controls multiple functions, including headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. As combination switches become smaller, the outer diameter of the upper housing also decreases. This necessitates a smaller bearing within the upper housing for interaction with the rotating steering shaft. State-of-the-art bearings in this specific position suffer from several adverse performance characteristics. First, if the force required to press the bearing into the housing is too great, the bearing's rotational friction deteriorates, the outer diameter of the housing can expand and affect the interface with the combination switch, and the holding force of the entire steering column assembly becomes unsatisfactory. A rolling feature or support feature on the housing used to press in the bearing can further worsen the bearing's rotational friction.The thickness of the casing may be too thin to use a conventional design for securing the bearing with a retaining ring. Alternatively, a locking washer can secure the bearing to the casing, but the holding force will be low. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a steering column assembly includes a casing that defines a bore with a casing inner diameter and has an open axial end, wherein the casing has a support section that is angled radially inward into the bore, the support section having a support surface. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft that is at least partially arranged in the bore of the casing, the steering shaft being rotatable in and relative to the casing. The steering column assembly further includes a bearing arrangement system. The bearing arrangement system includes a bearing that is arranged in the bore of the casing, the bearing having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a bearing outer diameter, and a bearing inner diameter.The bearing arrangement system also includes a holder formed from an elastic material, which is in contact with the first surface of the bearing and the inner diameter of the casing and has an angled surface that is not parallel to the first surface of the bearing, the angled surface being in flush contact with the support surface when fully assembled.

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a bearing arrangement system for a vehicle steering system includes a tubular element with a radially inwardly projecting shoulder, wherein the tubular element has a radially inwardly angled support section, the support section having a support surface. The bearing arrangement system also includes a bearing arranged within the tubular element and in contact with the radially inwardly projecting shoulder. The bearing arrangement system further includes a holder arranged within the tubular element and in contact with the bearing, the bearing being located between the holder and the radially inwardly projecting shoulder, the holder having an angled surface, the angled surface being in flush contact with the support surface in a fully assembled state.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for assembling a steering column shroud assembly is provided. The method includes pressing a bearing into a bore defined by a shroud to establish contact between the bearing and a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the shroud, thereby defining an axial position of the bearing within the shroud. The method also includes pressing a retainer into the bore of the shroud to contact the bearing. Furthermore, the method includes forming a support of the shroud that is angled radially inward into the bore of the shroud to establish flush contact between an angled surface of the retainer and a support surface of the support.

[0008] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the attached claims and the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The revelation is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the sake of clarity. Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle with a steering system; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the steering column arrangement of the steering system; Fig. Figure 3 is a disassembled view of a bearing arrangement system of the steering column assembly; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bearing arrangement system in a partially assembled state; and Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bearing arrangement system in its fully assembled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The following discussion is directed toward various embodiments of the present disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may be described in more detail than others, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpreted or otherwise used as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the following description has a broad scope and that the discussion of any one embodiment is intended only as an example of that embodiment and does not mean that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0011] As described, a vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, minivan, watercraft, aircraft, off-road vehicle, motorhome, or other suitable vehicle incorporates various steering systems. These steering systems typically include a steering column assembly to translate steering input into output, which interacts with a steering linkage to ultimately cause the vehicle's wheels to turn.

[0012] First, with reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 20 in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. The vehicle 20 may include any suitable vehicle, such as a passenger car, truck, SUV, minivan, crossover, any other passenger vehicle, any suitable commercial vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle. While the vehicle 20 may be a wheeled passenger vehicle for use on roads, the principles of this disclosure may be applied to other vehicles, such as aircraft, tractors, boats, or other suitable vehicles. The vehicle 20 may include a propulsion system 30, such as an ignition system, an electronic system, or combinations thereof.

[0013] The vehicle 20 also includes a steering system 40. The steering system 40 can be configured as a steering system with a driver interface, an autonomous driving system, or a system that enables both steering with a driver interface and autonomous steering. The steering system can include an input device 42, such as a steering wheel, whereby a driver can mechanically provide steering input by turning the steering wheel. A steering column assembly 44 can include a steering column 45 extending along a longitudinal axis A from the input device 42 to an output assembly 46. The output assembly 46 can include a pinion shaft assembly, an I-shaft, a universal joint, steer-by-wire components, or any other features that are typically located opposite the input device 42.

[0014] The steering column 45 can include at least two axially adjustable sections, for example, an upper casing 48 and a lower casing 50, which are axially adjustable relative to each other. The upper casing 48 and the lower casing 50 can move axially relative to each other to allow an operator to adjust the position of the steering input device 42 and for safety reasons during an impact event. The relative axial movement is described herein as a telescopic movement, wherein the upper casing 48 moves telescopically within the lower casing 50 over a range of axial positions from an extended column position to a retracted column position. The steering column assembly 44 can include additional sections that provide a tilting and / or tilting movement.

[0015] A steering gear assembly 54 can be connected to the output assembly 46 via a steering gear input shaft 56. The steering gear assembly 54 can be configured as a rack and pinion steering gear, recirculating ball steering gear, or any other type of steering gear associated with autonomous and driver interface steering systems. The steering gear assembly 54 can then be connected to a drive axle 58 via an output shaft 60. The output shaft 60 can include a steering column lever and a sector gear or other traditional components. The output shaft 60 is operatively connected to the steering gear assembly 54 such that a rotation of the steering gear input shaft 56 causes a reaction movement of the output shaft 60, causing the drive axle to rotate the wheels 61.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a section of the steering column assembly 44. As shown, the upper casing 48 is enclosed within the lower casing 50. One or more mounting brackets 70 may be provided to connect the steering column assembly 44 to a fixed structural component of the vehicle 20. The illustrated steering column assembly 44 includes one or more electric actuators 72 to provide electrically operated telescopic and / or tilt adjustment capability.

[0017] A storage arrangement system 100 is located within the upper casing 48 at the in Fig. 2 at the location designated “A”. The bearing arrangement system 100 is located near a first end 102 of the upper casing 48. The bearing arrangement system 100 is positioned to maintain a position for a steering shaft 104, which extends within a bore defined by an inner diameter of the upper casing 48 and possibly into the lower casing 50. The steering shaft 104 is extended in response to steering feedback provided by one or more actuators and during operator input from the steering input device 42 ( Fig. 1) rotatable, and the bearing arrangement system 100 enables stable rotation of the steering shaft 104.

[0018] Now with reference to Fig. Section 3 shows the storage arrangement system 100 in more detail. The storage arrangement system 100 is shown in a disassembled view in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the bearing arrangement system 100 includes a section of the upper casing 48, located near the first end 102 of the upper casing 48, a bearing 106, and a holder 108. The bearing 106 is dimensioned to fit into the inner diameter 110 of the upper casing 48 at the first end 102 of the upper casing 48. The bearing 106 can be any bearing suitable for the application. The bearing 106 includes a first surface 150 and a second surface 152 on opposite axial sides of the bearing 106. The bearing also includes a bearing inner diameter 154 and a bearing outer diameter 156. The second surface 152 of the bearing is located further away from an open end of the upper casing 48 compared to the axial distance between the first surface 150 and the open end of the upper casing 48.

[0019] The holder 108 extends circumferentially from a first holder end 112 to a second holder end 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 108 is not a completely ring-shaped structure, since a gap 116 is defined between the first holder end 112 and the second holder end 114. The size of the gap 116 relative to the overall shape of the holder 108 can vary depending on the specific application. In some embodiments, the holder 108 can form a complete loop or a complete ring.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 108 includes a holder body section 118 that extends between a first end segment 120 and a second end segment 122. The first end segment 120 and the second end segment 122 are each extensions – in the circumferential direction of the holder 108 – of the holder body section 118 and include a radially inwardly projecting extension, i.e., a first end extension 124 and a second end extension 126.

[0021] The holder 108 is made of an elastic material, allowing it to deform elastically when forces are applied to it. The holder 108 can be made of any suitable material that provides the desired clamping force to the components with which it is in contact. For example, the holder 108 can be made of spring metal, such as spring steel. As a non-restrictive example, the holder 108 can be made of SAE J403 steel, grade 1060-1090.

[0022] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows cross-sectional views of the storage arrangement system 100 in different assembly states of the system 100. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a partially assembled state of the bearing arrangement system 100. In this assembly phase, the bearing 106 was pressed into the upper casing 48 and along an outer surface of the steering shaft 104 ( Fig. 2) In this position, the bearing 106 is arranged between the inner diameter of the upper casing 48 and the outer surface of the steering shaft 104. The bearing 106 is pressed in such a way that it contacts a shoulder 130 of the upper casing 48. In particular, the second surface 152 of the bearing 106 is in contact with the shoulder 130 in the assembled state. The shoulder 130 is part of the inner diameter of the upper casing 48 and extends radially inward relative to adjacent parts of the inner diameter of the upper casing 48. The shoulder 130 defines an axial stop point during the pressing of the bearing 106 into the upper casing 48 to ensure a desired axial position of the bearing 106.

[0023] With further reference to the in Fig. In the assembly phase illustrated in Figure 4, the holder 108 is pressed into an axial position in which contact is established between the holder 108 and a radially outer section of the first surface of the bearing 106. The size of the holder 108 and the spring force of the holder 108 provide a clamping and frictional force from the outer diameter of the holder 108 to the inner diameter of the upper casing 48.

[0024] Now, regarding Fig.Figure 5 illustrates the fully assembled state of the bearing arrangement system 100. In this stage, the upper casing 48 is supported so that it comes into contact with the holder 108. In particular, a section 132 (also referred to as the "support") of the upper casing 48 is bent radially inward to match the angle of a support surface 134 and to move the support 132 radially inward into the bore of the casing to prevent removal of the holder 108. The angle of the support surface 134 is aligned with an angled surface 136 of the holder 108, as shown. The angled surface 136 of the holder 108 is a chamfer formed on the radially outer surface of the holder 108. The specific complementary angles of the support surface 134 of the support 132 and the angled surface 136 of the holder 108 can vary depending on the desired holding force.The angled surface 136 of the holder and the support surface 134 are not aligned parallel to the first surface 150 and second surface 152 of the bearing 106. In the fully assembled state, the angled surface 136 is in flush contact with the support surface 134.

[0025] The bearing arrangement system 100 offers a high holding force due to the angled surface contact between the support 132 and the holder 108, in contrast to a support that interacts with a non-complementary angle of another holder. Furthermore, a low bearing contact force is required because the holder 108 provides sufficient holding force. The bearing arrangement system 100 can be mounted on a stamped sleeve whose thickness is too small for a conventional retaining ring.

[0026] Although the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily apparent that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to include any number of variations, changes, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein, but which are consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention. Even though various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may encompass only some of the described embodiments. Furthermore, any feature, element, component, or advantage of one embodiment may also be used for any of the other embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

[1] Steering column assembly comprising: a casing defining a bore with a casing inner diameter and having an open axial end, wherein the casing has a support section angled radially inwards into the bore, the support section having a support surface; a steering shaft which is at least partially arranged in the bore of the casing, wherein the steering shaft is rotatable in the casing and relative to it; and a storage arrangement system, comprising: a bearing arranged in the bore of the casing, the bearing having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a bearing outer diameter and a bearing inner diameter; and a holder formed from an elastic material, wherein the holder is in contact with the first surface of the bearing and the inner diameter of the casing, the holder has an angled surface which is not parallel to the first surface of the bearing, wherein the angled surface is in flush contact with the support surface when fully assembled. [2] Steering column arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holder extends circumferentially from a first holder end to a second holder end, the first holder end and the second holder end defining a gap between them. [3] Steering column arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the first retaining end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension. [4] Steering column arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the second retaining end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension. [5] Steering column arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the casing is an upper casing which is telescopically received in a lower casing. [6] Steering column arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the bearing is in contact with a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the casing to define an axial position of the bearing. [7] Steering column arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holder is made of spring metal. [8] Bearing arrangement system for a vehicle steering system, comprising: a tubular element with a radially inwardly projecting shoulder, wherein the tubular element has a radially inwardly angled support section, the support section having a support surface; a bearing that is arranged inside the tubular element and is in contact with the radially inwardly projecting shoulder; and a holder arranged within the tubular element and in contact with the bearing, wherein the bearing is arranged between the holder and the radially inwardly projecting shoulder, wherein the holder has an angled surface, the angled surface being in flush contact with the support surface in a fully assembled state. [9] Bearing arrangement system according to claim 8, wherein the tubular element is a steering column sheath. [10] Bearing arrangement system according to claim 9, wherein the steering column casing is an upper casing which is telescopically received in a lower casing. [11] Bearing arrangement system according to claim 8, wherein the holder extends circumferentially from a first holder end to a second holder end, the first holder end and the second holder end defining a gap between them. [12] Bearing arrangement system according to claim 11, wherein the first holder end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension. [13] Bearing arrangement system according to claim 12, wherein the second holder end includes a radially inwardly projecting extension. [14] Bearing arrangement system according to claim 8, wherein the holder is made of spring metal. [15] Method for assembling a steering column casing assembly, comprising: Pressing a bearing into a bore defined by a casing to establish contact between the bearing and a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the casing in order to define an axial position of the bearing within the casing; Pressing a holder into the bore of the casing to make contact with the bearing; and Forming a support of the casing that is angled radially inwards into the bore of the casing to create flush contact between an angled surface of the holder and a support surface of the support.

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