Steering column adjustment device for a motor vehicle and method for assembling a steering column adjustment device
The steering column adjustment device addresses the complexity and cost of existing steering column fixation methods by using a pivotal bond and axial pressure system, resulting in a quick, economical, and secure assembly process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023001135
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-02-07
AI Technical Summary
The existing methods for fixing a steering column tubular body to a vehicle plate, such as riveting, are complex, time-consuming, and costly, requiring multiple manual steps and additional machinery.
A steering column adjustment device featuring a tubular body with a pivotal bond to a vehicle plate, utilizing a pivot with an oblong section that rotates between assembly and assembled positions, and an axial pressure system to secure the position, allowing for easy and quick assembly.
The solution enables a quick and economical assembly of the steering column adjustment device, reducing the need for complex manual positioning and additional machinery, while providing a secure and stable fixation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Device for adjusting a steering column of a motor vehicle and method for assembling a device for adjusting a steering column
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for adjusting a steering column of a motor vehicle.
[0002] Such an adjustment device is notably used to allow the position of the steering column to be adjusted and then locked in relation to the vehicle structure, according to the morphology of the driver.
[0003] Generally, such an adjustment device comprises a tubular body defining a receiving passage for the steering column and a plate intended to be fixed to the motor vehicle.
[0004] It is known to fix the tubular body to the plate, for example by riveting.
[0005] However, such a fixing of the tubular body to the plate is not entirely satisfactory.
[0006] Indeed, such a riveting fixing requires many complex manual steps of positioning the parts and the use of an additional riveting machine, which is not very economical in terms of time and is also costly.
[0007] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and, in particular, to provide a steering column adjustment device for a motor vehicle that is easy and quick to assemble in an economical manner.
[0008] Thus, the invention relates to a device for adjusting a steering column of a motor vehicle, the adjustment device comprising:
[0009] - a plate intended to be fixed to the motor vehicle;
[0010] - a tubular body extending along a body axis, the body comprising a first end and second end opposite each other along the body axis, the body defines a receiving passage of an axis of the steering column;
[0011] - a pivot joint of the body to the plate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the body axis, comprising at least one pivot extending externally from the second end of the body along the axis of rotation, and at least one fixing hole formed in the plate in which the pivot is housed.
[0012] The mounting hole is delimited by a peripheral edge having a gap of a determined gap width; the pivot of the body having, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, an oblong section with a major axis and a minor axis, said oblong section having, along the major axis, a pivot length greater than the gap width and, along the minor axis, a pivot width less than the gap width of interruption.
[0013] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the adjustment device has one or more of the following optional features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:
[0014] - the body is mobile in rotation relative to the plate along the axis of rotation between an assembly position, in which the major axis points towards the interruption, and an assembled position, in which the minor axis points towards the interruption;
[0015] - the adjustment device further comprises a power-up system configured to exert axial pressure along the assembly axis between the plate and the body;
[0016] - the plate includes an insertion bridge securing the two edges of interrupting each other, configured to allow insertion of the pivot into the fixing hole by the interrupt;
[0017] - the pivot of the body is crimped onto the plate;
[0018] - the plate includes at least one hook suitable for gripping a part of the body;
[0019] - the major axis forms an angle with the minor axis between 35° and 145°;
[0020] - the pivot joint of the body to the plate comprises two pivots extending in projection external to the second end of the body along the axis of rotation in opposite directions and two fixing holes formed in the plate.
[0021] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a steering column adjustment device, the adjustment device being as described above, the method comprising the following steps: a. supplying the plate and the body, b. arranging the body so that the major axis points towards the break, c. Insertion of the body pivot into the mounting hole of the plate through the interruption, and d. arrangement of the body so that the small axis points towards the interruption.
[0022] In a particular embodiment, the assembly process includes an additional step after step d) of crimping the pivot of the body and the plate.
[0023] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:
[0024] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective view of an adjustment device of a steering column of a motor vehicle according to the invention, the body being in the assembled position;
[0025] - [Fig.2][Fig.3][Fig.4] Figures 2 to 4 are schematic perspective views assembly steps of the adjustment device illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0026] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an enlargement at the pivot joint of the body to the plate of the adjustment device illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0027] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a fixing orifice formed on the plate of the adjustment device illustrated in [Fig. 1]; and
[0028] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a pivot formed on the body of the adjustment device illustrated in [Fig.1].
[0029] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an adjustment device 10 of a motor vehicle steering column.
[0030] The steering column (not shown in the Figures) extends along a longitudinal direction X. It is connected, at one end, to a steering wheel (not shown in the Figures) of the motor vehicle.
[0031] An orthogonal frame is defined with a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and an elevation direction Z perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and to the transverse direction Y.
[0032] Preferably, the steering column is adjustable in the longitudinal direction and / or in height.
[0033] For this purpose, the steering column advantageously includes a slide (not shown in the Figures).
[0034] With reference to [Fig.1], the adjustment device 10 comprises a plate 12, a tubular body 14 and a pivot link 16 of the body 14 to the plate 12 around an axis of rotation A-A', extending for example substantially along the transverse direction Y.
[0035] The plate 12 is intended to be fixed to the motor vehicle, for example by screwing.
[0036] For example, the plate 12 includes a main part 18 with a U-shaped cross-section open downwards and defining two lateral edges 19 extending along the longitudinal direction X and opposite each other along the transverse direction Y.
[0037] The two lateral edges 19 are for example spaced by a distance D measured along the transverse direction Y, between 5cm and 10 cm.
[0038] The plate 12 further comprises two wings 20 extending, each projecting from one of the lateral edges 19.
[0039] Each of the wings 20 extends for example substantially perpendicularly to the elevation direction Z.
[0040] Each of the wings 20 preferably includes a rear end 22, for example extending the corresponding wing 20 along the longitudinal direction X beyond the corresponding lateral edge 19 of the main part 18. In other words, the rear end 22 of each of the wings 20 does not extend with respect to the main part 18.
[0041] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the plate 12 advantageously includes a lug 24 projecting from one of the wings 20 along the elevation direction Z.
[0042] In particular, in the example illustrated in the figures, the leg 24 protrudes from the rear end 22, and for example downwards along the elevation direction Z.
[0043] Preferably, the plate 12 comprises two pins 24.
[0044] Each of the legs 24 extends advantageously substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction Y.
[0045] Each of the legs 24 comprises an inner face 26 and an outer face 28 opposite each other along the transverse direction Y, the inner faces 26 of the two legs 24 being opposite each other.
[0046] In particular, in the example illustrated in the figures, the distance between the inner faces 26 of the two legs 24 is substantially equal to the distance D between the two lateral edges 19 of the main part 18.
[0047] Advantageously, as can be seen in [Fig.5], the plate 12 includes at least one hook 30 suitable for gripping a part of the body 14.
[0048] More particularly, each of the legs 24 includes a hook 30, in particular opposite the inner face 26.
[0049] The body 14 extends along a body axis C-C' perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-A'.
[0050] Preferably, the body 14 is a hollow tube with a substantially circular cross-section, for example with a radius between 2 cm and 5 cm.
[0051] The body 14 defines a receiving passage 32 of an axis of the steering column, and for example of the upper slide.
[0052] The body 14 comprises a first end 34 and a second end 36 opposite each other along the body axis C-C'.
[0053] Advantageously, the body 14 comprises a leg 38, and preferably two legs 38, extending outward from the second end 36 of the body 14.
[0054] Each of the legs 38 includes for example a plate 37 and a transition part 39 linking the second end 36 of the body 14 to the plate 37.
[0055] The flats 37 of the two legs 38 are preferably parallel to each other and opposite each other along the transverse direction Y.
[0056] The second end 36 of the body 14 is preferably intended to be assembled to the plate 12 by the pivot joint 16, as will be described below.
[0057] Advantageously, the body 14 is mobile in rotation relative to the plate 12 along the axis of rotation A-A' between an assembly position illustrated in [Fig.3] and an assembled position illustrated in Figures 1, 4 and 5.
[0058] In the assembly position of the body 14 illustrated in [Fig.3], the axis of the body C-C' extends for example substantially along the elevation direction Z.
[0059] In the assembled position, each of the flats 37 of the legs 38 of the body 14 are in contact with an assembly set of the inner faces 26 of the legs 24 of the plate 12.
[0060] In the assembled position of the body 14 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, each of the legs 38 of the body 14 is for example clamped in the hook 30 of the corresponding leg 24 of the plate 12, so as to block the translation along the transverse direction Y of the leg 38 of the body 14, and therefore of the body 14.
[0061] In the assembled position of the body 14 illustrated in [Fig.4], the axis of the body C-C' extends, for example, substantially along the longitudinal direction X.
[0062] Advantageously, in its assembled position, the body 14 is locked in position.
[0063] In particular, mobilities along the X, Y, Z directions are preferably blocked by the pivot joint 16, as will be detailed later.
[0064] The pivot joint 16 includes at least one pivot 40 extending externally from the second end 36 of the body 14 along the axis of rotation A-A', and at least one fixing hole 42 formed in the plate 12 in which the pivot 40 is housed.
[0065] Advantageously, the pivot joint 16 comprises two pivots 40 extending externally from the second end 36 of the body 14 along the axis of rotation A-A' in opposite directions, and two corresponding fixing holes 42 formed in the plate 12.
[0066] Each fixing hole 42 is for example provided on one of the legs 24 of the plate 12.
[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.6], each fixing hole 42 is delimited by a peripheral edge 43 having a break 44 having a determined break width Li.
[0068] The interruption 44 extends for example along the longitudinal direction X and is preferably turned downwards along the elevation direction Z.
[0069] The interruption width Li is for example between 5 mm and 15 mm.
[0070] Preferably, the peripheral edge 43 of each of the fixing holes 42 has a roughly U-shaped form thus defining interruption 44.
[0071] Each of the fixing holes 42 has a determined diameter d, which is for example slightly greater than the interruption width Li.
[0072] Preferably, the pivot joint 16 includes, preferably for each of the two fixing holes 42, an insertion bridge 48 configured to allow the insertion of the pivot 40 into the fixing hole 42 by the interruption 44.
[0073] Advantageously, the insertion bridge 48 connects two sides of the peripheral edge 43, preferably at the interruption 44, so as to stiffen the fixing hole 42.
[0074] Preferably, the insertion bridge 48 secures the two edges of the interruption 44 to each other.
[0075] Each pivot 40, for example, projects externally from a leg 38 of the body 14, and from preference towards the outside.
[0076] More specifically, each pivot 40 is formed on the flat 37 of the leg 38.
[0077] For example, each pivot 40 is a cannon extended from each of the legs 38 of the body 14.
[0078] As can be seen in [Fig.7], the pivot 40 has, perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-A', an oblong section with a major axis 50 and a minor axis 52.
[0079] Said oblong section has along the major axis 50 a pivot length Lp greater than the interruption width Li and along the minor axis 52 a pivot width lp less than the interruption width Li.
[0080] The length Lp of the pivot along the major axis 50 is for example between 8mm and 18 mm and the width lp of the pivot along the minor axis 52 is for example between 4mm and 12 mm.
[0081] Advantageously, the length Lp of the pivot along the major axis 50 is equal to the diameter d of the fixing orifice 42 with an operating clamping.
[0082] Preferably, the major axis 50 extends along the body axis C-C'.
[0083] The major axis 50 forms with the minor axis 52 an angle between 35° and 145, and for example substantially equal to 90°.
[0084] In the assembly position illustrated in [Fig.3], the major axis 50 preferably points towards the interruption 48.
[0085] In other words, the major axis 50 extends perpendicularly to the interruption width Li.
[0086] In the assembly position, the pivot 40 can advantageously be inserted into the fixing hole 42, since the width of the pivot lp is smaller than the interrupt width Li.
[0087] In the assembled position illustrated in [Fig.4], the small axis 52 preferably points towards the interruption 48.
[0088] In other words, the small axis 52 extends perpendicularly to the interruption width Li.
[0089] In the assembled position, each of the pivots 40 is thus locked in position in the fixing hole 42, since the length of the pivot Lp is greater than the interrupt width Li.
[0090] Preferably, each of the pivots 40 of the body 14 is crimped onto the plate 12, and in particular, in the assembled position of the body 14 so as to prevent translation along the axis A-A' of the body 14 in its position assembled to the plate 12.
[0091] More particularly, each of the pivots 40 of the body 14 is for example deformed so as to prevent the translation along the axis A-A' of the pivot 40 in the fixing hole 42.
[0092] Advantageously, the pivot joint 16 further comprises at least one power-up system 54 configured to exert axial pressure along the axis of rotation A-A' between the plate 12 and the body 14, particularly in the assembled position of the body 14.
[0093] Preferably, the pivot link 16 includes a power-up system 54 by pivot 40.
[0094] More particularly, each power-up system 54 includes at least one first boss 58 provided on the body 14, and for example in external projection of the corresponding leg 38, and at least one second complementary boss 60 provided on the plate 12, and preferably on the corresponding leg 24.
[0095] Advantageously, as can be seen in the Figures, each power-up system 54 comprises two first bosses 58 and two complementary second bosses 60.
[0096] Preferably, each first boss 58 is arranged around the corresponding pivot 40 and each second boss 60 is arranged around the corresponding fixing hole 42.
[0097] Each of bosses 58, 60 presents for example a sector shape of ring disk.
[0098] Preferably, each first boss 58 extends over the second complementary boss 60 in the assembled position, so as to exert an axial pressure along the axis of rotation A-A', and thus lock the body 14 in axial position.
[0099] In the assembly position, each first boss 58 extends at a distance from each second boss 60.
[0100] A method for assembling a steering column adjustment device will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
[0101] In a first step a), a body 14 and a plate 12 of an adjustment device 10 as described above are provided.
[0102] In a second step b), as illustrated in [Fig.2], the body 14 is arranged so that the major axis 50 of each pivot 40 points towards the interruption 44 of the corresponding fixing orifice 42.
[0103] In particular, the body 14 is arranged so that the axis of the body C-C' extends substantially along the elevation direction Z.
[0104] In a third step c), each of the pivots 40 of the body 14 is then inserted into the corresponding fixing hole 42 of the plate 12, and preferably through the interruption 44 by the corresponding insertion bridge 48.
[0105] In this third step c), the body 14 is thus in its assembly position.
[0106] In a fourth step d) illustrated in [Fig. 4], the body 14 is arranged so as that the small axis 52 of each pivot 40 points towards the interruption 44 of the corresponding fixing orifice 42.
[0107] In particular, the body 14 is rotated about the axis of rotation A-A', and preferably by an angle of 90°.
[0108] In this fourth step d), the body 14 is thus passed into its assembled position, and is preferably locked in position along the longitudinal X, transverse Y and vertical Z directions.
[0109] In particular, the orientation of the oblong section of each of the pivots thus locks the pivot in position in the fixing orifice, and thus the mobility of the body 14 along the longitudinal X and elevation Z directions.
[0110] Advantageously, in this position, each power-up system 54 exerts an axial pressure along the axis of rotation A-A' between the plate 12 and the body 14, and therefore also blocks the mobility of the body 14 relative to the plate 12, in particular in translation along the axis of rotation A-A'.
[0111] In addition, the risk of detachment of the pivot(s) 40 from the body 14 of the plate 12 is preferably limited by the clamping of the legs 38 of the body 14 in the hooks 30 of the plate 12.
[0112] Alternatively or in addition to the hooks 30, the assembly method further includes after the fourth step d), a fifth step of crimping the pivot(s) 40 of the body 14 and the plate 12, in particular in order to fix the body 14 in its assembled position on the plate 12.
[0113] The adjustment device 10 according to the invention is easy and quick to assemble, in particular thanks to the pivot link 16.
[0114] Indeed, such an assembly requires few complex manual positioning steps and no additional machine or parts compared with a fastening, for example, made by riveting.
[0115] Such an assembly therefore also presents an economic advantage.
Claims
Claims
1. Adjustment device (10) for a motor vehicle steering column, the adjustment device (10) comprising: - a plate (12) intended to be fixed to the motor vehicle; - a tubular body (14) extending along a body axis (C-C'), the body (14) comprising a first end (34) and a second end (36) opposite one another along the body axis (C-C'), the body (14) defines a receiving passage (32) for an axis of the steering column; and - a pivot connection (16) of the body (14) to the plate (12) around an axis of rotation (A-A') perpendicular to the body axis (C-C'), comprising at least one pivot (40) extending in external projection from the second end (36) of the body (14) along the axis of rotation (A-A'), and at least one fixing orifice (42) formed in the plate (12) in which the pivot (40) is housed;characterized in that the fixing orifice (42) is delimited by a peripheral edge (43) having an interruption (44) having a determined interruption width (Li); the pivot (40) of the body (14) having perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A-A') an oblong section with a major axis (50) and a minor axis (52), said oblong section having along the major axis (50) a pivot length (Lp) greater than the interruption width (Li) and along the minor axis (52) a pivot width (lp) less than the interruption width (Li), the adjustment device (10) further comprising a tensioning system (54) configured to exert axial pressure along the assembly axis (A-A') between the plate (12) and the body (14).;
2. Adjustment device (10) according to claim 1, in which the body (14) is rotatable relative to the plate (12) along the axis of rotation (A-A') between an assembly position, in which the major axis (50) points towards the interruption (44), and an assembled position, in which the minor axis (52) points towards the interruption (44).
3. Adjustment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plate (12) comprises an insertion bridge (48) securing the two edges of the interruption (44) to each other, configured to allow the insertion of the pivot (40) into the fixing orifice (42) by the interruption (44).
4. Adjustment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pivot (40) of the body (14) is crimped onto the plate (12).
5. Adjustment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plate (12) comprises at least one hook (30) capable of gripping a part of the body (14).
6. Adjustment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the major axis (50) forms with the minor axis (52) an angle of between 35° and 145°.
7. Adjustment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pivot connection (16) of the body (14) to the plate (12) comprises two pivots (40) extending externally from the second end (36) of the body (14) along the axis of rotation (A-A') in opposite directions and two fixing holes (42) formed in the plate (12).
8. A method of assembling an adjustment device (10) of a steering column, the adjustment device (10) being according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: a. providing the plate (12) and the body (14), b. arranging the body (14) so that the major axis (50) points towards the interruption (44), c. inserting the pivot (40) of the body (14) into the fixing hole (42) of the plate (12) through the interruption (44), and d. arranging the body (14) so that the minor axis (52) points towards the interruption (44).
9. Assembly method according to claim 8, comprising an additional step after step d) of crimping the pivot (40) of the body (12) and the plate (14).