Steering column

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column comprising a body formed by three telescopically assembled segments, namely an outer square tubular segment (1), inside which an intermediate square tubular segment (2) slides, inside which an inner square solid segment (3) slides; a sealing head (4) is positioned between the upper ends of segments (1) and (2); the inner solid segment (3) has one end equipped with a splined cylindrical end-piece (5) and, at the opposite end, the outer square tubular segment (1) is also equipped with another splined cylindrical end-piece (6), both of which are provided with a conventional universal joint (J); stroke limiters (11) and clearance compensators (12) are mounted on the aforementioned segments.

Description

[0001] STEERING COLUMN Technical Field

[0001] More particularly, this Utility Model is related to the auto parts sector and refers to technical and functional improvements introduced in the Utility Model patent application BR202022017343 filed on 08 / 30 / 2022, also with the title STEERING COLUMN formed by three telescopic elements. State of the Art

[0002] Initially, BR202022017343 highlights the fact that there is a considerable range of telescopic columns for vehicles in general, however, for cargo vehicles, or large vehicles, the steering column must present certain particularities, which was not the case with those known, where there is normally a model for each type of vehicle, which adds up to a wide variety of columns, consequently, the auto parts sector is normally obliged to maintain a considerable stock, since a compact model would be desirable, with a substantially greater self-adjustable working stroke and capable of serving a wider range of vehicle models.

[0003] There is no doubt that existing models are adequate and have their respective advantages. However, in most cases, they have a limited "working stroke" and are not compact, which generally means that each model is restricted to a specific group of vehicles, and in some cases, they are only suitable for a specific vehicle. Thus, conventional models end up generating other disadvantages, not only because they have a considerable number of components, but also because of their high manufacturing costs. All of this adds to the logistical disadvantages of manufacturing and distribution.

[0004] Therefore, BR202022017343 introduced several modifications to configure a steering column with three telescopically mounted segments, all with a square cross-section: an inner segment, an outer segment, and a middle segment. The inner segment is solid, while the other two are tubular. All of them feature details that add functionality and means to, initially, considerably increase the column's "working stroke" limit, approximately 50% compared to conventional models. Even so, the assembly in the retracted position is substantially more compact, being approximately one-third of its total length.

[0005] The versatility of the “longer working stroke” results in another advantage, as it establishes means for the same model not to be restricted to a specific group of vehicles, as the “longer working stroke” condition allows the set to be self-adjusted and used in a much larger number of vehicle models.

[0006] On the other hand, the column in question has a considerably reduced number of components, consequently, it also reduces its manufacturing cost and avoids noise.

[0007] It is also worth noting that when the steering column in question is fully retracted, it becomes very compact, streamlining different parts of the industrial and commercial sector, that is, it takes up little storage space, facilitates transportation, reduces packaging material, in short, all of this is extremely advantageous for manufacturing logistics and commercial logistics.

[0008] Another advantage of the column in question is the fact that it includes clearance compensators, which allows fine self-adjustment of the telescopically assembled parts, including reducing friction and eliminating noise, significantly improving the sliding of the telescopic parts.

[0009] In this way, it was proven that BR202022017343 presented as a novelty and functional improvement: the fact of having three telescopic segments; a system of end-of-stroke locking pins; and an internal anti-noise system defined by clearance compensators in the form of leaf springs, resulting in a compact set with means to be used in a considerable range of vehicles.

[0010] There is no doubt that BR202022017343 introduced significant innovations in the manufacture of STEERING COLUMNS; however, in subsequent studies and tests, it was noted that the internal anti-noise system, defined by slack compensators in the form of leaf springs, could be considerably improved, not only to further reduce friction between the telescopic segments, but also to virtually eliminate noise. Model Objectives

[0011] In the previous model, a steering column was configured with three telescopic segments, one fixed and two mobile, the latter with at least one leaf spring each, consequently, they are maintained with a certain expansion pressure, compensating for clearances and, furthermore, reducing friction and noise between the parts, however, at a higher cost and, even so, in tests carried out it was observed that the said springs or such system could be eliminated.

[0012] In this way, the aforementioned springs, which are moving (flexible) parts, were completely eliminated and replaced by a static (no moving parts) sliding and clearance compensation system.

[0013] Instead of the aforementioned springs, the two moving parts have their internal ends with short recessed sections along their entire external contour, each fully coated with a polymeric layer through a process of heating the part and dipping it “in polyamide powder”, forming a contact layer with a thickness between 2 and 6 mm, whose function is to eliminate clearances and noise, replacing the springs with advantages, mainly cost reduction. Description of the drawings

[0014] For a better understanding of this utility model, a detailed description is provided below, with reference to the attached drawings listed below.

[0015] FIGURE 01 is a perspective view of the fully assembled steering column.

[0016] FIGURE 02 also shows a perspective of the fully assembled steering column, however, from a different angle compared to figure 1.

[0017] FIGURE 03 illustrates an exploded perspective of the set and two enlarged details of the same.

[0018] FIGURE 04 is a perspective view and an enlarged detail, showing one of the universal joints.

[0019] FIGURE 05 shows a perspective view of the assembled set, a partial section and an exploded view of said section, detailing the seal.

[0020] FIGURE 06 represents a side cross-sectional view of the assembly and an enlarged detail of the same, highlighting the parts of the locks that limit the telescopic movement.

[0021] FIGURE 07 is also a cross-sectional side view of the assembly and an enlarged detail of the same, highlighting other parts of the telescopic movement limiting locks.

[0022] FIGURE 08 also shows a side view of the assembly and two enlarged details of the same, highlighting other parts of the telescopic movement limiting locks.

[0023] FIGURE 09 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the assembly and two enlarged and exploded details, highlighting the clearance compensators.

[0024] FIGURE 10 illustrates an enlarged view of the detail indicated in figure 9, highlighting the slack compensator.

[0025] FIGURE 11 represents an enlarged view of another detail indicated in figure 9, also highlighting the clearance compensator.

[0026] According to these illustrations and in their details, more particularly figures 1 to 3, the present STEERING COLUMN comprises: - body in three telescopically assembled segments, an external square tubular segment (1), without telescopic movement after being assembled in the vehicle, inside which a square tubular intermediate segment (2) slides and, within this, a solid, square internal segment (3) slides; - a sealing head (4) is positioned between the upper end of the external square tubular segment (1) and the square tubular intermediate segment (2), as well as such head is fixed to the upper end of the first external square tubular segment (1) serving as a sliding sealing point for the square tubular intermediate segment (2);- the internal solid segment (3) has one end equipped with a grooved cylindrical terminal (5) and, on the opposite side, the external square tubular segment (1) is also equipped with another grooved cylindrical terminal (6), both fixed by means of welding, in which the first has a hole (7) that receives the cylindrical tip (8) of the internal solid segment (3), while the other grooved cylindrical terminal (6) has an intermediate flange (9) and cylindrical tip (10) introduced inside the end of the external square tubular segment (1), where the complete closure of the lower end of the assembly occurs by means of suitable welding, which allows telescopic movement of the other two segments (2) and (3) only in the opposite direction to said grooved cylindrical terminal (6); - a usual universal joint (J) is coupled to the grooved cylindrical terminal (6), which may or may not also be provided for the grooved cylindrical terminal (5);- stroke limiters (11) are mounted near the lower ends, respectively, of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid and square internal segment (3), which limit the stroke of each telescopic segment, preventing them from coming out completely when extended to the maximum position; and - clearance compensators (12) are mounted on the inner or lower ends of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid and square internal segment (3), where such compensators, in addition to allowing fine adjustment to eliminate clearances, also function as an anti-noise means and a means to facilitate the sliding of the telescopic segments. ;

[0027] As already mentioned, the two grooved cylindrical terminals (5) and (6) can receive universal joints (J) that provide means, respectively, for coupling the corresponding parts of a vehicle's steering system, notably the steering wheel and steering box, where such parts, depending on the vehicle model, are directly coupled using a usual universal joint (J) at one or both ends of the assembly, and other usual components may also be included, whether intermediate or replacing one of the universal joints (J), so that the steering column assembly can be completed, completing a mechanism that allows the transfer of the movements that the driver exerts on the steering wheel to the steering mechanism (steering box), providing adequate drivability according to the technical characteristics of each vehicle.

[0028] As already mentioned, a usual universal joint (J) is coupled to the grooved cylindrical terminal (6), which may or may not also be provided for in the grooved cylindrical terminal (5) and, in the latter, as shown in figure 4, the fixing between said usual universal joint (J) and the solid and square internal segment (3) can be carried out with an elastic pin (13), transverse and, for this purpose, the base of the usual universal joint (J) has a square fitting (14) and a transverse hole (15) that is repeated (16) at the corresponding end of the solid and square internal segment (3), through which said elastic pin (13) for fixing between the two parts passes.

[0029] The sealing head (4) is illustrated in detail in figure 5, where it can be seen that it is formed by a rubber body (17), hollowed out longitudinally, and with a square cross-section, having a tapered end or pyramidal trunk that forms a first sealing lip (18) that is dented and slidably contours the external faces of the square tubular intermediate segment (2).

[0030] The body (17) of the sealing head (4) includes a second sealing lip (19), internal and close to the base of the tapered end. This sealing lip (19) contours the entire interior of the body (17) and has an ordinarily triangular cross-section with an acute part facing inwards that acts against the external faces of the square tubular intermediate segment (2), where the attachment of said sealing head (4) is complemented by a projection in the form of a cord (20) that emerges on the internal side of the body (17) and very close to its lower end, this cord (20) being continuous or segmented, as it also cooperates to be Petition 870230099981, from 11 / 13 / 2023, page.14 / 43 embedded in a contour channel (21) made on the external side of the corresponding end of the external square tubular segment (1), thus completing the fixing of said sealing head (4) which, in turn, provides means for sealing the interstices formed between the intermediate square tubular segment (2) and the external square tubular segment (1), since an adequate portion of lubricant is normally maintained inside the assembly. .

[0031] With regard to figure 6, each stroke limiter (11) is initially formed by a wedge-shaped recess that forms a stroke limiter stop step (22) preceded by an invitation ramp (23), configured on the internal faces and close to the upper ends of the external square tubular segment (1) and the intermediate square tubular segment (2), where such stroke limiter stop steps (22) and respective invitation ramps (23) work together with transverse locks (24).

[0032] Figures 7 and 8 show in detail the transverse locks (24), where it can be seen that each of them has two pins (25), equal and symmetrically positioned axially, as well as each of said pins (25) having two diameters, a larger one (26) facing outwards and a smaller one (27) facing inwards, in the latter the ends of a cooperating helical spring (28) are trapped so that said pins are kept pressed outwards and inside the holes Petition 870230099981, from 11 / 13 / 2023, page.15 / 43 through-bolts (29A) and (29B), respectively, of the solid, square internal segment (3) and of the square tubular intermediate segment (2), keeping their larger diameter parts (26) pressed slidably against the internal surfaces, respectively, of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the external square tubular segment (1), as well as in alignment with the respective stroke limiting stop steps (22), where the final stop occurs when said segments are completely extended, preventing them from completely coming out of the external square tubular segment (1) which does not move telescopically after being mounted on the vehicle. .

[0033] Figures 9 to 11 show in detail the clearance compensators (12), where it can be seen that each of them is formed by a surrounding recess (30) that extends from the lower ends of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid, square internal segment (3) to close to the corresponding transverse lock (24), where each surrounding recess (30) receives a polymeric coating (31), whose external dimension exceeds the external dimension of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid, square internal segment (3).

[0034] The polymeric coating (31) is applied using a known process of heating the corresponding ends of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid, square internal segment (3) and dipping them in polyamide powder, forming a contact layer with a thickness between 2 and 6 mm.

[0035] Therefore, said layers of polymeric coatings (31) constitute contact and sliding surfaces between the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid, square internal segment (3), where such layers contribute to reducing friction and eliminating noise between such telescopically moved parts, that is, the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid, square internal segment (3) are telescopically moved into or out of the external square tubular segment (1) and, on the one hand, such movements are smoothly and silently performed. When moved outwards, the limit is established by the transverse locks (24) and respective pins (25) that are set in the respective stroke limiting stop steps (22) characterizing the maximum extension of the telescopic movement of the assembly.In this position, the telescopic movement in the direction of decreasing the length of the assembly occurs in reverse, that is, the internal solid segment (3) moves inwards and, as a result, the pins (25) easily come out of the stroke-limiting stop steps (22) due to the invitation ramps (23) and continue their movement inwards until their internal end touches the second transverse lock (24) of the square tubular intermediate segment (2), causing it to also be moved inwards in the same way, allowing it to reach the completely retracted position. Petition 870230099981, of 11 / 13 / 2023, page 18 / 43.

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS Received by the International Secretariat on 4 April 2025 (04.04.2025) 1) STEERING COLUMN, comprising a body in three telescopically assembled segments, an external square tubular segment (1), without telescopic movement after being assembled in the vehicle, in whose interior slides a square tubular intermediate segment (2) and, inside this, slides a solid and square internal segment (3); a sealing head (4) is positioned between the upper end of the external square tubular segment ( 1 ) and the square tubular intermediate segment (2) , as well as such head is fixed to the upper end of the first external square tubular segment ( 1 ) serving as a sliding sealing point for the square tubular intermediate segment ( 2 ); the internal solid segment ( 3 ) has one end equipped with a grooved cylindrical terminal ( 5 ) and, on the opposite side, the external square tubular segment ( 1 ) is also equipped with another grooved cylindrical terminal ( 6 ), both fixed by means of welding, in which the first has a hole ( 7 ) that receives the cylindrical tip ( 8 ) of the internal solid segment ( 3 ) , while the other grooved cylindrical terminal ( 6 ) has an intermediate flange ( 9 ) and cylindrical tip ( 10 ) introduced inside the end of the external square tubular segment ( 1 ) ; a usual universal joint ( J) is coupled to the grooved cylindrical terminal ( 6 ) , which may or may not also be provided for the grooved cylindrical terminal ( 5 ) ; stroke limiters ( 1 1 ) are mounted close to the lower ends, respectively, of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the solid and square internal segment (3); clearance compensators (12) mounted on the internal or lower ends of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the solid and square internal segment (3), each clearance compensator (12) being formed by an enveloping recess (30) that extends from the lower ends of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the solid and square internal segment (3) to close to the corresponding transverse lock (24), characterized by the fact that each enveloping recess (30) receives a polymeric coating (31), the external dimension of which exceeds the external dimension of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the solid and square internal segment ( 3 ) , as also said polymeric coating ( 3 1 ) is applied by heating the corresponding ends of the square tubular intermediate segment ( 2 ) and the solid square internal segment ( 3 ) and dipping them in polyamide powder, forming a contact layer with a thickness between 2 and 6 mm. DECLARATION UNDER ARTICLE 19.1 The International Search Report points out three prior art of particular relevance. Therefore, the written opinion of the international search authority indicates that the application does not meet the requirement of inventive step. Prior art. BR 202022023589 (D1 ) discloses a steering column consisting of a body in three telescopically assembled segments, being an external square tubular segment (1 ), inside which a square tubular intermediate segment (2) slides and, inside this, a solid and square internal segment (3) slides; a sealing head (4); grooved cylindrical ends (5) and (6); a usual universal joint (J) is coupled to the grooved cylindrical end (6), stroke limits (11 ) are mounted on the lower ends, respectively, of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the solid and square internal segment (3); and at least one clearance compensator (12) is mounted on either face of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and of the solid and square internal segment (3) (paragraphs [10-18]; fig. 1 -10).In D1, the clearance compensators (12) are formed by a recess (30) and both receive leaf springs (31), arched outwards, with each clearance compensator (12) being equally integrated into any external face and very close to the lower end of the square tubular intermediate segment (2) and the solid, square internal segment (3), where one of the clearance compensators (12) acts against the corresponding internal face of the external square tubular segment (1), while the other acts in the same way against the corresponding face of the square tubular intermediate segment (2), eliminating any clearance, as well as improving sliding between them and avoiding noise (paragraph 17; fig. 8). Prior document BR202022017343 (D2) reveals the same object as document D1. The prior art US 2020276766 (D3) discloses a method and device of a steering column with mutually sliding components for greater freedom and more precise maintenance of frictional forces or sliding forces, from a plastic or sliding sleeve with a plastic coating in the displacement region of the components (paragraphs [0008-0015]). Specifically, D3 provides a plastic sleeve 30 adapted to the mutually facing surfaces of the inner shaft part 15 and the outer shaft part 17, by means of a heating process, improving sliding and noise production (paragraphs [0043-0048]; fig. 3-4). The prior art was considered relevant, giving rise to the limitation of the scope of claims, in order to restrict the scope of protection.

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