Nsk Steering Systems Europe Limited

Nsk Corporation

James Peter Bentley

Laurence George Herbert Barton

Patrick Anthony Duffy

Yasuhisa Yamada

An energy absorption device for a steering column for a vehicle includes a resilient device, preferably in the form of a coil spring, having turns that are wound in a clamping manner around a component such as a cylindrical rod connectable to the steering column. The coil spring and cylindrical rod are slidable relatively to each other to absorb energy in the event of a vehicle crash. An adjusting device is arranged to vary the clamping force of the turns of the coil spring on the rod by winding or unwinding the coils of the spring. The clamping force may be adjusted in accordance with data such as stature of the driver, vehicle speed and vehicle attitude.

Energy absorption device for vehicle steering column

A method of constructing a length-adjustable vehicle steering column assembly, comprises providing an inner steering column member and an outer steering column member, mounting the inner steering column member in the outer steering column member by use of a bush, the bush being fixed by adhesive in the outer steering column member and having the inner steering column member slidingly received therein such that the two steering column members are relatively axially adjustable.

Method of constructing length-adjustable vehicle steering column assembly

A collapsible steering column assembly has an arrangement to absorb energy upon steering column collapse. In a preferred form, the arrangement includes a skid member acting to deform a length of wire having arms to embrace at least one retaining pin. The or each pin is selectively extendable and retractable in order to vary the energy absorption capability.

Collapsible steering column assembly

A length-adjustable shaft for a vehicle steering column assembly includes an inner column member mounted in an outer column member, the two column members being relatively slidable to allow axial adjustment of the steering column. A bush is mounted with a sliding fit on the inner member inside the outer member, the bush being fixed within the outer member by means of adhesive injected through fill holes provided in the outer steering column member. The inner member has a stop near its free end to prevent removal of the bush from the inner member.

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Warwickshire, United Kingdom

James Peter Bentley