Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha

Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha

Toyoda Cesei Co., Ltd.

Yoichi Hyodo

Takeo Kondo

Mitsuru Harata

Shiro Yuasa

Hiroyuki Ono

A method for forming an energy absorbing coupling for connecting a steering wheel to a steering shaft is provided. The energy absorbing coupling is formed from a deformable member, a junction to the steering wheel and a junction to the steering shaft, each of which are formed as separate members. The deformable member includes a deformable part which functions to absorb energy from the force of an impact on the steering wheel. The deformable member is formed by bending without drawing. Work hardening effects of drawing are therefore avoided. The energy absorbing coupling formed has stable energy absorbing characteristics.

Method for forming an energy absorbing coupling for a steering wheel

A shock absorbing type steering device for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a shaft adapted to transmit a torque from a steering wheel to a steering gear, which shaft consists of a first solid shaft portion and a second hollow or cylindrical shaft portion. The second cylindrical shaft portion includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. Part of the first solid shaft portion is rigidly fitted in the aforesaid small diameter portion of the second cylindrical shaft portion with the aid of shear pins, while a shock-absorbing resilient material is contained in the aforesaid large diameter portion of the second cylindrical shaft portion. The shock absorbing material is of such a property that it is ruptured due to stresses exceeding a given level. A passage leading from the interior of the aforesaid large diameter portion of the second cylindrical shaft portion to atmosphere runs either through the first solid shaft portion or through the second cylindrical shaft portion.

Shock absorbing type steering device

Growing community of inventors

Takahama, Japan

Yoichi Hyodo