Patent ID: 6382670
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A linear guide device for connecting the steering column means of an automotive vehicle for displacement relative to the vehicle chassis in the event of impact, comprising:(a) a fixed support member (8) adapted for connection with the vehicle chassis, said fixed support member having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration including a generally horizontal base portion (19), and a pair of downwardly directed vertical upright portions (11 and 12), said fixed support member having a longitudinal axis; (b) a movable support member (9) supporting said steering column means, said movable support member being arranged congruently for movement within said fixed support member, said movable support member having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration including a generally horizontal base portion (20) and a pair of vertical lateral portions (21 and 22), said movable support member having a longitudinal axis; (c) guide means guiding said movable support means for linear longitudinal movement in a guide direction relative to said fixed support member; and (d) means (33) biasing said movable member toward a normal first position relative to said fixed member; (e) said guide means including: (1) a pair of fixed slides (41, 42) mounted in opposed relation on the adjacent sides of said fixed member upright portions, respectively; (2) a pair of mobile slides (43, 44) arranged adjacent the outer sides of said movable member lateral portions opposite said fixed slides, respectively, (a) each of said mobile slides including at one end an orthogonally arranged tenon portion (51, 52) that extends through a corresponding opening (57, 58) contained in the corresponding movable member lateral portion, respectively, and an orthogonally arranged tongue portion (53, 54) that extends in a lateral engagement with the associated inner side of said movable member lateral portion, respectively; (b) means connecting the other ends of said movable slides with said movable member lateral portions, respectively, each of said connecting means including a pin (63, 64) that extends through opposed openings (55, 56; 61, 62) contained in said movable slides and in said movable member lateral portions, respectively; (c) said fixed and said movable slides containing opposed fixed (45, 46) and stationary (47, 48) rollways, respectively; and (3) a plurality of balls (40) mounted between said fixed and stationary rollways, respectively, whereby upon the event of impact to the vehicle, said movable member is guided by said linear guide means for linear movement forwardly of the vehicle toward a second position relative to said stationary member.