FRICTION CLUTCH FOR STEERING COLUMN

摘要

The friction clutch includes a first clutching surface and a second clutching surface configured to be pressed against each other. Friction between the surfaces needs to be overcome for one surface to rotate relative to the other. The first clutching surface is configured to be axially and rotationally fixed relative to the steering shaft. The second clutching surface is configured to allow relative rotational movement between such surface and the steering shaft. When unlocked the second clutching surface rotates with the first clutching surface and steering shaft due to friction. When locked, the rotational position of the second clutching surface is fixed so as not to rotate with the first clutching surface and steering shaft. The friction must be overcome for the steering shaft to rotate. The friction can be overcome by application of sufficient external torque at the steering wheel. A controller controls locking and unlocking.

主权项

1. A friction clutch apparatus for clutching a steering shaft, comprising:
a first clutching surface and a second clutching surface configured to be pressed against each other with a clutching force, wherein the first clutching surface is configured to be axially and rotationally fixed relative to the steering shaft, and wherein the second clutching surface is configured to allow rotation of the steering shaft within an axial through opening of the second clutching surface; and a locking component having a locked position in which the locking component fixes a rotational position of the second clutching surface; and wherein the first and second clutching surface and the locking component are configured so that while the locking component is in the locked position the clutching force resists rotation of the steering shaft; and wherein the clutching force can be overridden by application of an external torque at the steering wheel that corresponds to an overriding force acting on the steering shaft exceeding the clutching force.