| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080196536 | Adjustable steering column assembly having a rake and telescope locking system - A steering column assembly is moveable in a rake direction and a telescope direction and extends along a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a compression bracket mounted to a column jacket. A rake bracket is disposed over the compression bracket. The rake bracket defines a rake slot and includes a rake tooth rack disposed in the rake slot. The compression bracket defines a telescoping slot and includes a telescope tooth rack disposed in the telescope slot. A telescoping lock is disposed within the telescoping slot. A rake lock is disposed within the rake slot. A cam mechanism moves the rake lock into interlocking engagement with the rake tooth rack and moves the telescope lock into interlocking engagement with the telescope tooth rack when in the lock position, and disengages the rake lock from the rake tooth rack and the telescope lock from the telescope tooth rack when in the adjustment position. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080202275 | ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK WITH SINGLE DIRECTION ACTUATOR TRAVEL - A steering column assembly includes a column jacket coupled to a support bracket. The column jacket is moveable in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and in a pivotable direction relative to the support bracket about a pivot axis. A locking mechanism interconnects the support bracket and the column jacket, and includes a torsion shaft rotatable about a shaft axis in a first direction and a second direction to move the locking mechanism between a lock position and a release position. A motor includes an output shaft rotatable about a primary axis in a single rotational direction. A linkage interconnects the motor and the torsion shaft of the locking mechanism. The linkage is actuated by rotation of the output shaft in the single rotational direction to rotate the torsion shaft in alternating fashion between the first direction and the second direction. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080202276 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A first bracket defines a telescoping slot having a first tooth rack extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second bracket defines a tilting slot having a second tooth rack extending transverse to the telescoping slot. A first locking member and a second locking member are moveable along a pivot axis transverse the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking members have a first locking surface parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second locking surface transverse to the longitudinal and pivot axes. The locking surfaces are disposed in the telescoping and tilting slots, respectively when in the locked position such that the locking surfaces engage the first and second tooth racks, respectively for preventing movement of the column jacket. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080216597 | Steering Apparatus - Both ends of a screw shaft | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080229865 | Central lock device of an adjustable steering column assembly - An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has an actuator preferably having an outer member supported operably by a guide feature carried between the outer member and the bracket for movement along a first centerline traverse to the steering shaft. The bracket also supports a lever of the actuator for movement along a second centerline that intersects the first centerline. At least one roller is located in a raceway defined between the outer member and the lever. Because the raceway is angled with respect to both the first and second centerlines, motion of the lever along the second centerline is converted to motion of the second member along the traversing first centerline. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080229866 | Adjustable steering column utilizing a sleeve and a method of forming a filler with a sleeve - A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080229867 | Steering column for a motor vehicle - A steering column for a motor vehicle is adjustable at least in its longitudinal direction. The steering column includes a support unit chassis of the motor vehicle, a setting unit and a clamping mechanism which comprises a clamp bolt and at least one arrest element cooperating with at least one securement element. At least one arrest element during the closing of the clamping mechanism is displaced in the axial direction of the clamp bolt with respect to the support unit and clamped with a securement element connected with the setting unit, and at least one securement element is connected with the setting unit so that in normal operation it is held nondisplaceably in the longitudinal direction of the steering column with respect to the setting unit and in the event of a crash is displaceable with respect to the setting unit under energy absorption. The support unit includes on both sides of the setting unit side jaws, through which penetrates the clamp bolt through openings. At least one arrest element penetrates the side jaw of the support unit and/or a side shank of an intermediate unit through an opening and is held in the opening of the corresponding side jaw of the support unit and/or in the opening of the corresponding side jaw of the intermediate unit such that it is nondisplaceable in the longitudinal direction of the steering column. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080236325 | LOCK MECHANISM FOR AN ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle having an outerjacket and an inner jacket slideably disposed within the outer jacket along a longitudinal axis for telescoping movement. A pivot pin is coupled to the outerjacket and defines a pin axis. A pawl is disposed about the pivot pin and is rotatable about the pin axis between and engaged position engaging the innerjacket for preventing the telescoping movement and a disengaged position disengaging the inner jacket for allowing the telescoping movement. An actuator is mounted to the pivot pin for concurrent rotation with the pivot pin about the pin axis and is coupled to the pawl for moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions in an opposing rotational direction from the concurrent rotation of the pivot pin and the actuator. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080236326 | Energy absorbing steering apparatus - An energy absorbing steering apparatus S of the invention includes: a lever | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080245176 | Steering column assembly having an actuation mechanism for telescoping and tilting movement - A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a support bracket and a column jacket coupled to the support bracket. A compression bracket is mounted to the column jacket. A clamping device is disposed on the support bracket and has a rake bolt extending through the support bracket and the compression bracket for applying a frictional force on the support bracket to prevent telescoping and tilting movement of the column jacket and the compression bracket relative to the support bracket. An actuation mechanism is coupled to the support bracket. The actuation mechanism rotates the rake bolt in a first direction to prevent telescoping and tilting movement of the column jacket. Likewise, the actuation mechanism rotates the rake bolt in a second direction to permit telescoping movement of the column jacket and the compression bracket relative to the actuation mechanism and the support bracket and tilting movement. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080257097 | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle - An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a setting unit displaceable in at least one displacement direction for setting the position of the steering column, a holding unit nondisplaceable into this displacement direction, a securement device, in the opened state of which the setting unit ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080264196 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING ASSEMBLY - A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080276747 | Actuator for a Clamping Mechanism of an Adjustable Steering Column - The invention relates to an actuator for a clamping mechanism of an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle, by way of which actuator a clamping apparatus can be moved between a release position for adjusting the steering column and a clamping position for fixing the steering column in position, the actuator comprising a gear mechanism having a plurality of gear elements which are in engagement with one another. In order to provide an actuator which can be transferred considerably more quickly into its release position, an actuating device ( | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080282832 | Tilt steering apparatus - A tilt steering apparatus comprises a tilt adjusting mechanism in which a tilt lock release is established only when an oscillation-free end of an operating arm portion of a tilt operating lever is positioned toward a steering wheel side. Even when the tilt operating lever is oscillated to the steering wheel side, the tilt operating lever is prevented from returning under its own weight, thereby preventing it from being difficult to operate. The tilt steering apparatus is configured from an oscillation latch portion formed on the circumference of an oscillation center portion of an oscillation base portion of the tilt operating lever to move reciprocally in the circumferential direction, a hook portion formed in the movable bracket, and a spring that extends between the oscillation latch portion and the hook portion elastically urged in the direction of contraction. The centerline of the spring is able to pass through the oscillation center portion of the tilt operating lever as appropriate. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090000416 | Clamping Device for a Steering Column - A clamping device for the positional fixing of a vehicle steering column which can be adjusted in its length and/or inclination has a clamping disc and a plurality of rolling bodies, with clamping ramps for the rolling bodies being formed on the surface of the clamping disc, wherein the rolling bodies each make contact with one of a plurality of separate contact elements arranged in a common plane. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000417 | Steering apparatus for vehicle - A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable column member supporting a steering wheel at a rear end of the movable column member and rotatably supported about a column swinging point provided at a front part of the movable column member relative to a vehicle body, a fixing bracket supported at an upper portion of the fixing bracket to the vehicle body and including first and second retaining portions that face each other and support the movable column member therebetween, first and second pressing mechanisms facing each other so as to press and support the movable column in a slidable manner, a first pivot axis disposed at a lower side of the fixing bracket, a second pivot axis disposed at a lower side of the movable column member, and a drive mechanism driven so as to adjust a distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090013817 | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle - An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a setting unit ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090013818 | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle - An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a steering spindle, a jacket unit bearing the steering spindle, a bracket unit, mountable on the chassis of the motor vehicle, with at least one side jaw, which extends laterally of the jacket unit and bears the jacket unit ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090019962 | TILTING DEVICE FOR STEERING COLUMN - Disclosed is a tilting device for a steering column comprising: a steering column inclinedly arranged in a rear direction of a vehicle; a shroud covering the steering column to shield the steering column from an outside; a bracket located between the steering column and the shroud to guide the steering column for tilting; and a tilting locking means slidably arranged substantially near to an upper surface of the steering column to enable the steering column to be tilted or not to be tilted. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090019963 | STEERING COLUMN FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises: a rotationally mounted steering spindle ( | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090025503 | For a Low Load Sliding Intermediate Shaft in a Steering Column for Industrial Vehicles - The invention refers to improvements to the intermediate shaft in the claims of the main patent to adjust the depth of the steering wheel to match the driver's measurements, to absorb vibrations which may be generated by the wheels and suspension up to the steering wheel, as well as acting as a safety measure to collapse in the event of an accident which may also be by using the corresponding screw/nut mechanisms comprising a nut rigidly connected to the intermediate shaft on one of the flat surfaces of the female shaft and a screw which turns on it tightening the male shaft via the adjustment spring, so that it gently slides (with a predetermined load deemed to be suitable for facilitating sliding it by hand). | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031843 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having lower and upper steering column members that are slidingly interengaged. The upper column member is attached to a structural part of the motor vehicle by a ride down mechanism that allows the upper steering column to move in the event of a collision. A load transfer means is provided to bypass the ride down mechanism when an adjustment lever is moved to a position allowing the position of the upper steering column member to be adjusted thereby preventing accidental damage occurring to the ride down mechanism due to operator abuse. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090031844 | TILT-TYPE STEERING APPARATUS - A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a steering column swingably supported by a tilt pivot shaft and rotatably supporting a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached, and a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body member and tiltably holding the steering column Stress cushioning member is disposed between the steering column and the tilt bracket. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090044656 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - When a telescopic gear base | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090044657 | Steering wheel position adjustment device - A steering wheel position adjustment device includes a movable bracket having adjusting long holes on both sides in a width direction of the movable bracket, a fixed bracket, a lock shaft penetrating through both of the adjusting long holes to support the movable bracket to the fixed bracket, a collar member which is rotatably supported within the movable bracket by the lock shaft and is capable of moving along, with the lock shaft, in a longitudinal direction and stopper shock-absorbing materials, which are attached to both side sections in the longitudinal direction of the adjusting long holes within the movable bracket, and each of which is formed thereon with an abutment surface against which the collar member abuts. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090064814 | STEERING COLUMN DEVICE - A tilt adjust nut is inserted in a first recess formed in a tube guide bracket, and is coupled to a column body around an axis perpendicular to a tilt plane thereof. When the column body tilts with respect to an upper bracket due to tilt operation and the tilt angle of the column body with respect to the upper bracket changes due to this tilting of the column body, the tilt adjust nut rotates in the first recess in accordance with the tilting of the column body and thereby allows changes in the tilt angle. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090064815 | VEHICLE STEERING APPARATUS - A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering member for rotational operation, and a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame. The steering member includes a main body supported by the support mechanism, a pair of grip sections which are movable between the housing position and the projection position together with the main body, and which are supported so as to be movable between a nonoperating position and an operating position by the main body, and a grip section drive actuator which is supported by the main body, and drives the pair of grip sections to the nonoperating position and the operating position. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090084218 | Tilt steering column assembly for a vehicle - A tilt steering column assembly having a first housing defining at least one orifice disposed along a central axis and a second housing defining at least one hole disposed along the central axis is disclosed. A pin includes a body having a first end and a second end facing the first end to define a seam. A first tab extends outwardly from a segment of the first end and a second tab extends outwardly from a segment of the second end. The first tab abuts the second tab to define a portion of the seam with a remainder of the first and second ends being spaced from each other to define a gap and a remaining portion of the seam for providing a proper fit of the pin within the orifice and the hole by compensating for varying dimensions of at least one of the orifice and the hole. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090095114 | Steering column assembly having a rotating drive cable device - A rotating cable device preferably for use in a steering column assembly couples a drive member to a driven member of the assembly for rotation and without any lost motion or release of unwanted absorbed energy, which could potentially create inefficiencies in operation and undesirable noise. A rigid sheath of the device extends along a non-linear centerline and a resilient tube preferably extends through the sheath. A flexible cable of the device extends through the tube and couples between the members for rotation. The cable device enables versatility in the arrangement and orientation of the drive and driven members in a variety of different steering column and transmission shift mount applications for vehicles. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090100956 | ELECTRICALLY POWERED TILT STEERING DEVICE - A jacket unit for a steering shaft is pivotally connected to a vehicle body through a first pivot mechanism and a swing arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle body through a second pivot mechanism. A first free part of the swing arm is pivotally connected to the jacket unit. A first screw rod member is rotatably held by the jacket unit and has a first splined end portion. A nut member is operatively engaged with the first screw rod member and pivotally connected to a second free part of the swing arm. A holding structure is provided for rotatably holding one end of the first screw rod member on the jacket unit. An electric actuator is held by the jacket unit and includes an output shaft that has a second splined end portion. The first splined end portion is operatively engaged with the second splined end portion to achieve a united rotation of the output shaft and the first screw rod member while permitting an axial movement relative to each other. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090107283 | Steering column assembly - The steering column assembly includes: an upper clamp | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090114055 | Steering column locking mechanism - A steering column ( | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090114056 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - An adjustable steering column assembly including a column jacket moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a raking direction is disclosed. First and second gears are coupled to a rake bracket and mesh with each other with the first gear rotatable about a first pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal axis and the second gear rotatable about a second pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and spaced above the first pivot axis such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation of the second gear. A cam mechanism is coupled to the rake bracket and to each of the first and second gears with the cam mechanism movable along the first and second pivot axes during rotation of the first and second gears for selectively engaging the rake bracket to prevent movement of the column jacket in at least one of the telescoping and raking directions. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090120230 | Telescoping-tilting device of steering column for vehicle - Disclosed is a telescoping-tilting device of a steering column for a vehicle, the telescoping-tilting device including a distance member which has an elongated hole formed at each side of the distance member in parallel to a steering shaft and a guide groove formed on each inner surface of the both sides of the distance member in parallel to each elongated hole, and a supporting block positioned within the distance member, the supporting block having a through hole shaped to be engaged with a bolt and a wing which can be inserted into each guide groove and extends out from both sides of the supporting block in each side direction. When impact is applied, the distance member does not move respective to the mounting bracket. Therefore, there is an advantage in that collision energy is generated as planned and a desired impact absorption mechanism can be achieved. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090145257 | Extendable shaft for steering vehicle and motor vehicle steering system - An extendable shaft for steering vehicle rotated according to the steering of a steering member comprises: an inner shaft and a tubular outer shaft fitted with each other in a manner to be capable of relative sliding movement; a rigid coupling element for rigidly interconnecting the inner shaft and the outer shaft in a circumferential direction of the inner shaft when a relative phase of the inner shaft and the outer shaft with respect to the circumferential direction exceeds a predetermined range; at least three pairs of axial grooves individually formed on an outer periphery of the inner shaft and an inner periphery of the outer shaft and opposed to each other; and a plurality of elongate resin rods as elastic coupling elements for elastically interconnecting the inner shaft and the outer shaft in the circumferential direction when the relative phase thereof is in the predetermined range. Each of the plural resin rods is interposed between the mutually corresponding axial grooves. At least one of the resin rods has a different specification from that of the other resin rods in order that an axis of the inner shaft and an axis of the outer shaft are tilted to each other. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090173179 | Adjustable steering column assembly with compressive locking mechanism - An adjustable steering column assembly with a steering shaft extending through a jacket member. An elongate locking member extends through two opposed sidewalls and a compression member positioned between the sidewalls. One of either the sidewalls or the compression member is fixed relative to the jacket member while the other is fixed relative to the vehicle structure. Spacers are located on opposite sides of the compression member between the compression member and the two sidewalls. First and second abutment surfaces are engaged with outward facing surfaces of the sidewalls and are coupled to the elongate locking member. An actuator assembly moves the locking assembly between unlocked and locked positions. In the locked position, the abutment surfaces bias the sidewalls inwardly to firmly engage the compression member between the spacers. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090173180 | Steering Wheel Arrangement - A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a steering column having a first end for cooperation with a steering wheel and a second end for cooperation with a vehicle steering mechanism. The steering wheel arrangement further includes a suspension arrangement for the steering column. The suspension arrangement includes two pivot joints and is pivotally connected to the steering column via a third pivot joint, the first, second and third pivot joints including first, second and third locking arrangements, respectively. The steering wheel arrangement has thus three adjustable pivot points where only one or two of the three pivot joints are adjustable in a first step depressing a foot pedal to a first position and only the remaining of the three pivot joints are adjustable in a second step depressing the foot pedal to a second position which implies that the adjustments can be made in a secure way by the driver during the ride. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090188342 | Adjustable steering column assembly with break-away lever - An adjustable steering column assembly having a repositionable steering column and a break-away lever arm. The lever arm has a first mounting interface and an adjustment assembly member operably coupled with the steering column has a second mounting interface. Engagement of the first and second mounting interfaces mounts the lever arm on the adjustment assembly member. Movement of the lever arm rotates the adjustment assembly member to facilitate the repositioning of the steering column. Applying a breakaway force exceeding a threshold value to the lever arm disengages the mounted lever arm from the adjustment assembly member by relative translational movement between the first and second mounting interfaces. Some embodiments employ a threaded fastener installed to a predetermined torque to bias the first and second mounting interfaces into engagement. The threaded fastener can be installed such that it may be non-frangibly disengaged by displacement through the open end of a slot. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090199673 | WEDGE ARM POSITIVE RAKE LOCK - A steering column assembly includes a column jacket coupled to a mounting bracket, with the column jacket pivotably movable about a pivot axis relative to the mounting bracket. A wedge arm is pivotably mounted to one of the column jacket and the mounting bracket and wedges against the other of the column jacket and the mounting bracket. The wedge arm prohibits the pivotable movement of the column jacket relative to the mounting bracket in response to an impact event. The wedge arm includes an arcuate shape having a variable radial distance between a pivot attachment point and a contact edge. The variable radial distance permits the wedge arm to fit between components of the column jacket and the mounting bracket when the column jacket is positioned in different positions relative to the mounting bracket. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090205458 | NON-TRANSLATING TELESCOPIC RAKE PIVOT FOR STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly includes a column jacket and a rake bracket for mounting the column jacket to a vehicle. A bearing rotatably supports an output shaft within an interior of the column jacket and is in sliding engagement with the column jacket during telescopic adjustment of the column jacket along a longitudinal axis. The column jacket defines a telescope slot near a lower end of the column jacket. A fastener is coupled to the rake bracket and extends through the telescope slot into engagement with the bearing to define tilt axis for pivotal movement of the column jacket relative to the rake bracket. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090205459 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - An adjustable steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A bracket is coupled to the column jacket with at least one pivot shaft coupled to the bracket along a pivot axis. A lever is mounted to the pivot shaft and rotates between a set position for preventing movement of the column jacket and an adjustable position for allowing movement of the column jacket. A locking device engages the lever and moves between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of the lever between the set and adjustable positions, respectively. A restrictor encircles the bracket, the column jacket, the lever and the locking device for resisting against an outwardly radial force produced by the locking device when in the locked position. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090241721 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus including an attaching bracket having a slot, respectively, a column supported on the attaching bracket, a fastening rod inserted into the slot and the column, an operation lever attached to the fastening rod, a cam mechanism converting an operating movement of the operation lever into an axial movement of the fastening rod, and a tilt lock mechanism including an eccentric cam rotating in accordance with the operation of the operation lever, an irregularity portion being formed on a cam face of the eccentric cam, and an irregularity portion formed on the cam face. When the operation lever is operated, the cam mechanism moves the fastening rod so as to fasten and clamp the column by the attaching bracket at a desired tilt position and the irregularity portion comes into contact with the attaching bracket so as to regulate an upward movement of the column. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090266195 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly includes a column jacket adjustable in at least one of a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and a tilt direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is coupled to the column jacket and is moveable between a locking position and an adjustment position. A lever is pivotably mounted to the column jacket and pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position. The lever engages a switch when in the actuated position. The switch engages an actuator to move the locking mechanism into the adjustment position when engaged by the lever in the actuated position, thereby permitting adjustment of the column jacket in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the tilt direction. When the lever is in the neutral position, the switch does not engage the actuator, and a spring urges the locking mechanism into the locking position, thereby preventing adjustment. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090272219 | STEERING COLUMN SYSTEM - To provide a steering column system which has superior operating feeling and operating properties and which can suppress an operation failure, | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272220 | Variable length steering spindle - Variable length steering spindle includes an outer sleeve-form profile with a cross section departing from the circular form, and an inner profile with a cross section departing from the circular form, which can be slid with an end section into the outer profile. The inner circumferential contour of the outer profile and the outer circumferential contour of the inner profile are formed at least partially by arcuate sections and, toward the gap space between the outer profile and the inner profiles, these arcuate sections form preferably alternately convex and concave sections of the outer profile as well as also of the inner profile and the convex sections of the outer profile are disposed at least partially opposite the concave sections of the inner profiled and/or the concave sections of the outer profile opposite the convex sections of the inner profile. A slide sleeve is disposed in the gap space, which sleeve is held with respect to one of the two profiles torsion-tight and nondisplaceable in the longitudinal direction and which, together with the profile holding the slide sleeves, is displaceable with respect to the other profile in the longitudinal direction. In recesses of the slide sleeve, rolling bodies are disposed which, on the side of the slide sleeve on which is located in the mounted condition the profile longitudinally displaceable with respect to the slide sleeve, project at least in their no-load state from the slide sleeve and which, in the assembled state of the steering spindle, are each prestressed against a surface forming a raceway face of the profile, longitudinally displaceable with respect to the slide sleeve, and which are displaceable against a reset force into a direction directed away from the raceway face. If a limit value is exceeded of the torque active between the two profiles, contact occurs between the surface of the slide sleeve and the surface of the profile longitudinally displaceable with respect to such slide sleeve. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090282945 | DUAL ON-CENTER COLUMN LOCK MECHANISM - An adjustable steering column assembly includes a column jacket extending along a longitudinal axis. The column jacket includes a compression bracket mounted thereto, and is supported by a mounting bracket. A pawl engages a telescope slot defined by the compression bracket in interlocking engagement to mechanically lock the longitudinal position of the column jacket relative to the mounting bracket. A transverse cam mechanism moves the pawl generally vertically into and out of engagement with the telescope slot. An axial cam mechanism compresses the compression bracket against the mounting bracket. The transverse cam mechanism and the axial cam mechanism are operated by shaft extending along a shaft axis intersecting the column jacket. The transverse cam mechanism and the axial cam mechanism each include first and second cam mechanism disposed on opposing sides of the column jacket and simultaneously operable by a lever. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090301254 | Steering column assembly - A steering column assembly comprises a steering column shroud which supports a steering shaft for a steering wheel, a support bracket which is fixed in position relative to a part of vehicle, and a clamp mechanism which is movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the shroud in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of the shroud relative to the support bracket. The support bracket comprises a generally U-shaped member with two depending arms of the U extending from its base having a portion of the column shroud located therebetween. A clamp mechanism is also provided which upon locking of the clamp mechanism provides tension between the two arms of the U shaped member together thereby clamping the steering column shroud in position. One arm of the U-shaped member comprises an outer leaf extending from the base to a free end of the arm and an inner leaf connected to the free end of the arm and extending upwards from the free end towards the base, the inner leaf being located between outer leaf and the other arm of the U-shaped member, the clamp mechanism acting to apply tension between the inner leaf and the other arm such tension acting to pull the inner leaf away from the outer leaf. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100000366 | STEERING COLUMN DEVICE - A steering column device where an inner column can be reliably clamped and sufficient rigidity and strength of an outer column can be achieved. A semi-circular arc rib ( | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100018340 | Steering Column with Crash Device - The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, having a device for absorbing energy in the case of a crash. Such a steering column should be disclosed which is built in a structurally simple manner, produced with few individual components, and requiring no more space in the radial direction than does a steering column which does not have an energy absorption device. Therefore, an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle is suggested, comprising a) a steering shaft which is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis thereof in an operating element, said operating element having at least one first resistance element; b) a holding element having at least one wall surface, wherein the operating element in the assembled state of the steering column is arranged to be axially guided and displaceable, at least in the case of a crash, inside the holding element, and the first resistance element of the operating element is associated with the wall surface; c) wherein the at least one wall surface of the holding element comprises a crash element which projects in the direction of the operating element, and said crash element can itself be deformed by the operating element and the relative displacement during a crash between the operating element and the holding element, while dissipating energy, and/or the wall surface of the holding element deforms while dissipating energy. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100083787 | STEERING COLUMN COVER - A cover assembly for covering a steering column of a telescoping steering assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes a roller portion, a blind portion, and a clip portion. The roller portion is attached within a meter panel, and includes a rod mounted between a pair of tensioners. The blind portion includes a film that is attached at a proximal end to the rod, such that the film is wound and unwound around the rod. The rod is biased by the tensioners to pull the film in a wound direction. At a distal end, the film is attached to the clip portion. The clip portion engages a hook in the film and attaches the film to a steering base. As the steering column moves in a linear, telescoping manner, the film covers the steering column while remaining taut. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100126300 | Telescopic shaft and vehicle steering apparatus - A telescopic shaft ( | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100132499 | TELESCOPIC SHAFT FOR VEHICLE STEERING SHAFT AND GREASE COMPOSITION FOR LUBRICATING TELESCOPIC SHAFT - The invention provides a telescopic shaft for vehicle steering installed in a vehicle steering shaft. A male shaft and a female shaft are non-rotatably and slidably fitted to each other and an outer peripheral portion of the male shaft and an inner peripheral portion of the female shaft come in contact with each other to transmit a torque during rotation. A grease composition which has an apparent viscosity of 400 to 750 Pa·s (25° C.) at a shear rate of 10 sec | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100139438 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly includes a steering column shroud comprising an inner member and an outer member, the inner member being at least partially received within the outer member, a support bracket which is fixed in position relative to a part of the vehicle, the outer member passing between two spaced apart arms of the bracket, and a clamp assembly which includes a cam mechanism movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the inner member and outer member in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of at least one of the inner and outer members relative to the support bracket. The clamp assembly includes a clamp pin which passes through openings in each of the two arms of the bracket, the clamp pin being provided with a first reaction member located towards one end of the pin outside of one arm of the clamp bracket and a second reaction member located towards the other end of the clamp pin outside of the other arm of the clamp bracket such that the arms of the bracket are clamped between the reaction members so as to provide a pre-load to the bracket arms, and in which both reaction members are prevented from rotating relative to the pin during use, and one reaction member is located at least partially within a cavity formed in a part of the cam mechanism. The outer member may also include an elongate slit that extends beyond a steering lock mechanism fitted to the assembly. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139439 | Steering column system - Paired distance pieces ( | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100170363 | Steering Column of Vehicle - A steering column of a vehicle can protect a driver's knee by disposing an operation lever inside a column cover in a locked state of the operation lever. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100180713 | Expanding and retracting structure for a control shaft of a bicycle - An expanding and retracting structure for a control shaft of a bicycle mounted on a cylinder member includes a positioning member, and an engaging member, the positioning member and the engaging member being disposed on a top end of the cylinder member, the engaging member being a locking loop to be quickly retracted or expanded its inner diameter and to move the positioning member, in the cylinder member being fixed a bolt element; a screw screwed in the bolt element and having a tab mounted on a top portion thereof; a shaft member pivotally connecting with the screw, and the screw and the shaft member being insert into the cylinder member, the shaft member including a positioning slot to insert the positioning member, at a predetermined position of the shaft member being connected a connecting tube. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100212451 | COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle preferably has a bracket for rigid attachment to the vehicle with a first slot defining a longitudinal adjustment path of the assembly. A steering shaft is journaled to a jacket of the assembly for rotation about an axis. A shuttle attaches rigidly to the jacket and adjustably to the bracket for telescoping and tilt adjustment of the assembly. The shuttle has a second slot that defines a collapse path with said second slot preferably having a first portion restraining said steering shaft in a normal state and a second portion that allows said steering shaft to move through said collapse path when in a collapsed state. A pin extends through said first and second slots for coupling said shuttle to said bracket. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100218637 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF A STEERING COLUMN - A device is provided for adjusting, in a vehicle cabin, the position of a steering wheel secured at the free end of a steering shaft. The device includes an adjusting arrangement for adjusting, in a preferred driving position, the position of the steering wheel in at least one direction, the adjusting arrangement being supported by a retracting arrangement capable of moving the steering wheel into a retracted position wherein the steering wheel does not protrude into the vehicle cabin while maintaining unaltered, with respect to the adjusting arrangement, the preferred driving position. The device makes it possible to maintain the individual adjustment carried by a driver when the steering wheel is moved into retracted position. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100242662 | Steering apparatus - The present invention provides a steering apparatus that can provide good operation feeling in telescopic adjustment and can have a very simple configuration. The steering apparatus has a fixed bracket, a movable bracket, a sliding shaft support member, and a tightening tool. The sliding shaft support member is constituted by a main sliding unit made of an inelastic resin and buffer portions made of a rubber or an elastic resin. The buffer portions are fixedly attached to both sides of the main sliding unit in the front-rear direction, the upper and lower surfaces of the main sliding unit are in a state of sliding contact with both guide edges of a long hole for telescopic adjustment of the movable bracket, and the buffer portions can abut only on both stop end edges and do not come into contact with the two guide edges. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100242663 | Steering apparatus - The present invention provides a steering apparatus which has increased rigidity in a fixed state of the steering column after positioning performed by tilt and telescopic adjustment, and in which a play is inhibited and operation feeling of steering is improved. The steering apparatus includes a fixed bracket, an outer column, an arm unit, an inner column, a steering shaft, and a tightening tool. The outer column is constituted by a main holding body portion, a divided portion, and a tightening portion. The arm unit is constituted by a bifurcated arm portion that extends axially outward in a substantially bifurcated shape at the axial front side of the main holding body portion and a linking portion formed between the arms of the bifurcated arm portion. The inner column is held by the outer column. The steering shaft is pivotally supported by the linking portion. Two tightening plate-like pieces of the tightening portion are disposed inside two fixed side portions of the fixed bracket and tightenably connected by the tightening tool. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100242664 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly comprises an inner tube and an outer tube that surrounds the inner tube along at least part of its length, in a relaxed condition the outer tube being a relatively loose fit around the inner tube, an elongate slot in the outer tube which can be at least partially closed by applying a load either side of the slot to cause a reduction in the internal diameter of the tube, a pair of flanges which are fixed to the tube on opposing sides of the slot, and a clamp mechanism which connects one flange to the other, the clamp mechanism being movable between a clamped position in which it applies a clamping force to the flanges that acts to reduce the width of the slot and so tightens the outer tube around the inner tube, and an unclamped position in which the clamping force is reduced to permit the flanges to move away from one another as the tube returns towards its relaxed condition. It further comprises a catch which is secured at one end to one of the flanges and catches a part of the other flange at its other end, the catch preventing movement of the flanges beyond a position in which the inner diameter of the outer tube is equal to a predetermined maximum value. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100242665 | STEERING APPARATUS - The invention provides a steering apparatus which includes: an inner column | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100257971 | STEERING DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A WHEEL STEERING ANGLE - A steering device for adjusting a wheel steering angle of a wheel of a motor vehicle is disclosed, which steering device has just one central wheel guide member for changing the wheel steering angle of the wheel and not a plurality of wheel guide members. The length of the wheel guide member can be adjusted, wherein a change in length of the central wheel guide member brings about a change in the wheel steering angle of the wheel. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100275721 | CLAMP ASSEMBLY FOR A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A clamp assembly secures a fixed portion of a steering column assembly to a movable portion of a steering column. It comprises a rack of teeth carried by the moving portion and a rack of teeth carried by the fixed portion and an inner hollow toothed block nested inside an outer hollow toothed block, each carrying at least one rack of teeth with the rack of teeth on the inner block facing the rack of teeth on the moving portion and the rack of teeth on the outer block facing the rack of teeth on the fixed portion. A retaining clip provides a lost motion coupling between the retaining clip and the inner toothed block and an independent lost motion coupling between the retaining clip and the inner toothed block and an independent motion coupling between the retaining clip and the outer toothed block. First, second and third springs bias the teeth of the blocks into and out of engagement with the racks when locked and unlocked. The assembly helps prevent damage to the teeth with the springs permitting the damage force on the blocks to be independently absorbed. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100282016 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle, which is at least adjustable in its longitudinal direction, includes a support unit connectable with the chassis of the motor vehicle, a setting unit disposed between side jaws of the support unit, and a clamping mechanism in the opened state of which the setting unit is displaceable with respect to the support unit at least in the longitudinal direction of the steering column and, in the closed state of which, the set position of the setting unit is secured in position with respect to the support unit and which comprises a clamp bolt which penetrates openings in the side jaws of the support unit and during the opening and closing of the clamping mechanism is rotated about its axis. At least one securement part is provided between the side jaws of the support unit and displaced through the rotation of the clamp bolt during the opening and closing of the clamping mechanism, which in the closed state of the clamping mechanism engages into a counter-securement part connected with the setting unit, or at least during the dislocation, beginning in the event of a motor vehicle crash, of the setting unit with respect to the support unit, comes into engagement with the counter-securement part and which, in the opened state of the clamping mechanism is spaced apart from the counter-securement part. The counter-securement part is disposed on a wall, parallel to the axis of the clamp bolt, of the setting unit or is formed by it. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100288069 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A steering column (SC) includes a lower tube ( | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100294072 | TELESCOPIC STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - To realize a practical structure capable of increasing the number of frictional engagement sections between members that are relatively displaced in response to adjustment of a front-rear position of a steering wheel, in a portion of a front end section of an outer column | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100300236 | ENERGY ABSORPTION POSITION-KEEPING DEVICE IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN - In an adjustable steering column adjustable, a steering shaft is mounted in a body tube arranged in an intermediate carrier mounted on a fixed support member. The body tube is immobilized onto the fixed support member by a clamping system. The position-keeping device includes teeth that, in the event of an impact, are mutually engageable by means of a press system mounted in the intermediate carrier and under the action of the clamping system. The teeth belong to of the press system and are on the body tube. The teeth have characteristics defined such that in the event of an impact, the breaking force of the teeth has a predetermined value. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300237 | Collapsible Steering Column Assembly - A collapsible steering column assembly includes a bracket, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface; a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within an inner surface of the outer jacket, an outer surface of the outer jacket located within the inner surface of the spaced arms; and a locking device that passes through and is coupled to the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket by respective application or release of a predetermined clamping force to the outer surface of the arm, outer bracket and inner bracket. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300238 | Energy Absorbing Device for a Collapsible Steering Column Assembly - A collapsible steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a vehicle, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface. The assembly also includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within the outer jacket between the spaced arms. The assembly further includes a locking device that passes through the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket. Still further, the assembly includes an energy absorbing device comprising an energy absorbing strap that is fixed to the inner jacket at a first portion thereof and slidably disposed within the outer jacket. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100307280 | STEERING COLUMN COMPRISING A PLASTIC SLIDING SLEEVE - The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket ( | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100326230 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE AND STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - Disclosed are a steering column for a vehicle and a steering apparatus for a vehicle having the same. According to the present invention, since a coupling position of a tilt bolt is positioned on the central axis of a steering shaft, bending is not caused and an adjustment lever does not hit a driver on the knee at the time of vehicle collision, and the nut opposite to the adjustment lever can be prevented from being loosened at the time of manipulating the adjustment lever. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110005346 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a vehicle can increase the entire strength of the steering column while maintaining a supporting force between an outer tube and an inner tube at the time of tightening or releasing an adjusting lever for a tilting or telescopic operation, thereby preventing deformation and breakage of the steering column when a driver operates a steering wheel. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110041642 | Adjustable Steering Column Assembly - An adjustable steering column assembly includes a fixed rack secured to a first portion and a moving rack secured to a second portion, which are releasably engaged by a clamp mechanism to permit relative movement therebetween. The fixed rack comprises two rows of teeth spaced apart from one another and extending towards. The moving rack also comprises two rows of teeth which extend away from each other. A clamp engaging means moves the moving rack into and out of engagement with the fixed rack. The teeth on the two racks are offset relative to one another. The mechanism is further arranged so that when if a tooth on tooth event occurs the fixed rack interacts with the moving rack to cause the moving rack to move sideways to permit the teeth to become inter-engaged when the mechanism finally reaches the locked position. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110041643 | STEERING COLUMN - A steering column includes a telescopic mechanism and an impact absorbing mechanism. The steering column includes an inner tube ( | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110056324 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed is a steering column having an outer tube, an adjustment lever, a tilt bolt and a steering shaft. According to the present invention, force for supporting the outer tube is increased and strengthened at the time of tightening the adjustment lever, and the tilt bolt is coupled on the central axis of the steering shaft so that no bending is caused and the adjustment lever does not hit a driver on the knee when a vehicle collision occurs, whereby the collision safety of the vehicle can be improved, and the number of parts and steps for assembling the parts can be reduced. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110088501 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - By a steering column for a vehicle, it is possible to maintain operating force of a control lever and supporting force of an outer tube and an inner tube in a uniform manner when tightening and releasing the control lever for tilt or telescopic operation and to increase the strength of the steering column as a whole, to thereby prevent deformation and breakage of the steering column at the time of the driver's operation of the steering wheel. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110088502 | STEERING COLUMN WITH INTEGRATED SHAFT BEARING AND TUBE-MOUNTED SLIDABLE YOKE - A vehicle steering column assembly for transmitting steering movement from a steering wheel of a vehicle steering system. The assembly includes an integrated shaft bearing that connects to the steering wheel at one end, a tube assembly interconnected with the integrated shaft bearing at its other end, a yoke assembly having a shaft and being adapted to be interconnected with a lower steering component of the steering system, and a bearing assembly disposed within the tube assembly and around the shaft to support the shaft in axial sliding movement within the tube assembly. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110167948 | STEERING COLUMN MODULE INCLUDING A STEERING COLUMN WITH A LONGITUDINAL AND/OR INCLINATION ADJUSTMENT - The steering column module for a motor vehicle comprises a steering column and a device for the longitudinal and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column. This device for adjustment comprises a control circuit and is equipped with at least one electric motor of the device for adjustment. The steering column module furthermore comprises a clamping device, which is connected to the control circuit and equipped with an electric motor of the clamping device for the actuation of the clamping device between a normally provided clamping position and a release position. In the method, the clamping device is first actuated until it is in the release position and is held in the release position; only then follows an adjustment of the adjustment device until the desired longitudinal and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column has been reached. Thereafter the clamping device is allowed to go back to the clamping position. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110179900 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - An adjustable steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A bracket is coupled to the column jacket with at least one pivot shaft coupled to the bracket along a pivot axis. A lever is mounted to the pivot shaft and rotates between a set position for preventing movement of the column jacket and an adjustable position for allowing movement of the column jacket. A locking device engages the lever and moves between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of the lever between the set and adjustable positions, respectively. A restrictor encircles the bracket, the column jacket, the lever and the locking device for resisting against an outwardly radial force produced by the locking device when in the locked position. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110185839 | POSITION ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR STEERING WHEEL - The present invention realizes a structure for a tilt-telescopic steering device, capable of, without requiring particularly high accuracy, effectively preventing a steering wheel from being positionally displaced in a secondary collision. When an adjustment lever | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110203403 | Steering position adjustment device - A spring for assisting a tilt adjustment operation can be easily and rapidly attached to a fixed bracket and a movable bracket. Each of two flanges of a fixed bracket has a tilted flange plate and a locking piece. The locking piece has a guiding edge, a locking recess, an insertion recess, and a fixing hole. In a spring member, a first locking shaft portion is formed on the rear side of two coil portions, and a second locking shaft portion is formed rearward from the distal end of the first locking shaft portion. The first locking shaft portion is engaged with the locking recess, and the second locking shaft portion is engaged with the fixing hole. The distance between the first locking shaft portions of the spring member is less that the distance between the two guiding edges. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110219907 | SLIDING SLEEVE - The invention relates to a telescopable steering spindle having an inner spindle and an outer spindle, which are arranged coaxially in relation to one another and have an out-of-round cross section for torque transmission, wherein an intermediate space is provided between the outer spindle and the inner spindle, a sliding sleeve being arranged in the said intermediate space, wherein the sliding sleeve is provided with a surface structuring on at least one surface facing the inner spindle or the outer spindle. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110239807 | HORIZONTAL HYBRID COLLAPSING STEERING COLUMN - The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110239808 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting part that can be attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and an adjusting part that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part. The adjusting part rotatably supports a segment of the steering spindle, and the segment is adjacent to a steering wheel side end of the steering spindle that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part between a first end position and a second end position, along an adjusting path, when adjusting the adjusting part. The steering-wheel side end is adjusted through at least part of the adjusting path in a coupled manner in one direction of a length adjustment of the steering column, and in one direction of a height or tilt adjustment of the steering column. A front guide pin is mounted at the adjusting part or on the mounting part, and the pin engages in at least one elongated hole provided in the other of the two parts. A rear guide pin is further mounted on the adjusting part or the mounting part, and the pin includes a greater distance than the front guide pin from the steering-wheel side end of the steering spindle, and engaging in a rear elongated hole provided in at least one other of said two parts, the course thereof, relative to the curvature thereof and/or the direction of extension thereof differs from the corresponding course of the at least one front elongated hole over at least one segment of the extension thereof. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110239809 | LENGTH-ADJUSTABLE STEERING ACTUATION UNIT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A SUPPORT AND A STEERING COLUMN - A length-adjustable steering actuation unit for a motor vehicle includes a) a support having means for attaching the support to the motor vehicle, b) a steering column rotatable about a longitudinal axis and comprising an upper steering tube and a lower steering tube, and c) an adjusting device for adjusting the distance of the upper steering tube relative to the lower steering tube and the support. An element is provided between the two steering tubes. The element is deformable in the case of an accident. The element shortens in the event of an accident. The total length of the upper steering tube and the lower steering tube is shorter after an accident than prior to the accident. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110259140 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF A STEERING COLUMN IN AN AUTOMOBILE - According to the disclosure, the steering column comprises a steering shaft rotatingly mounted in a tube-body provided on a side mount of a fixed bearing assembly via a lateral mechanism. The column can be adjusted in height and/or depth by an axis clamping system with a clamping rod (interacting with the lateral mechanism. The lateral mechanism comprises a bearing member provided between the side mount and a side member of the tube-body. A cross-section arranged between the bearing member and the side member enables counter-rotation. The lateral mechanism includes a system for adjusting the sliding clearance on the clamping rod using a bearing member and an adjustable clamping head. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110265599 | Steering Column Assembly - A steering column assembly having a shroud comprises a first member having an end portion which is received within a second member having at least one slit through its wall extending partially along its length. A guide bush is located between the first member and the second member and fixed relative to one of the members. The guide bush provides a surface over which the other member can slide to alter the overall length of the shroud. A clamp mechanism squeezes the second member onto the guide bush which is in turn squeezed onto the first member. The cross section of the guide bush varies along its length to vary the resistance it provides to crushing by the action of the clamp mechanism when the shroud is at its greatest length and the resistance it provides when the shroud is clamped at its shortest length. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110271787 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having lower and upper steering column members that are slidingly interengaged. The upper column member is attached to a structural part of the motor vehicle by a ride down mechanism that allows the upper steering column to move in the event of a collision. A load transfer means is provided to bypass the ride down mechanism when an adjustment lever is moved to a position allowing the position of the upper steering column member to be adjusted thereby preventing accidental damage occurring to the ride down mechanism due to operator abuse. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110308348 | STEERING SYSTEM AND COUPLING WIRE - A telescopic-type steering system includes an upper tube and a lower tube that are coupled to each other such that relative displacement between the upper tube and the lower tube is allowed. The steering system includes a coupling wire that is at least partially formed of an insulating member and that has one end portion and the other end portion that are electrically insulated from each other. In the steering system, the upper tube and the lower tube are coupled to each other by the coupling wire. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110314953 | Tiltable Steering Wheel Apparatus for Work Vehicle - A tiltable steering wheel apparatus comprises a tilting mechanism provided under a grip portion of a steering wheel. The tilting mechanism includes a steering wheel support member for supporting the steering wheel to be tiltable about a pivotal axis extending along a transverse direction of a vehicle body, and a control lever switchable between a tilting allowing mode for allowing tilting movement of the steering wheel and a tilting preventing mode for preventing tilting movement of the steering wheel. The control lever has an extension extending toward the grip portion with a manual control portion provided in a distal end thereof to be operable with the fingers of the operator holding the grip portion of the steering wheel. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314954 | ELECTRIC TELESCOPIC STEERING APPARATUS - An electric telescopic steering apparatus includes a jacket having a lower jacket and an upper jacket in order to telescope the jacket; and a screw shaft arranged along a longitudinal direction of the jacket and held under a rotation-locked state. The screw shaft includes one end portion supported by one of the lower jacket and the upper jacket. The electric telescopic steering apparatus further includes a nut screwed on another end portion of the screw shaft and supported by another of the lower jacket and the upper jacket; a driving section configured to drive a rotation of the nut; and a displacement absorbing section provided between the one end portion of the screw shaft and the jacket. The displacement absorbing section is configured to permit the one end portion of the screw shaft to be displaced on an X-Y plane defined by an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis which are substantially perpendicular to an axis of the screw shaft, and configured to permit an angle of the axis of the screw shaft to vary about the X-axis and the Y-axis. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120006141 | Steering Wheel Adjustment And Securement Mechanism - A steering wheel adjustment and securement mechanism is provided including a tube coupled to a steering shaft such that the shaft rotates in correspondence with the tube, and a collar slidably mounted to the tube, the collar being coupled to the tube such that the tube rotates in correspondence with the collar. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006142 | TILT HINGE BRACKET OF STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE AND STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - Disclosed are a tilt hinge bracket of a vehicle steering column and a steering column for a vehicle having the same. The disclosed tilt hinge bracket performs a tilt operation of a steering column without a hinge part as a rotation center during a tilt operation of the steering column, and has a rigid structure that can support the steering column. This can reduce the number of parts and simplify manufacturing and assembling processes. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120017719 | ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK WITH SINGLE DIRECTION ACTUATOR TRAVEL - A steering column assembly includes a column jacket coupled to a support bracket. The column jacket is moveable in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and in a pivotable direction relative to the support bracket about a pivot axis. A locking mechanism interconnects the support bracket and the column jacket, and includes a torsion shaft rotatable about a shaft axis in a first direction and a second direction to move the locking mechanism between a lock position and a release position. A motor includes an output shaft rotatable about a primary axis in a single rotational direction. A linkage interconnects the motor and the torsion shaft of the locking mechanism. The linkage is actuated by rotation of the output shaft in the single rotational direction to rotate the torsion shaft in alternating fashion between the first direction and the second direction. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120024102 | ARTICULATION DEVICE FOR THE STEERING COLUMN OF A CYCLE - The invention relates to an articulation device of a so-called steering column of a cycle, the said steering column consisting of at least one fork pivot and one handlebar tube, this steering column comprising two parts, a first part known as the upper part supporting the handlebar of a cycle and a second part known as the lower part supporting at least one front wheel. According to the invention, the said articulation device allows the steering column to be folded back along the chassis of the cycle at the same time as the front wheel is folded along the side of the cycle and allows the articulation to be locked so as to prevent both types of rotation. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120067159 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN UTILIZING A SLEEVE AND A METHOD OF FORMING A FILLER WITH A SLEEVE - A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067160 | STEERING COLUMN MANUFACTURING MACHINE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A STEERING COLUMN - A steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket telescopingly disposed within the outer jacket for movement along a longitudinal axis with a cavity defined between the inner and outer jackets. A bushing is radially disposed about the inner jacket within the cavity between the inner and outer jackets. The bushing includes at least one tab engaging the inner jacket to interconnect the bushing to the inner jacket and includes at least one radially projecting pad engaging the outer jacket to frictionally interconnect the bushing to the outer jacket for interlocking the inner and outer jackets. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120073399 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket defining a through aperture and an inner jacket slidably disposed within the outer jacket. A plurality of steering shafts are movable relative to one another within the inner jacket. A frictional plate is disposed within the through aperture for selectively engaging the inner jacket. A radial force transmitting assembly is coupled to the frictional plate and applies a force on the frictional plate causing the frictional plate to engage the inner jacket. The radial force transmitting assembly includes a first cam member and a second cam each coupled to the frictional plate and each including a plurality of inclined surfaces facing one another. A lever is coupled to one of the cam members for rotating the other of the cam members for applying a force on the frictional plate to prevent movement of the steering shafts. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120085194 | Steering Device - A steering device is provided that is capable of facilitating an assembly operation, decreasing the number of parts, and decreasing manufacturing costs. A bottom plate of a stopper is tightened to an outer curved surface of an inner column between a head section and a bulged section of a rivet body. An outside diameter of the rivet body increases to eliminate a gap between a first through-hole and a second through-hole. The stopper remains stationary even when it touches a long hole at a telescopic stroke end and repeatedly receives an impact force. The durability of the stopper improves. There is no need for a nut for fixing the stopper to the inner column. The number of parts decreases to reduce manufacturing costs. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120118099 | STEERING SHAFT COMPONENT, STEERING SHAFT AND PRODUCTION METHOD - A steering shaft component ( | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120125139 | STEERING COLUMN TELESCOPE LOCK - A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of column teeth operably connected to the steering column and an adjustment lever operably connected to the steering column to allow user adjustment of a position of the steering column. A locking bolt extends from the adjustment lever, and a cam is located at the locking bolt and rotatable thereon. The cam includes one or more tab features interactive with the locking bolt such that rotation of the locking bolt engages the tab features with the locking bolt to drive rotation of the cam between a locked and unlocked position. The tab further includes a plurality of cam teeth meshable with the plurality of column teeth when the cam is in a locked position. A spring is operably connected to the cam to maintain the cam position in the locked and/or unlocked position when the cam is rotated thereto. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125140 | TELESCOPE POSITIVE LOCK FOR STEERING COLUMN - A telescope lock mechanism for a steering column includes a plurality of strap teeth located at an upper jacket of the steering column, each strap tooth of the plurality of strap teeth having a strap tooth peak. A plurality of lock teeth are located at a lower jacket of the steering column. The plurality of locking teeth are rotatably secured at the lower jacket, such that when the plurality of locking teeth are rotated into an engaged position with the plurality of strap teeth, a plurality of lock teeth peaks are substantially non-parallel to the strap tooth peaks of the plurality of strap teeth. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120137818 | UNIQUE MOTOR TYPE MOTOR DRIVEN COLUMN APPARATUS - A unique motor type motor driven column apparatus may include a motor attached to a telescoping tube that slidably receives a column tube therein, wherein the telescoping tube may be pivotally coupled with a vehicle body by a tilt bracket, an actuating rod rotating by the motor, a tilt mechanism including a tilt clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by a motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the tilt mechanism to make a tilt motion of the column tube, and a telescoping mechanism including a telescoping clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by the motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the telescoping mechanism so as to make a telescoping motion of the column tube. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120144952 | Outer tube of a steering shaft in a motor vehicle - An outer tube of a steering shaft in a motor vehicle, into which an inner shaft, which can be positively coupled in the direction of rotation, is telescopically insert able in the outer tube, has a wall thickness that varies in the circumferential direction, wherein radially recessed outside wall reduction sections having a reduced outside radius are provided on the outer casing. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120144953 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a casing unit that rotatably supports a steering shaft, first and second lateral flanges, which can be fastened to the body and between which the casing unit is arranged, a locking device that comprises a clamping bolt, which penetrates the lateral flanges through openings and which is moved in the axial direction when the locking device is opened and closed, and first and second locking elements, between which the casing unit is arranged. The first locking element interacts with a first mating locking element in the closed state of the locking device, and the second locking element interacts with a second mating locking element in the closed state of the locking device. A stop element is arranged on or against the clamping bolt in the area between the two lateral flanges, said stop element being at a distance from a counter-stop in the closed state of the locking device. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120174695 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICALLY LOCKING A STEERING COLUMN, AND STEERING COLUMN INCLUDING SUCH A LOCKING SYSTEM - The invention relates to an electric locking system ( | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120180594 | ELECTRIC TILT STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An electric tilt steering apparatus for a vehicle can reduce the vibration and noise generated by the axial and radial clearance between a tilt screw and surrounding parts supporting the tilt screw, so as to maintain the rigidity and improve the durability. Further, the electric tilt steering apparatus according to the present invention can simplify the assembling process, reduce the assembling steps, and provide a driver with a comfortable operation feeling during the tilt operation. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120198956 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes an outer column including fastening pieces formed to face each other at both sides, in the width direction, of a slot portion formed at either of a lower side or an upper side of an embracing body portion along an axial direction thereof, a fixed bracket clamping the outer column, a fastener that fastens the outer column and the fixed bracket, an inner column, and a pushing member having an expanding shaft portion. The two fastening pieces of the embracing body portion are connected by the fastener so that the two fastening pieces can be expanded and contracted, and the expanding shaft portion is elastically biased in an axial center direction of the outer column so as to abut on end zones of the slot portion and expand the two fastening pieces. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120227533 | MULTIPLE-POSITION STEERING CONTROL DEVICE - An industrial vehicle includes an operator compartment, a steering control device mounted for access from a first selectable operator position located outside of the operator compartment, and a steering column supporting the steering control device. The steering control device configured to rotate about the steering column and provide steering control from the operator compartment in a second selectable operator position opposite the first selectable operator position. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120234127 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering apparatus for a vehicle mounting a steering lock device to an upper tube by small numbers of constructing parts. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120240711 | STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT APPARATUS - The present invention provides construction that keeps the load required for a locking capsule | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120247258 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes: an inner column; an outer column that includes a left-right pair of outer column half bodies having holding surface portions formed on respective inner surface sides thereof, the two holding surface portions together constituting a holding inner peripheral surface for holding an outer peripheral surface of the inner column; a pivot bracket in which hanging side portions are formed on either width direction side of a pivot upper portion; a fixing bracket provided with fixing side portions on either width direction side; and a clamping tool. Respective width direction outside surfaces of the two outer column half bodies are sandwiched between the two hanging side portions of the pivot bracket, and the two fixing side portions of the fixing bracket are connected such that the two width direction outside surfaces of the two outer column half bodies can be clamped and released by the clamping tool. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120247259 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A steering apparatus for a vehicle, adjusting a position of a steering wheel in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, includes a main tube supported by the vehicle body and having a tubular shape, the main tube including an opening portion being closed in an axial direction of the main tube and extending in the axial direction, a telescopic tube supported by the main tube to be slidable within the main tube, a connecting member firmly attached to the telescopic tube to be movable within the opening portion along the axial direction of the main tube, a drive member connected to the connecting member, and a drive source driving the drive member to move the connecting member in the axial direction. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120247260 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING ASSEMBLY - A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120266715 | Steering Device - A steering device facilitates the assembling of a tilt lock mechanism that elastically supports movement of a movable tilt lock gear to a stationary cam in a tilt direction by a spring. The stationary cam has both characteristics of durability and an impact reduction capability. When a cylindrical part of a tilt stopper has been inserted into a through hole, the cylindrical part is enlarged in diameter, and engagement surfaces of engagement projections are engaged with an end surface of an inclined cam surface side of a stationary cam. A right end surface of a flange part of the tilt stopper is abutted against an end surface of a movable tilt lock gear. The movable tilt lock gear, a wire spring, and the stationary cam are integrated by the tilt stopper, and those four parts can be prevented from being dispersed during transportation. As a result, the assembling time can be reduced. Also, because those four parts are not displaced in the axial direction, the axial positions of the wire spring and the stationary cam can be held at a fixed position. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120266716 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a casing unit, which rotatably supports a steering shaft about the longitudinal axis thereof, and a retaining part. The casing unit is held in a fixed manner relative to said retaining part up to a threshold value of a force acting on the casing unit in a parallel manner to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft in the direction of the front of the vehicle. When the threshold value is exceeded, the casing unit is movably held in a parallel manner to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the front of the vehicle. The casing unit is connected to the retaining part via an energy-absorbing connection, which a bending wire or strip that is deformed when the casing unit is moved relative to the retaining part parallel to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the front of the vehicle, and via a breakaway connection closed up to a threshold value of the force and blocks a movement of the casing unit relative to the retaining part and which opens when the threshold value of the force is exceeded. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120272778 | Steering Device - A steering device is provided in which fastening of a column is carried out smoothly, meshing of a movable tilt lock gear and a fixed tilt lock gear is carried out smoothly when tilting is clamped, and a rigidity can be increased when the tilting is clamped. A side plate on a left side to which a fixed tilt lock gear is attached is restrained from being elastically deformed by a rib. Therefore, in tilting and clamping and telescopically clamping, positions of the fixed tilt lock gear and a movable tilt lock gear in a vehicle width direction relative to each other is not varied, and therefore, the movable tilt lock gear and the fixed tilt lock gear are brought in mesh with each other smoothly. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120285285 | Telescoping Steering Column Having Rake Spring - A steering column assembly having a standard operating position and a collapsed position is provided. The steering column assembly includes a lower column jacket, an upper column jacket selectively slidable relative to the lower column jacket, a rake bracket, and a biasing member. The rake bracket is attached to one the lower column jacket and the upper column jacket, and has a bracket retaining feature. The biasing member selectively exerts a biasing force on the upper column jacket in the standard operating position. The biasing member has a biasing member retaining feature that engages with the bracket retaining feature in the standard operating position and disengages with the bracket retaining feature in the collapsed position. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120285286 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column includes a steering spindle mounted rotatably about the steering-spindle longitudinal axis thereof, and a bracket unit fixed to the motor vehicle. The casing unit is held on the bracket unit so as to be displaceable in at least one direction parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis and can be locked in differing positions by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has at least one locking element which is mounted moveably, preferably rotatably. In at least one locking position of the locking element, the casing unit is locked in the position thereof in the bracket unit and, in at least one release position of the locking element, the casing unit can be displaced relative to the bracket unit in at least one of the directions parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120291584 | Steering Device - In a steering device having a steering lock device, the stress applied to around a through hole formed in a column to which the steering block device is attached is reduced. Since there is a slight clearance formed, in the vehicle height direction, between the outer periphery of the lock pin and the through hole and also between the guide groove and the engaging convex part, the clamping force is born by the flange section and first ribs and also by the flange section and second ribs without any force applied to the through hole. The engaging convex part is not fitted in the through hole, so that the through hole is only required to be large enough to allow the lock pin whose cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the engaging convex part to come in and out. This makes it possible to reduce the cross-sectional area of the through hole and thereby increase the strength of the outer column. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120291585 | STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT APPARATUS AND ASSEMBLY METHOD - An assembly method for a steering column support apparatus is achieved that simplifies tuning for stabilizing forward displacement of a steering wheel during a secondary collision, eliminates space in the engagement section between a bracket | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120297917 | Steering Device - A steering device is provided that facilitates an operation of mounting a friction plate on a mounting bracket. A first friction plate and a second friction plate just need to be mounted on an outer column only. It is possible to greatly facilitate an operation of assembling alternate layers of the first friction plate and the second friction plate at specified orientations. When the outer column is displaced telescopically, a tightening rod touches a long slit in the second friction plate. The second friction plate rocks around a columnar protrusion as the rocking center. The long slit is formed lengthwise in a direction of tilt positioning. The long slit absorbs a difference between a rocking trajectory formed by the second friction plate and a linear trajectory formed by the outer column. The second friction plate smoothly rocks. The outer column can be smoothly adjusted in the telescopic direction. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120304795 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FIXING A POSITION OF A STEERING COLUMN - A position lock for an adjustable steering column comprises a plurality of discs stacked for rotation on a control shaft and engaged to a gear profile of a stationary bracket. The discs are engaged to the gear profile so as to be caused to rotate relatively to one another as the steering column undergoes movement in the relevant direction. The discs are configured to resist rotation relative to one another when subjected to a compressive load, and the control shaft is engaged to a cam for selectively applying a compressive load to the discs. A method for selectively controlling motion of a steering column comprises coupling motion of the steering column to the relative movements of a plurality of discs, constraining the discs to rotate relative to one another as the steering column undergoes motion in the relevant direction, and selectively adjusting resistance to relative rotation the discs. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120304796 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN - A steering column is configured for positional adjustments in first and second directions and comprises a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column. The position lock comprises a stationary bracket disposed about the steering column. A control shaft is coupled to the steering column, approximately perpendicular to the first and second directions, so as to couple movement of the steering column with translation of the control shaft. Movable lock plates are arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft. Each of the movable lock-plates is positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate that is retained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the stationary bracket. The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120304797 | POSITIVE LOCK FOR RAKING AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN - An exemplary adjustable steering column comprises a gear positioned and configured to cause a shaft to rotate about its central axis as the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more telescoping friction plates arranged and configured so as to rotate with the shaft when the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more raking friction plates, each raking friction plate being positioned in frictional contact with at least one of the one or more telescoping friction plates and configured to exhibit a different rotation than the one or more telescoping friction plates when the steering column telescopes. The shaft imposes a compressive load between the one or more telescoping friction plates and the one or more raking friction plates so as to induce friction between the telescoping friction plates and the raking friction plates and thereby resist their relative movement. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120304798 | ADJUSTABLE SAFETY STEERING COLUMN - The invention relates to an adjustable safety steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one clamping device ( | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120312117 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus exhibits favorable lever operability and generates a powerful steering column fastening and fixing force during tilt and telescopic adjustment. It has a simple structure includes: a column supporting member; a fixed bracket having, fixed side portions; a lock bolt that penetrates the respective fixed side portions of the fixed bracket together with the column supporting member; a main driving cam; a driven cam; an intermediate cam; and an operating lever. The lock bolt penetrates the main driving cam, the driven cam, and the intermediate cam, the main driving cam is rotated by the operating lever, the driven cam is attached to the fixed side portions to be incapable of rotating, the intermediate cam is disposed between the main driving cam and the driven cam, and the intermediate cam is caused to approach and separate from the main driving cam and the driven cam. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120318093 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle including a clamping device, in the opened state of which the steering column is adjustable and in the closed state of which the set position of the steering column is fixed and which has an operating lever and a clamping pin having a longitudinal axis. A clamping part, which can be rotated by the operating lever about the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin in order to open and close the clamping device, is arranged on the clamping pin or is integrated with the clamping pin as one piece. The clamping pin and/or the clamping part includes a toothing, which surrounds the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin and the teeth of which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120325041 | STEERING APPARATUS - It might happen that an inner column | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130014606 | STEERING APPARATUSAANM Ishii; ToruAACI Gunma-kenAACO JPAAGP Ishii; Toru Gunma-ken JP - In a steering apparatus including a column | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130042716 | Improvements Relating to Steering Assemblies - An adjustable steering column assembly includes a first shroud portion comprising an outer tube, a second shroud portion which comprises an inner tube, and a clamp mechanism that includes a part that is fixed relative to the outer tube, the first and second shroud portions being releasably engaged by the clamp mechanism to selectively permit an amount of relative movement between the first and second shroud portions that is required during adjustment of the steering column assembly, the assembly further including an energy absorbing member which includes a strap that interconnects the inner tube and the part of the clamp bolt assembly, the assembly being so arranged that upon collapse the inner tube moves relative to the clamp assembly whereupon the energy absorbing member is deformed beyond its elastic limit, thereby absorbing energy in the system to control the collapse of the assembly. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130042717 | ADJUSTING DEVICE - An adjusting device for a steering column of a motor vehicle for axial and/or vertical positioning of a steering wheel connected to the steering column is provided. The adjusting device comprises a locking device and an electric switch configured to actuate the locking device. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130055845 | ROTATIONALLY SUPPORTED STEERING SPINDLE - The invention relates to a steering actuator for a motor vehicle having a steering spindle displaceably mounted in a longitudinal direction in a steering housing, the steering spindle carrying a piston in a non-rotatable and non-displaceable manner, which is arranged so as to be displaceable with the steering spindle in a section of the steering housing designed as a cylinder and which delimits at least one hydraulic working chamber, the piston and the cylinder being of non-round design in a plane orientated perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130074638 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A steering apparatus for a vehicle provided with a steering wheel includes a main housing, a movable column member, a fixing bracket fixing the main housing to the vehicle body, a link mechanism and a drive mechanism connected to the link mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor, a threaded shaft rotated by the motor, and a nut member moving in an axial direction of the threaded shaft and threadedly engaged with the threaded shaft, the nut member includes a female threaded portion including two flat surface portions facing each other and parallel to the threaded shaft, the nut member includes a pivot shaft portion including a rotational axis orthogonal to an axis of the female threaded portion, the link mechanism includes a bearing portion rotatably supporting the pivot shaft portion, a spring member arranged between the bearing portion and at least one of the two flat surface portions. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130074639 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a main housing including first and second side walls extending in an axial direction with an opening formed between the first and second side walls, the main housing including opening portions at opposing ends in the axial direction, a movable column member formed by a tubular member and supported to the main housing, the movable column member accommodated into the main housing through one of the opening portions and connected to a steering wheel, a bearing member mounted at an inner wall of the main housing through the opening formed between the first and second side walls, and a biasing member fixed to respective end surfaces of the first and second side walls. The movable column member is supported to the main housing in a state where the biasing member biases the movable column member to the main housing via the bearing member. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130074640 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a main housing formed in a box form provided with a pair of side walls extending in an axial direction of the main housing with an opening between the pair of side walls, and provided with opening portions at opposing ends in the axial direction. The steering apparatus also includes a movable column member formed in a tubular form accommodated in the main housing through one of the opening portions at the opposing ends of the main housing in the axial direction. The steering apparatus further includes a resilient member, which is a plate spring, formed in one piece configured to fix to the main housing at the pair of fixing portions in a state where the pair of thrust portions, via thrust members, are thrusting the movable column member. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130074641 | SPRING ELEMENT - The invention relates to a spring element including at least one spring tongue for spring-loading a separate locking part of a steering column of a motor vehicle and at least one fastening part for fastening the spring element to a pin of the steering column. The spring element also has at least one carrier arm, preferably at least two carrier arms, arranged opposite each other for carrying along the locking part when the spring element moves. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130087006 | STEERING COLUMN COVER STRUCTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - An acceleration pedal is arranged on one side, in a vehicle width direction, of a steering column cover covering a steering column so as to move forward or slant forward through a press operation of a press face thereof. A guide face is provided at a specified portion of a lower face of the steering column cover which is positioned in front of a lower-face rear end portion in a steering-shaft axis direction and on an acceleration-pedal-arrangement side, wherein the guide face is configured to project downward below an extension line extending from the lower-face rear end portion in the steering-shaft axis direction and extend forward. Accordingly, a passenger's foot can be properly restrained from moving, in the vehicle width direction, off the pedal in a vehicle head-on collision, ensuring an appropriate ingress-and-egress performance of a passenger. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130098192 | Steering Column Assembly - A steering column assembly has an adjustable shroud comprising a fixed portion secured to the vehicle body and a moving portion which can be collapsed telescopically through a normal range of adjustment relative to the fixed portion, a support bracket secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and a clamp mechanism. The assembly includes a blocking mechanism which is an integral part of a locking lever of the clamp assembly so arranged that when the clamp mechanism is in unclamped the blocking mechanism prevents the moving portion from collapsing beyond the normal range of movement in the collapse direction by providing a path for axial forces applied to the moving portion to pass through the blocking mechanism to a stopper fixed relative to the vehicle body and when the clamp mechanism is clamped the blocking mechanism is held clear of the stopper to permit additional telescopic movement of the moving portion towards the fixed portion beyond the normal range of adjustment. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098193 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A steering apparatus for a vehicle, includes: a steering column; a single electric motor being selectively connected to a telescopic mechanism or a tilt mechanism; a steering wheel; a drive mechanism transmitting an output torque of the electric motor to a telescopic threaded shaft and a tilt threaded shaft; and a connecting-disconnecting mechanism having a first clutch mechanism connecting and disconnecting the drive mechanism to and from the tilt threaded shaft and a second clutch mechanism connecting and disconnecting the drive mechanism to and from the telescopic threaded shaft, the connecting-disconnecting mechanism bringing one of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism in a connected state to the drive mechanism and bringing the other of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism in a disconnected state from the drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism and the connecting-disconnecting mechanism constitute a single power connecting-disconnecting unit. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098194 | Steering Apparatus for a Vehicle - A lift-up mechanism is provided with a link member with one end thereof being supported rotatably on a movable bracket for holding a movable columnar member, and the other one end thereof being disposed to be engaged with and removed from a fixing bracket. The link member selectively provides a hold state for engaging the link member with the fixing bracket at a rear part of the vehicle body to hold the movable bracket at an initial position or a lift-up position, and a release state for releasing its engagement. A spring member is disposed between the fixing bracket and the movable bracket, with component forces of its biasing force biasing the movable bracket in a direction to be lifted up from the fixing bracket, and biasing the link member in a direction to be engaged with the fixing bracket. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130104687 | Steering Device | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130104688 | Steering Device | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130104689 | Steering Apparatus for a Vehicle | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130112032 | LINEAR LEVER FOR STEERING COLUMN - An adjustment assembly and adjustable steering column including a linearly slidable actuating lever are provided. The actuating lever is slidable between a first position and a second position along a linear travel path. The actuating lever includes an engaging portion which engages a gear assembly. The gear assembly is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to apply or release a clamping force on a steering column or other component. Movement of the actuating lever between the first and second positions causes rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly causes the clamping mechanism to apply or release the clamping force, depending on the direction of rotation. The adjustment assembly also includes a rake bracket to support a compression bracket. The compression bracket supports the component or steering column | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112033 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly includes a column jacket adjustable in at least one of a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and a tilt direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is coupled to the column jacket and is moveable between a locking position and an adjustment position. A lever is pivotably mounted to the column jacket and pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position. The lever engages a switch when in the actuated position. The switch engages an actuator to move the locking mechanism into the adjustment position when engaged by the lever in the actuated position, thereby permitting adjustment of the column jacket in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the tilt direction. When the lever is in the neutral position, the switch does not engage the actuator, and a spring urges the locking mechanism into the locking position, thereby preventing adjustment. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130118290 | LINEAR TRAVEL ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY - An adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component and an adjustable steering column are provided. A compression bracket is configured to support the steering column, a rake bracket is configured to support the compression bracket and an actuating lever is slidingly coupled to the compression bracket and slidable along a linear travel path. A linkage assembly is connected to the compression bracket and is coupled to one end of the actuating lever and a clamping assembly is coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to release a clamping force from the component upon movement of the actuating lever from a first position to a second position, and apply a clamping force to the component upon movement of the actuating lever from the second position to the first position. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118291 | BEARING BUSH ASSEMBLY FOR A TELESCOPIC STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING SYSTEM EQUIPPED THEREWITH - A bearing bushing assembly for a telescopic steering shaft comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the bearing bushing assembly comprises a bearing bushing, which is seated against the inner tube and made of an inflexible plastic material, and a sealing element, which is molded onto the bearing bushing and made of an elastic plastic material so as to connect the inner tube to the outer tube in an axially movable and sealing manner, the bearing bushing being enclosed by an elastic bushing, which in turn is enclosed by an end section of the outer tube, the outer circumference of the elastic bushing comprising outwardly extending rib-shaped elements, the elastic bushing comprises at least one sealing lip extending in the axial direction. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118292 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle has at least two components and at least one locking device. The components can be adjusted in the position thereof relative to each other along an adjustment path in an open position of the locking device and are locked in the position thereof relative to each other in a closed position of the locking device. A stop element is arranged at least an a first of the components, which stop element limits the adjustment path and can be detached from the first of the components when a force value is exceeded. The adjustable steering column has a tool which can be inserted between the stop element and the first of the components in order to detach the stop element. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130133461 | ENERGY ABSORBING STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly includes an inner jacket disposed along a longitudinal axis and coupled to a host structure of a vehicle. The steering column assembly also includes an outer jacket arranged co-axially about the inner jacket and the longitudinal axis. The outer jacket is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis relatively to the inner jacket to thereby facilitate telescoping motion of the steering column assembly. The outer surface of the inner jacket and the inner surface of the outer jacket cooperate to define a telescope-inhibiting range of motion of the steering column assembly along the longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly is configured to impose telescope-resisting forces as the length of the steering column assembly decreases within the telescope-inhibiting range of motion. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133462 | Steering Device - A steering device is provided that prevents an inner column from coming out from an outer column even when the inner column is released from being telescopically clamped by the outer column in a state before mounting a vehicle body attaching bracket. Front ends of the telescopic position adjusting long grooves and are brought into contact with an outer peripheral face of a fastening rod at a rear end of a telescopically adjusting position. The fastening rod is moved to a rear side of the vehicle body and an engaging member outwardly fitted to the fastening rod is brought into contact with the collar. The fastening rod cannot be moved to a rear side of the vehicle body further, and the outer column and the vehicle body attaching bracket are prevented from coming out of the inner column. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133463 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus mounted on a vehicle is small both in dimension in a vehicle widthwise direction and in number of components, the steering apparatus is hard to move a column when a secondary collision occurs and easy to design an impact absorbing mechanism. The steering apparatus is therefore provided with a first rock friction plate | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130139637 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting and a carriage received in a guideway of the mounting for movement between a rearward starting position and a forward end position. Arranged between the carriage and the mounting is an actuatable locking device to lock the starting position of the carriage during normal travel and, when being released, to allow a shift of the carriage to the forward end position together with the steering wheel to thereby facilitate entry of the driver. The locking device has at least one predetermined breaking element dimensioned to either break or to become deformed sufficient to release the locking device and to allow the carriage to move from the starting position to the end position, when an impacting predefined crash force is exceeded in the event of a crash. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130160594 | Telescoping Jacket Interface Mechanism - A steering column assembly is provided, and includes an inner jacket, an outer jacket, and a bracket. The inner jacket has an inner jacket outer surface. The outer jacket has an outer jacket outer surface. The inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket. The outer jacket has at least one aperture for exposing the inner jacket outer surface. The bracket has at least one inner jacket riser and at least one outer jacket riser. The inner jacket riser is positioned to be received by the at least one aperture and selectively frictionally engage with the inner jacket outer surface. The outer jacket riser is positioned to selectively frictionally engage with the outer jacket outer surface. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130160595 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - Construction is achieved capable of stably maintaining an inner column | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130160596 | POSITION ADJUSTABLE STEERING DEVICE - When clamped side plates of an upper column bracket (movable bracket) are fastened via clamping side plates of an upper fixed bracket by a fastening shaft in response to a rotating operation of an operating lever, the brackets are locked with each other. A pressing mechanism that includes a pressing member moves in the axial direction of the fastening shaft in accordance with fastening by the fastening shaft, and presses a lower tube (inner tube) through an insertion hole formed in an upper tube (outer tube). The entirety of the axial force of the fastening shaft is used as a retaining force for retaining the posture of a steering column. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130160597 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus includes: a tilt angle adjustment mechanism; a telescopic mechanism; and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes: a rotating member that is rotated by a motor; a transmission member that is coupled to the tilt angle adjustment mechanism; and a selector mechanism that changes a position of the rotating member. The rotating member has a protrusion that protrudes toward the transmission member, and the transmission member has a recess into which the protrusion is inserted. The selector mechanism inserts the protrusion into the recess by moving the rotating member to a coupling position, and removes the protrusion from the recess by moving the rotating member to a non-coupling position. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130174684 | STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTMENT - A steering column adjustment device that uses a positive locking system comprising in part of teethed locking cleats and teethed sawtooth locking plates. The steering column positive lock mechanism uses a lever to rotate a cross shaft which activates two cam-actuated locks. Once in the unlocked position, the telescopic and tilt adjustment of the steering column can occur at the same time. Once the vehicle driver has achieved the desired tilt and telescopic position for the steering wheel and the steering column, the driver uses the lever to reactivate positive locking system. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130174685 | Steering Device - In a steering device, when a telescopic position of a steering wheel is disposed at a vicinity of an adjustment end on a front side of a vehicle body, if a large force is applied erroneously to the steering wheel toward the front side of the vehicle body, rear ends of telescopic position adjusting long grooves are brought into contact with a fastening rod and push the fastening rod to the front side of the vehicle body. An engaging protrusion pushes an inner column to the front side of the vehicle body. A large force to the front side of the vehicle body, which is applied to the steering wheel is supported by the vehicle body via the inner column, and a force which is applied to a vehicle body attaching bracket can be reduced. This prevents the vehicle body attaching bracket from becoming detached from the vehicle body. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130192409 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - An adjustable steering column assembly comprises a column support bracket fixed to a vehicle structure and disposed about a steering column. A position lock selectively prevents or facilitates movement of the steering column relative to the column support bracket in an adjustment plane and defines an adjustment range of the steering column along a non-adjustment direction intersecting the adjustment plane. A lateral stabilizer biases the steering column toward a stabilized position lying within the adjustment range of the steering column along the non-adjustment direction. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130199328 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR AN AUTOMOBILE - Construction is achieved wherein the front-end section of an outer column | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130205933 | STEERING APPARATUS - Construction is achieved that is capable of maintaining the holding force by which a support bracket | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130213173 | STEERING APPARATUS - Construction is achieved wherein performing design for sufficiently maintaining the collapse stroke is simple regardless of whether or not there is a key lock cylinder, and support rigidity of the steering column | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130213174 | STEERING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a steering apparatus having simple construction, and good left and right balance of the clamping force, such that the clamping force does not fluctuate depending on the forward-backward position of the steering wheel | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130228032 | Steering Device - A steering device provides a driver operation feeling that lets the driver definitely feel that a movable tilt lock gear and a fixed tilt lock gear are securely engaged. Gear noise in tilt adjustment when the movable tilt lock gear and the fixed tilt lock gear are engaged halfway is prevented. As the control force of an operating lever is rapidly decreased when a fitting protrusion is fitted to a stepped part, a click and click stop feeling occur and a definite operation feeling that the clamping is securely performed is acquired. As the fitting protrusion is integrated with the operating lever and a sliding surface configured by a groove, an inclined face and the stepped part are also formed as an outside face of the fixed tilt lock gear, the number of parts and man-hours for assembly can be reduced. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130228033 | STEERING APPARATUS - An inner column | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130228034 | Sliding Sleeve Blank and Motor Vehicle Steering Spindle Assembly Having a Sliding Sleeve Made from the Blank - A sliding sleeve blank for producing a sliding sleeve for a steering spindle shaft of a motor vehicle steering spindle and the motor vehicle steering spindle assembly are provided. The sliding sleeve blank has a cylindrical form and has a section on one end, which has a collar, from which winged webs extending away radially extend in the direction of the second end. The sliding sleeve blank is a cold impact extrusion component, which, at the section has a preliminary toothing system extending over one part of the length of the section. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130233117 | INTERNALLY COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle that includes an inner column tube, a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner column tube and having a longitudinal axis, a top bracket adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, and a telescoping motor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft in a fore or aft direction. A telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is coupled during normal operation to a column housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted to detach from the column housing in the event of an impact exceeding a predetermined first impact load. A plastically deformable energy absorption device is adapted to be carried least partially by the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure and is fixed in place relative to the column housing during normal operation for maintaining the steering column assembly in an operational position. The energy absorption device absorbs energy by plastic deformation during impact after the telescoping motor subassembly starts to translate along the column housing, and wherein during the impact, the column housing remains in a fixed position. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130247708 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus of the present invention includes a fixed bracket, a fastener, a primary cam that rotates with a rotation operation of the fastener, and a secondary cam that is non-rotatably attached to a fixed side portion and is in contact with the primary cam. Cam operating portions each including an inclined surface portion, a high level surface, and a contact protrusion are formed at regular intervals along a circumferential direction on a base flat surface of each of the primary cam and the secondary cam, and the inclined surface portion is constituted by a low gradually inclined surface, a middle sharply inclined surface, and a high gradually inclined surface arranged in this order from the base flat surface toward the high level surface. With the arrangement, operability of an operating lever in locking and unlocking is improved. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130255430 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - Construction is achieved wherein upward displacement of a steering column | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130269468 | Height-Adjustable Safety Steering Column Assembly - A height-adjustable safety steering column assembly includes a console installed securely on the vehicle and in which an outer jacket tube is pivotably mounted. The outer jacket tube comprising includes a steering spindle having a universal joint and an inner jacket tube, which surrounds a telescoping steering wheel-side section of the steering spindle. The pivotable connection of the outer jacket tube with the console installed securely on the vehicle is implemented by two riveted joints provided diametrically on a circumference of the jacket tube and which form a rotation axis corresponding to the universal joint axis of the steering spindle. For each of the connections formed by two rivets, the console installed securely on the vehicle has a passage leading into a passage of the outer jacket tube. A rivet closing head is seated on the jacket tube side. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130298717 | Locking Device for Steering Column - A locking device for a steering column and method of installing the locking device are provided. The locking device includes a spring body configured for installation on a rotatable bolt and comprising a biasing portion. The spring body is rotatable in one direction through a first range and second range. A lock body includes a body portion configured for mounting on the rotatable bolt and a locking portion configured to move between a first position and a second position. The biasing portion of the spring body contacts the lock body and causes the lock body to rotate with the spring body through the first range. The spring body is rotatable relative to the lock body through the second range such that at least a portion of the biasing portion is elastically deflected when the spring body is rotated through the second range. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130298718 | STEERING DEVICE - First and second lower support mechanisms ( | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130298719 | FIXING DEVICE FOR FIXING A STEERING SPINDLE BEARING UNIT - A fixing device has at least one clamping device and at least one locking element which can be acted upon by the clamping device, and at least one counter locking element. In a closed position of the clamping device, the locking element and the counter locking element are arranged in an engagement position, and the fixing device has at least one elastic resetting element for resetting the locking element in an open position of the clamping device. The fixing device has at least one engagement element which, in the closed position of the clamping device, is in engagement by preferably plastic deformation of at least one surface of the locking element and/or of the counter locking element in a form-fitting manner with the surface. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130305870 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRAINING A PORTION OF A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY TO TRANSLATE ALONG A PREFERRED PATH - A method for constraining an upper portion of a steering column assembly of a vehicle to translate along a preferred path comprises providing a telescoping steering column assembly with an upper column positioned for use by a vehicle operator and with a power assist module positioned remotely from the vehicle operator. A position lock bracket is disposed about the upper column, and the position lock bracket is conditionally fixed to the vehicle. A guide bracket is fixed to the vehicle and configured so as to constrain the upper column to translate along the preferred path. A steering column assembly comprises an upper column and a power assist module. A position lock bracket is disposed about the upper column and conditionally fixed to the vehicle. A guide bracket is fixed to the vehicle and configured so as to constrain the upper column to translate along a preferred path. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130305871 | STEERING SYSTEM - A steering system includes a steering column which supports rotatably a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is connected and a pair of support mechanisms which support the steering column so as to tilt relative to a vehicle body. Each of the support mechanisms includes a support bracket having a column-side fastened portion and a body-side fastened portion, a fulcrum bolt, and a bush. A fastening hole through which a fastening bolt is inserted to fasten the support bracket to a fixed member is formed in the body-side fastened portion. Each of the support mechanisms includes an elastic member which can be compressed in an axial direction of the fulcrum bolt, and the support bracket is configured to oscillate relative to the steering column by the elastic member being compressed. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130319162 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING A STEERING COLUMN TO A VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A steering column assembly comprises an upper column for supporting a steering wheel and a position lock bracket disposed about the upper column. The position lock bracket is configured to be fixed to the upper column when the position lock bracket occupies a locked mode. The position lock bracket is further configured to be selectively fixed to a rigid structure of the vehicle when operating in a fixed mode and to be instantaneously released from the vehicle structure when operating in a release mode. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319163 | Steering Column Assembly - A steering column assembly comprises a steering column shroud comprising an inner and an outer tubular member, a support bracket which is fixed to part of the vehicle, and a clamp assembly which includes a cab mechanism having a fixed portion and a moving portion and a clamp pin which passes through arms of the support bracket, the clamp pin being provided with a first reaction member located towards one end of the pin outside of one arm of the support bracket and a second reaction member located towards the other end of the clamp pin outside of the other arm of the support bracket such that the arms of the bracket are located on the clamp pin between the reaction members and with the cam assembly located between the outside of one arm and one of the reaction members. The fixed cam portion is mechanically connected to the support bracket such that at least during an initial release phase of the clamp assembly the force required to produce a rotational movement of the fixed cam portion relative to the support bracket exceeds any rotational force exerted on the fixed part due to strain energy stored in the assembly. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130327177 | STEERING COLUMN DEVICE - A steering column device includes a tilt bracket that is fixed to a vehicle body, and a telescopic bracket that is fixed to a column jacket. A lock mechanism includes a fastening shaft that is inserted through a first side plate and a second side plate of the tilt bracket, and a third side plate and a fourth side plate of the telescopic bracket, and achieves tilt locking and telescopic locking by fastening the third and fourth side plates by using the first and second side plates. Tilt friction plates and telescopic friction plates are provided separately from each other on right and left sides of the tilt bracket, respectively. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140000405 | POSITION LOCK FOR STEERING COLUMN | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140020502 | STEERING COLUMN COMPRISING A PLASTIC SLIDING SLEEVE - Various aspects of the disclosure relate to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket which carries an upper jacket unit and a lower jacket unit, wherein the jacket units surround a steering shaft rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units comprise an inner jacket tube and an outer jacket tube which surrounds the inner jacket tube at least in some sections, said jacket tubes being mounted such that they can be displaced one inside the other in their axial direction by means of a plastic sleeve made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve is inserted into the outer jacket tube with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube has at least one opening, in the region of which the plastic sleeve is pressed against the inner jacket tube by deformation. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140026707 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes: a column pipe; an outer housing having a clamping portion; a pair of stopper plates; a fastener having a bolt shaft that is mounted on the clamping portion so as to fasten the clamping portion to thereby fix the column pipe; and a buffer member. The buffer member is mounted on any one of the pair of facing stopper plates and the bolt shaft and makes contact with the other by mutual displacement, and a plurality of projection ribs having a triangular cross-sectional shape is formed on a contacting surface of the buffer member. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140047941 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. By the steering column, a manipulation convenience of the driver can be increased by performing a tilting or telescoping operation by using a pressure of air or oil without using an adjusting lever. Further, the number of components and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced by easily adjusting an operating force of the actuator using a pressure of air or oil and an operating force of the lever according to the type of the vehicle. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140053677 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes a steering column that rotatably supports a steering wheel, a column side bracket that supports the steering column, a vehicle body side bracket coupled to the column side bracket and an impact absorption mechanism that moves the steering column in a direction along the steering column in a second collision. The impact absorption mechanism includes an impact absorption member and a supporting member. The impact absorption member is integrally formed with an elastic supporting portion and an extending portion. The elastic supporting portion is supported by the vehicle body side bracket and elastically supports the steering column. The extending portion extends in a direction along the steering column. The supporting member is supported by a vehicle body and supports a part of the extending portion in a longitudinal direction of the extending portion. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140069223 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. According to the present invention, as an adjusting bolt passing through a telescope slot to be coupled to the telescopic slot is slid in stages in the telescopic slot during a telescopic operation for adjusting a location of a steering wheel, a user can accurately and easily adjust the location of the steering wheel. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140076091 | STEERING APPARATUS - The steering apparatus includes an inner column, a left-right pair of outer column half bodies, a fixing bracket having fixing side portions, and a clamping tool. In a condition where the inner column is clamped fixedly via the clamping tool, the inner column is held by the holding surface portions of the two outer column half bodies, and an upper recessed indentation portion and a lower recessed indentation portion that do not contact the inner column are formed on the respective holding surface portions of the two outer column half bodies. Strip-form contact portions that contact the inner column are formed in locations on either circumferential direction side of the upper recessed indentation portion and the lower recessed indentation portion, the strip-form contact portions being formed in at least four locations on the two outer column half bodies. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076092 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. According to the present invention, an actuating member and a fixed member can be smoothly coupled to each other without causing a catching feeling during a tilting operation of a steering column and noise generated when the actuating member and the fixed member are coupled to each other can be prevented. Further, the actuating member can be prevented from deviating from a coupling range of the fixed member when the adjusting lever is released or fastened for a tilting operation, increasing a safety of a tilting operation of the steering column. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076093 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus includes a tilt hinge shaft fixed to a vehicle body, a steering column that rotationally supports the steering shaft, and a ground clamp, which is made of an elastically deformable conductive material. The ground clamp is arranged between the tilt hinge shaft and the steering column. The ground clamp includes a second arcuate section that contacts the tilt hinge shaft, a first bent section that contacts the steering column, and a deformation section that extends between the second arcuate section and the first bent section. The deformation section is elastically deformable such that the second arcuate section and the first bent section approach each other. The ground clamp is arranged between the tilt hinge shaft and the steering column with the deformation section being elastically deformed. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140096638 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN LOCK - A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140109713 | ON CENTER ACTUATING LEVER WITH CROSS AXIS RAKE AND TELESCOPE LOCK - An adjustable steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg, a steering shaft extending within an upper jacket along a first axis between the first and second legs, a telescope clamp positioned about the upper jacket and a telescope lock connected to the telescope clamp to selectively apply a first clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in a telescope direction. An actuating lever is coupled to a rake bolt, the rake bolt extending along a second axis intersecting the telescope clamp and is rotatable by the actuating lever. A rake lock is positioned on the rake bolt and selectively applies a second clamping force between the rake bracket and telescope clamp to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in the rake direction. A lash adjusting device is coupled to the telescope clamp for adjusting lash. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140109714 | CROSS AXIS RAKE AND TELESCOPE LOCK - An adjustable rake and telescope steering column is provided. The steering column includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg, a steering shaft extending within an upper jacket along a first axis between the first and second legs, a telescope clamp positioned about the upper jacket and a telescope lock connected to the telescope clamp and configured to operate the telescope clamp to selectively apply a first clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in a telescope direction. An actuating lever is coupled to a rake bolt, the rake bolt extending along a second axis through the first leg and second leg and spaced from the upper jacket. A rake lock is positioned on the rake bolt and configured to selectively apply a second clamping force in a direction along the second axis to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in the rake direction. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140109715 | STEERING DEVICE FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINE - A tilt-up mechanism for tilting up an upper column of a steering column from a drive position to a tilt-up position is configured independently from a tilt angle adjusting mechanism and a column length adjusting mechanism. When an operator who is to get on/off an operator's seat steps on and operates a pedal of the tilt-up mechanism, an engaged state of a lock pin with respect to a tilt-up member is disengaged. The tilt-up member is rotated around a support shaft, by a spring force of a tilt-up spring, whereby the upper column is tilted up together with a steering wheel in a direction (A) away from the operator's seat. At this time, the tilt angle and the column length can be held at positions adjusted in advance. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140116185 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket defining an internal cavity, a clamping shaft, a retainer disposed at an outboard end of the clamping shaft, and an inner clamping block disposed in the internal cavity. A steering control shaft is supported for rotation about a longitudinal column axis through the internal cavity. The clamping shaft defines a clamping axis and has an in-board end that is configured to interact with the inner clamping block. The inner clamping block is configured for interacting with the clamping shaft to impose a compressive load on the upper column jacket between the retainer and the inner clamping block. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116186 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A steering column assembly comprises a column jacket, a lock control shaft, a band clamp disposed about the column jacket, and a cam disposed about the lock control shaft. A band clamp is disposed about the column jacket and comprises a circumferential band joined to a clamp arm. The clamp arm extends in a radially outward direction from the column jacket and defines a first shoulder facing toward a radially inward direction and a controlled surface facing in a first direction away from both the lock control shaft and the shaft head. The cam defines a defines a first control surface for interacting with the controlled surface such that, as the lock control shaft is placed in tension, the first control surface causes a band clamp radius to decrease and the band clamp to bear against the upper column jacket. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116187 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a lock control shaft, a clamping block, a control wedge, and a wedge block. The clamping block is disposed about the upper column jacket and includes a first clamp arm and a second clamp arm. The first clamp arm defines a first cavity disposed along a cavity axis, and the second clamp arm defines a second cavity disposed along the cavity axis. The second clamp arm defines a clamp arm control opening that intersects with the second cavity. A control wedge has a control surface and is disposed in the clamp arm control opening. A wedge block is disposed in the first cavity and the second cavity and has a controlled surface positioned and configured to cooperate with the control surface to cause the clamping block to bear against the upper column jacket. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140137693 | ON CENTER RAKE AND TELESCOPE CLAMP FOR AN ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN - An adjustable steering column is provided. The steering column includes a rake bracket having first and second legs, a steering shaft extending within an upper jacket along a first axis between the first and second legs, a lower jacket positioned about the upper jacket and a locking clamp positioned about the lower jacket. The steering column further includes an actuating lever rotatable in first and second directions, a clamp bolt having a first end with the actuating lever positioned thereon and a second end coupled to the locking clamp, the clamp bolt extending along a second axis that intersects the upper jacket, and a pressing mechanism positioned on the clamp bolt and operable in response to rotation of the actuating lever such that the steering shaft is secured against adjustment in rake and telescope directions in response to rotation in the first direction and is adjustable in the rake and telescope directions in response to rotation in the second direction. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140137694 | STEERING SYSTEM - A steering system includes an outer tube at an upper side and an inner tube at a lower side that slide relative to each other in an axial direction when shock is absorbed. A first sliding resistance reducing element, which comes into contact with an inner periphery of the outer tube, and reduces sliding resistance between both the tubes, is retained in at least a circumferential lower region of an axial upper end portion of the inner tube. A second sliding resistance reducing element, which comes into contact with an outer periphery of the inner tube, and reduces the sliding resistance between both the tubes, is retained in at least a circumferential upper region of an axial lower end portion of the outer tube. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140144277 | STEERING SYSTEM - In a steering system including a lock mechanism, at a time of locking, a first cam that is rotated together with a lock shaft generates a pressing force for pushing up an inner tube in an upward tilt direction. A second cam that is rotated together with the lock shaft presses an abutting portion of an urging member in a downward tilt direction. The abutting portion of the urging member applies a pressing reaction force in the upward tilt direction, to the second cam. The pressing reaction force serves as a force for pushing up the first cam in the upward tilt direction, through the second cam and the lock shaft. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140150597 | TELESCOPING SHAFT ROLLER ASSEMBLY IN STEERING COLUMN - A telescoping shaft having a roller assembly in a steering column is provided. The telescoping shaft includes an outer shaft having at least one projection or at least one groove, and an inner shaft telescopically received in the outer shaft, the inner shaft having the other of the at least one groove and the at least one projection, the at least one groove matingly engaging the at least one projection, each of the at least one grooves having a mounting section formed therein. A roller assembly is positioned in the mounting section of each of the at least one grooves and includes a spring having a first biasing section and a second biasing section, a first plurality of rollers positioned on the first biasing section and a second plurality of rollers positioned on the second biasing section, the at least one projection extending between the first plurality of rollers and the second plurality of rollers. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140182409 | STEERING APPARATUS - When the guide bracket | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140182410 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes: a steering shaft; an inner jacket; a column jacket that includes an outer jacket that covers the inner jacket from outside, and supports the steering shaft; a movable bracket that is fixed to the inner jacket; a fixation bracket that has a retention portion, and is fixed to a vehicle body; and a press contact/release portion that brings a first plate-shaped region and a second plate-shaped region into press contact with each other along the plate thickness direction to press the first plate-shaped region and the second plate-shaped region against the retention portion, and releases the first plate-shaped region and the second plate-shaped region from a state of being in press contact with each other and a state of being pressed against the retention portion. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140196564 | STEERING COLUMN OF VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a steering column of a vehicle. In the steering column, inclined telescopic long holes are formed in the telescopic guide portions, thereby solving the problem of uneven diffusion of a lever force. Further, locking operations after tilt and telescopic operations can be achieved only with tilt locking gears. Therefore, the number of required elements can be reduced, material costs can be reduced and the column can be configured in a compact size. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140208884 | Steering Column Assembly - A steering column assembly comprises an adjustable shroud which at least partially surrounds a steering shaft and a clamp mechanism operable between a clamped position in which the adjustable shroud part is locked in position and an unclamped position in which the adjustable shroud part can be moved to set the reach and/or rake of the steering column assembly, in which the clamp mechanism comprises a clamp pin, a locking handle and a cam mechanism fitted to the clamp pin, in which the cam mechanism comprises first and second cam portions which can be moved relative to each other by operation of the locking handle to vary the overall length of the cam mechanism, the unclamped position of the cam mechanism being defined by contact of a first end stop of the first cam portion with a second end stop of the second cam portion. At least one of the end stops comprises a resilient cushioning element which provides cushioning as the at least one end stop engages the other end stop upon the clamp mechanism reaching the unclamped position | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140230596 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed herein is a steering column for a vehicle. In a steering column ( | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140251060 | MULTI PURPOSE FRICTION PLATE ASSEMBLY - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a friction plate assembly is provided. The assembly includes a locking member having a toothed portion, a bolt extending through the locking member, and a friction plate configured for frictional engagement with the locking member. The friction plate receives the bolt therethrough and includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the bolt and the locking member in a first direction. When a predetermined force acts on the at least one biasing member, the friction plate is configured to force the locking member toothed portion into engagement with an object to facilitate preventing movement of the bolt in a second direction. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251061 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - Construction of a steering column apparatus used in a tilt steering apparatus is achieved that is capable of reducing impact applied to the driver's body even when an adjustment rod is forcibly pressed against the front edges of long holes in the up-down direction during a secondary collision. Through holes that are continuous along the long holes in the up-down direction from the top end portion to the bottom end portion of the long holes in the up-down direction, and are formed in portions of a pair of left and right support plate portions of the support bracket that are further toward the front side than the long holes in the up-down direction. Bridge portions are provided between the front side edges of the long holes in the up-down direction and the rear side edges of the through holes. The bridge portions reduce impact by plastically deforming in the forward direction due to an impact load that is applied in the forward direction from the steering column by way of the adjustment rod during a collision accident. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140260758 | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a collar assembly, a position lock bracket, and a guide clamp. A guide shaft extends from a guide end of the collar assembly, and a cam shaft extends from a cam end of the collar assembly. The guide shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket, and the cam shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket. A guide clamp is disposed along the guide shaft between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, and a guide retainer is fixed to the guide shaft such that, when the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the guide clamp is placed in compression between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, which is placed in compression between the guide clamp and the guide retainer. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260759 | ON-CENTER SINGLE-SIDED CLAMP MECHANISM IN STEERING COLUMN - An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, the mounting bracket having a first leg extending therefrom, a lower jacket having an axial opening extending along its length along a first axis, and an upper jacket extending along the first axis telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. A rake bolt extends along a second axis through the first leg from a first side to a second side of the first leg. The second axis intersects the upper jacket and at least a portion of the rake bolt is received within the lower jacket. A clamping mechanism is positioned on the rake bolt and is configured to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the upper jacket against telescope movement. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260760 | STEERING COLUMN TELESCOPING BUSHING WITH ROLLER SPRINGS - An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260761 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STOWING STEERING COLUMN IN A VEHICLE - A stowing steering column is provided that is capable of a high range of travel at a high rate of speed. The stowing steering column includes a roof bracket for attachment to the instrument panel, a sleeve attached to the bracket, a steering column shaft attached to the sleeve, and a steering wheel fitted to the shaft. The powered steering shaft preferably has a stowing travel range of between about +90 mm and +110 mm from mid-line and a travel speed of between about 20 mm/sec and 40 mm/sec. The stowing range of travel between about +90 and +110 mm is in addition to the functional vehicle-inward movement of +25 mm. This wide range of travel and high speed movement allows for quick positioning and re-positioning of the steering wheel. Optionally the instrument panel includes a steering-wheel receiving pocket into which the steering wheel will nest when in its retracted position. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260762 | Crash Release Mechanism for Automotive Steering Column - An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, a compression bracket movably positioned relative to the mounting bracket, and a column jacket extending along a first axis and having an upper jacket and a lower jacket telescopically coupled to one another. The adjustable steering column further includes a locking mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position configured to selectively restrict adjustment of the upper jacket in a telescope direction, and at least one release mechanism configured to allow telescoping movement of the upper jacket with the locking mechanism in the locked position in response to an excessive axial force applied to the column jacket. At least one energy absorbing mechanism is configured to absorb energy during telescoping movement of the upper jacket with the locking mechanism in the locked position. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260763 | STEERING COLUMN ENERGY ABSORBING RAKE LOCK - A rake lock assembly for a steering column assembly includes a component operatively associated with a rake bracket, the component including a trigger element, and a locking cam configured to be disposed within the rake bracket and to rotate about a rotational axis. The locking cam includes a first contact surface configured to interact with the trigger element, and a second contact surface having a plurality of teeth configured to interact with rake teeth. When an impact force acts on the steering column assembly and a rake bolt is shuttled in a first direction, the trigger element is configured to contact the first contact surface and rotate the locking cam about the rotational axis such that the second contact surface plurality of teeth and the rake teeth are disposed in interlocking meshing engagement to facilitate preventing a vehicle steering column from raking movement in a second direction. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140290423 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus includes a steering column rotating integrally with a steering wheel, a bracket supporting the steering column via a bearing in such a manner that the steering column is rotatable, and a fixation piece fixed to a vehicle body, where the bracket includes a locking hole, and during a normal state, the fixation piece is locked on a lower surface of an edge portion enclosing the locking hole thereby locking the bracket to the fixation piece, the bracket includes a pair of guided portions extending from opposing side portions of the locking hole toward the steering wheel, and during a secondary collision, the bracket moves forward to detach the fixation piece from the locking hole, and then, the fixation piece is locked on lower surfaces of the pair of guided portions, while guiding the pair of guided portions in the axial direction. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140290424 | TELESCOPIC DEVICE OF STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE - A telescopic device of a steering column for a vehicle includes an internal tube ( | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140305251 | Clamp Assembly for a Steering Column Assembly - An adjustable steering column assembly includes a releasable clamp assembly that clamps a shroud of the assembly in position relative to a support bracket, the clamp assembly including an elongate clamp bolt onto which are stacked: | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140305252 | VEHICLE STEERING APPRATUS - A vehicle steering apparatus includes: a telescopic mechanism that can move a steering column in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a tilt mechanism that can tilt the steering column in a vertical direction of the vehicle; a driving mechanism that adjusts and transmits an output torque of a driving motor to a telescopic screw shaft that drives the telescopic mechanism and to a tilt screw shaft that drives the tilt mechanism provided in parallel with the telescopic screw shaft; and a switching mechanism that has a first clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the tilt screw shaft, a second clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the telescopic screw shaft, and a switching motor that switches a clutch mechanism between the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140311274 | STEERING COLUMN - Disclosed herein is a steering column, including: an inner tube; an outer tube formed in a hollow shape into which the inner tube is inserted and including a pair of telescope guides protruding to an outer circumferential surface thereof, a first slit cut in an axial direction between the pair of telescope guides, and a second slit cut toward both sides of a circumferential direction at one end of the first slit; and a control lever installed on the telescope guides, wherein the telescope guides have a taper that is formed obliquely along a lengthwise direction, and the operating force of the lever is uniformly maintained according to the position of the control lever in the lengthwise direction by means of the taper. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140318302 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - Construction is achieved in which a held bracket section | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318303 | STEERING SYSTEM - A steering system configured so that the possibility of occurrence of half-lock is significantly reduced is provided. A fastening mechanism has a pair of fastening members that fasten a pair of stationary side plates of a stationary bracket fixed to a vehicle body and a pair of movable side plates of a column bracket fixed to an upper jacket. A stationary tooth row is provided at only one location, that is, a first edge portion located on a steering member side of a tilt slot in a left stationary side plate. A second cam that serves as the fastening member has a first fastening portion that fastens the first edge portion adjacent to the tilt slot. A movable tooth row having teeth that are engaged with teeth of the stationary tooth row is provided in the first fastening portion. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318304 | ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FIRST CAM CARRIER - An assembly includes a first cam carrier and at least one other cam carrier for a securing device for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle. Each of the cam carriers has at least one cam, and the carriers are located opposite one another so that they can rotate against one another about a rotational axis. When the first cam carrier rotates against the other cam carrier through a rotational angle about the rotational axis, the cam of the first cam carrier rests on and glides along the cam of the other cam carrier on a contact path. The contact path runs at a radial distance from the rotational axis, and the distance altering depends on the rotational angle. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318305 | FIXING DEVICE FOR AN ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A fixing device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a first cam carrier having one or more cams fixedly attached thereto, and at least one further cam carrier having one or more cams fixedly attached thereto. The cam carriers are arranged such as to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis. Upon rotation of the cam carriers relative to each other about the rotational axis, the cam or cams of the first cam carrier interact with the cam or cams of the further cam carrier such as to slide exclusively along each other. The fixing device includes at least one energy-consuming damping device which damps the rotation of the cam carrier in at least one direction of rotation about the rotational axis. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140331810 | STEERING SYSTEM - A stationary tooth row is provided in a restricted member that is not displaced together with a steering wheel during tilt adjustment of a steering system. A movable tooth row is provided in a movable member that is displaced in a tilt direction) together with the steering wheel during tilt adjustment. The movable tooth row includes a first movable tooth and second movable teeth. A first curvature radius of a tooth tip of the first movable tooth is made smaller than a second curvature radius of a tooth tip of each of the second movable teeth to make a tooth depth of the first movable tooth greater than a tooth depth of each of the second movable teeth. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140331811 | TELESCOPIC STEERING APPARATUS - When adjusting the forward-backward position of a steering wheel, together with reducing any uncomfortable feeling experienced by the driver, a support bracket is prevented from breaking away toward the front due to an extremely large force applied during the adjustment operation. Elastic sleeves | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140338491 | TILT-TYPE STEERING APPARATUS - A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a tilt lever, an expandable mechanism having a driving cam rotated by the tilt lever and a driven cam engaged with the driving cam, and a telescopic damper arranged to apply resistance against the rotation of the tilt lever in a direction allowing a position of a steering wheel to be adjusted. The telescopic damper is provided between a lever-side engaging portion which rotates together with the tilt lever and a cam-side engaging part of the driven cam. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140352480 | Collapsible Steering Column Assembly - A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a shroud which surrounds a steering column shaft, a mounting bracket secured to or integral with a fixed part of the vehicle, a support bracket secured to the mounting bracket through one or more frangible connectors, a clamp mechanism which releasably secures the shroud to the support bracket, and a blocking part which is fixed in position relative to the mounting and at least in an unclamped condition of the clamp mechanism provides an additional force path between the clamp mechanism and the mounting bracket that does not pass through the support bracket. In the event that an axial load is applied to the steering assembly when the clamp mechanism is unlocked and has reached the end of its allowable travel at least some of the load is carried through the clamp mechanism and the blocking part to the mounting bracket along the additional force path. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352481 | STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - A supporting unit of a telescopic adjustment mechanism is placed within an opening hole formed at one end side of an outer jacket and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of an inner jacket. A tip of a screw axle which is movable in an axial direction of a jacket is linked to the supporting unit. The inner jacket placed at an inside of an outer jacket is pressed on an inner peripheral surface of outer jacket by means of a biasing mechanism placed at an opposite side of the opening hole. Thus, positions of the supporting unit and the biasing mechanism along the axial direction of the jacket are substantially coincident with each other and the supporting unit is placed within the outer jacket in the axial direction of the jacket. Consequently, a steering column apparatus can be small-sized in the axial direction of the jacket. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140360309 | SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICALLY LOCKING A STEERING COLUMN, AND STEERING COLUMN INCLUDING SUCH A LOCKING SYSTEM - The invention relates to an electric locking system ( | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140373663 | LOCKING DEVICE FOR AN ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN - The invention relates to a locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, wherein the locking device has a cam bracket having at least one cam arranged in a fixed manner thereon and at least one mating cam bracket having at least one mating cam arranged in a fixed manner thereon and at least one stop. The cam bracket and the mating cam bracket are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other around an axis of rotation, and the cam of the first cam bracket interacts with the mating cam of the mating cam bracket upon rotation of the cam bracket and mating cam bracket relative to each other around the axis of rotation in order to generate a stroke in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation. The locking device has at least one dampening body which has at least one elastically deformable material that is softer than the cam bracket and the stop, wherein the cam bracket, upon rotation of the cam bracket and the mating cam bracket relative to each other around the axis of rotation, contacts the stop in a stop position in such a way that the dampening body is positioned therebetween. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150007682 | ARRANGEMENT FOR A STEERING COLUMN OF A VEHICLE - A steering column arrangement ( | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150013493 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A SUPPORT PART - The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, with a support part for directly or indirectly mounting the steering column on a body of the motor vehicle and with at least one carriage displaceably mounted in a displacement direction on the support part, at least in the event of a crash, wherein a steering spindle of the steering column is rotatably mounted directly or indirectly on the carriage, wherein the carriage is clamped onto the support part by means of at least one clamping of the steering column, wherein the carriage is further braced on the support part by at least two contact points arranged on opposite sides of the clamping device and spaced away from the clamping device, wherein at least one free space between the carriage and the support part is arranged in regions between the clamping device and each of the contact points. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150020639 | STEERING SHAFT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle, with a steering shaft comprising a rearward steering shaft segment that is rotatable about a longitudinal center axis and on which a steering wheel is mountable on a rearward end, and at least one further steering shaft segment connected with the rearward steering shaft segment via a universal joint. The universal joint comprises a rearward joint fork, a front joint fork and a universal joint cross connecting the rearward joint fork and the front joint fork. For damping vibrations transmitted via the steering shaft a damping element is provided which comprises an inner damper part having an outer circumferential contour deviating from the ideal circular form, an outer damper part encompassing the inner damper part having an inner circumferential contour deviating from the circular form, and an elastomeric damping material disposed between the inner damper part and the outer damper part. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150033901 | INTERNALLY COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY - A collapsible steering column assembly comprising an inner tube operatively connectable with a steering wheel; a top bracket for mounting the steering column assembly; a column housing pivotally coupled with the top bracket and configured to telescopically receive the inner tube; a telescoping actuator device operatively attached to the column housing and the inner tube by one or more drive members; and an energy absorption device housed at least partially within or carried at least partially on the telescoping actuator device and fixed in place to the column housing; wherein the column housing remains generally fixed in place relative to the top bracket in an event of a secondary impact, and during the secondary impact, the inner tube telescopically translates into the column housing; and wherein, during the secondary impact, the energy absorption device undergoes plastic deformation to absorb energy from a load caused by the secondary impact | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150053041 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle including a steering spindle bearing unit for rotatably supporting a steering spindle of the steering column and a bracket unit for securing the steering column on the motor vehicle. The steering spindle bearing unit is bearing supported by a securement device on at least one bracket part of the bracket unit, wherein the position of the steering spindle bearing unit relative to the bracket unit is secured in position in a closed position of the securement device and, in an open position of the securement device, is displaceable. The securement device includes an operating lever swivellable about a lever swivel axis, by which the operating lever is displaceable between the closed position and the open position. The steering column includes at least one damping element for damping the swivel movement of the operating lever about the lever swivel axis. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150059512 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes: a fixing bracket; an outer column A including a gripping main body portion which is installed swingably on the fixing bracket and which grips an inner pipe, a slit portion formed along the gripping main body portion, clamping portions formed along an axial direction of slit edges which are mutually opposing in the width direction of the slit portion, and a coupling portion which couples together the two clamping portions; and a clamping tool which expands and contracts an interval between the two coupling portions of the outer column A. The coupling portion projects to the outer side of a forming region of the slit portion. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150068353 | STEERING WHEEL POSITION ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS - Construction is achieved that, when performing operation in order to maintain the position of a steering wheel after adjustment, is capable of reducing the operation torque that is applied to an adjustment lever | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068354 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes an inner column, an outer column that includes a left-right pair of outer column half bodies having holding surface portions formed on respective inner surface sides thereof, the two holding surface portions constituting a holding inner peripheral surface for holding an outer peripheral surface of the inner column; a pivot bracket in which hanging side portions are formed on either width direction side of a pivot upper portion; a fixing bracket provided with fixing side portions on either width direction side; and a clamping tool. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075316 | Electric Steering Wheel Position Adjustment Apparatus - The electric steering wheel position adjustment apparatus of the present invention comprises: a non-expandable steering shaft | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150090067 | Electric Steering Wheel Position Adjustment Apparatus - The electric steering wheel position adjustment apparatus of the present invention is constructed so as to improve the support rigidity of a portion that constitutes a steering column apparatus thereof, such that the steering shaft | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150090068 | RAKE-LEVER DAMPENER OF STEERING COLUMN - A dampener assembly for a lever is provided. The dampener assembly includes a travel limiter that defines a surface for co-acting with the dampener. The lever is configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position to unlock a component for adjustable movement. The dampener assembly includes also a roller bumper and cam assembly that is configured to cause the surface of the travel limiter to contact the roller bumper in the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, the component is a rake-telescope steering column or an adjustment assembly therefor. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150096405 | Fork lift truck with steering means - Fork lift truck 10, comprising a steering means 20, the steering means 20 comprising a steering column 30 which is adjustable by extending and retracting along an adjustment axis 21, a steering wheel 40 that is arranged on the steering column 30, a locking means 50 for locking the steering column 30 at a position along the adjustment axis of the steering column 30 and for releasing the steering column 30 for adjustment, a release button 60 that is connected to the locking means 50 and is adapted to control the locking means 50, wherein upon pushing of the release button 60, the release button 60 releases the locking means 50 thereby enabling the adjustment of the steering column 30, and wherein, simultaneously by one hand, said release button 60 can be actuated and the steering column 30 adjustment can be performed. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150101443 | SHAFT ASSEMBLY WITH ANTI-PULL APART STAKE - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a shaft coupling is provided. The shaft coupling comprises a first shaft having a splined outer surface, a tubular second shaft having an end surface and a splined inner surface, the second shaft receiving the first shaft along a longitudinal axis of the second shaft, and at least one stake extending axially into the second shaft end surface. The at least one stake deforms at least a portion of the splined inner surface to facilitate an interference fit between the first and second shafts and configured to resist a predetermined axial separation load being applied to the first and second shafts. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101444 | POSITION ADJUSTABLE STEERING DEVICE - When clamped side plates of an upper column bracket (movable bracket) are fastened via clamping side plates of an upper fixed bracket by a fastening shaft in response to a rotating operation of an operating lever, the brackets are locked with each other. A pressing mechanism that includes a pressing member moves in the axial direction of the fastening shaft in accordance with fastening by the fastening shaft, and presses a lower tube (inner tube) through an insertion hole formed in an upper tube (outer tube). The entirety of the axial force of the fastening shaft is used as a retaining force for retaining the posture of a steering column. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150107398 | TELESCOPIC STEERING APPARATUS AND OUTER COLUMN - Construction of an outer column for a telescopic steering apparatus is achieved in which sufficient strength is maintained even when a steering lock apparatus is assembled, and smooth operation is maintained when making it possible to adjust the forward/backward position of a steering wheel, and when maintaining the adjusted position. Of the end sections | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150107399 | OUTER COLUMN FOR TELESCOPIC STEERING APPARATUS - Construction of an outer column for a telescopic steering apparatus is achieved that maintains sufficient strength, and maintains smooth operation of the work of making it possible to adjust the forward-backward position of a steering wheel and maintaining the steering wheel at the adjusted position even when a steering-lock apparatus is assembled. An approximately H-shaped slit | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150122074 | STEEERING COLUMN - A steering column for preventing separation of inner column | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150122075 | OUTER COLUMN AND STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - Construction of a steering-column apparatus is achieved that is capable of keeping the force required for expanding or contracting the portion | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150128752 | STEERING COLUMN ENERGY ABSORPTION STRAP - An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly includes a first end configured to couple to a first component of the steering column assembly and a second end configured to couple to a second component of the steering column. An intermediate portion extends between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion includes a curved portion having a radius and a leg portion extending between the curved portion and the second end. The leg portion includes a plurality of localized surface features to tune a collapse characteristic of the energy absorbing device and to facilitate maintaining the radius constant when a force moves the first end relative to the second end and deforms the energy absorbing device. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150135882 | STEERING COLUMN FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - Steering column for a motor vehicle having a column tube for rotatably mounting a steering spindle and having a carrier body which engages around the column tube, at least in certain areas, wherein the column tube is mounted in the carrier body so as to be slidable at least in a longitudinal direction of the steering spindle, wherein the steering column has at least one leaf spring which presses against a cylindrical-column-shaped section of the column tube, in a transverse direction orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the steering spindle, wherein the leaf spring has at least two support faces which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction ( | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150135883 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component is provided. The adjustment assembly includes a first bracket at least partially surrounding the component, a second bracket at least partially surrounding the first bracket, and a piezoelectric device biasing against one of the first bracket or the second bracket in a first position, the piezoelectric device configured to contract and release the bias against one of the first bracket and the second bracket in a second position. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150291203 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150298734 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - The present disclosure relates to an steering apparatus and, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, occurrence of noise resulting from slip between an inner surface of a fixing bracket and a side surface of a hinge pipe, which faces the inner surface, is prevented, thereby providing the driver with a comfortable steering feeling. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150314801 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A steering column for a motor vehicle has an adjustment unit ( | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150314802 | STEERING-COLUMN DEVICE - A steering device includes a fixed bracket which includes a first plate, a movable jacket which rotatably supports a steering shaft, a movable bracket which includes a second plate, a suspension mechanism and a resin pin. The suspension mechanism includes a suspension shaft connecting the first plate and the second plate, and is configured to move in a column movement direction along with the second plate at the time of the secondary collision. The resin pin is inserted into a first hole provided in the first plate and a second hole provided in the second plate, and is configured to be broken at the time of the secondary collision. The resin pin has a predetermined amount of play in a direction orthogonal to the column movement direction with respect to at least one of the first hole and the second hole. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150344062 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device which slides when an impulse load is applied. The steering device includes an inner column having a cylindrical shape and a first hole opened therein, an outer column having a slit, an outer column bracket to tighten the outer column, an inner column bracket having a second hole opened therein, and a connection member provided at a position straddling the first hole and the second hole and detachably connecting the inner column and the inner column bracket. The telescopic friction plates are disposed at both sides of the outer column. The inner column bracket includes an arm portion connecting the telescopic friction plates disposed at both sides of the outer column, a neck portion projected from the arm portion, and a leg portion provided at an end opposite to the arm portion of the neck portion and contacting the inner column. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150344063 | VEHICLE STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus for a vehicle capable of adjusting an operating position of a steering wheel with respect to a vehicle body, includes: a steering column supporting the steering wheel at a rear end, arranging a center of oscillation with respect to the vehicle body in front thereof, and supporting the steering wheel so as to oscillate around the center of oscillation; a fixing bracket holding the steering column between opposing holding sections extending to a lower part and fixing an upper part to the vehicle body; and a support mechanism interposed between the holding sections and the steering column and supporting the steering column to in a manner that the steering column is slidable, wherein the support mechanism includes a spring member interposed between one of the holding sections and the steering column and a rigid body interposed between the other of the holding sections and the steering column. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150353123 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device which slides when an impulse load is applied. A steering device includes an inner column having a cylindrical shape, an outer column into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted, a column bracket tightening the outer column, a pressed portion provided on the outer periphery of the inner column, a first tightening mechanism tightening the outer column in response to a rotation of a manipulation lever, a second tightening mechanism biasing a lock member to the pressed portion in a tilt direction in response to the rotation of the manipulation lever, and a separation mechanism. The separation mechanism causes the inner column detachable by changing a relative position between the inner column and the pressing bracket, when the impulse load is applied in a state where the first tightening mechanism and the second tightening mechanism are in work. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150360714 | STEERING-COLUMN DEVICE - A steering column device is provided with a pair of suspension shafts which connects a first plate of a fixed bracket and a second plate of a movable bracket, thereby suspending a movable jacket through the movable bracket. A pair of first holes, each of which is an elongated hole, into which the pair of suspension shafts is inserted, is formed in the first plate. A connection and separation mechanism which separates, at the time of a secondary collision, the second plate from a predetermined position of the first plate in a column movement direction includes a resin pin disposed only between the pair of first holes in relation to a direction orthogonal to the column movement direction. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150367877 | STEERING COLUMN - A steering column for use in a vehicle including first and second steering column members movable relative to each other. A locking mechanism prevents relative movement between the first and second steering column members. A locking member has a locked position in which the locking mechanism prevents relative movement between the first and second steering column members. The locking member has a release position in which the locking mechanism permits relative movement between the first and second steering column members. A magnet retains the locking member in at least one of the locking position and the release position. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150367878 | STEERING SYSTEM - A lock device of a steering system includes a tongue piece unit and a frame plate held on a first side plate. The tongue piece unit includes elastic tongue pieces supported in a cantilever manner by a vertical frame provided along at least one of longitudinal edge portions of at least one of first side plates to form a row that extends in a tilt direction. The frame plate includes partitioning portions, between which a plurality of grooves are formed to house the elastic tongue pieces so as to be projectable. When a steering column is locked, some of the elastic tongue pieces are pressed by a pressing surface of a tightening member to be retracted into grooves. Consequently, the tightening member is interposed between the elastic tongue pieces projecting from the grooves in the tilt direction. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150367879 | STEERING APPARATUS - A steering apparatus includes an input shaft of which one end is connected to a steering wheel, and a steering column that rotatably supports the input shaft. The steering column includes a cylindrical outer column and a cylindrical inner column that is partially inserted into the outer column and guides the outer column in an axial direction. The inner column has a stopper, which regulates a movable range of the outer column in the axial direction, on an outer circumferential surface, and the stopper enlarges the movable range when deformation or movement thereof occurs due to inertial force. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150375767 | STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column comprises a steering spindle bearing unit and a steering spindle mounted in the steering spindle bearing unit so as to be rotatable about a steering spindle longitudinal axis, and a support unit, which is provided in the motor vehicle for fixing the steering column and against which the steering spindle bearing unit is retained. The steering spindle bearing unit has a thread and can be adjusted by means of a motor along the steering spindle longitudinal axis relative to the support unit, wherein the steering spindle bearing unit, for adjustment thereof along the steering spindle longitudinal axis relative to the support unit, is connected by means of at least one drive belt or at least one drive chain to the motor. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375768 | DEVICE FOR STOWING A STEERING COLUMN - The steering column having a lug, a casing, an inner tube, an outer tube, a steering wheel end-piece, and at least one adjustment gear motor. The lug is axially movable and the column includes a gear motor controlling the lug. Having a movable lug makes it possible to increase the stowing length of the steering wheel. The range of movement is the sum of the movements of the lug and the adjustment gear motor. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375769 | Adjustable Steering Column Controlled By A Human Machine Interface - The invention is directed to a device for controlling the position of a steering column of a vehicle. The steering column is adjusted to position the steering wheel in the preferred position for operation of the vehicle by the driver. The device can control the locking mechanism, the vertical position, the depth position or all three features for the steering column. The adjustment for the steering column are made through the use of a human machine interface that allows the driver to use a touch screen or voice commands to control the adjustment features of the steering column. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375770 | STEERING COLUMN ENERGY ABSORBING RAKE LOCK - A position lock for a steering column assembly is provided. The position lock includes an outer cam. Also included is an inner cam defining a slotted aperture to receive a rake bolt operatively coupled to the outer cam, the slotted aperture facilitating shuttling movement of the rake bolt therein. Further included is a tooth lock operatively coupled to the inner cam, the tooth lock rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Yet further included is a pin extending through the inner cam and operatively coupled to the outer cam, and rotation of the outer cam facilitates movement of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake lock tooth wall when rotating between the locked position and the unlocked position. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375771 | TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN - In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150375773 | ENERGY ABSORBING DEVICE FOR A STEERING COLUMN - An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly is provided. The device includes a first strap coupled to the steering column assembly, the first strap configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column assembly, a second strap coupled to the steering column assembly. The second strap is also configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column. A coupling device connects the second strap to the first strap such that both the first strap and the second strap absorb energy of a first impact event. The coupling device selectively uncouples the second strap from the first strap such that the only the first strap absorbs energy of a second impact event. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160016604 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device which contracts by an impulse load. The steering device includes a cylindrical inner column having a first hole opened therein, an outer column having a cylindrical shape into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted and having a slit at one insertion side end of the inner column, an outer column bracket fixed to a vehicle body side member to support the outer column and to tighten the outer column along with a telescopic friction plate, an inner column bracket having a second hole opened therein and supported by the telescopic friction plate, and a shear pin provided at a position straddling the first hole and the second hole and detachably connecting the inner column and the inner column bracket to each other. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160039450 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device which contracts by an impulse load. A steering device includes an inner column having a cylindrical shape, a base plate having a first hole opened therein, an outer column having a cylindrical shape into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted, and having a slit formed by notching one insertion side end of the inner column, an outer column bracket to tighten the outer column along with a telescopic friction plate, and a connection member provided at a position straddling the first hole and a second hole, and detachably connecting the base plate and the inner column bracket. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160046317 | TELESCOPIC STEERING DEVICE - In an upper end portion of a front end portion of an outer column, a cutout which is opened to a front end edge of the outer column is provided in a state of being overlapped on a front end portion of an outer shaft in a radial direction. Accordingly, during insertion work, a state of core dislocation can be visually confirmed through the cutout. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160046318 | TELESCOPE AND ADAPTIVE ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEM - A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly received within a lower jacket assembly, and an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes a first energy absorption strap and a second energy absorption strap. The first energy absorption strap has a first portion defining an opening configured to receive a pin of an actuator and a second portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly. The second energy absorption strap has a third portion coupled to a telescope drive bracket and a fourth portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160052537 | STEERING DEVICE - In a steering device, a restriction member urged by an urging member restricts rotation of an inner tube when the restriction member is at an inserted position at which the restriction member is inserted into a second opening of the inner tube through a first opening of an outer tube. When the inner tube moves to contract a steering column upon a secondary collision, a driving edge portion of the second opening drives the restriction member to a position at which the restriction member is retracted from the second opening against the urging member. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160059879 | STEERING DEVICE - Provided is a steering device including: a column pipe; an outer column; a fixing bracket; a hanger bracket that is fixedly attached to the column pipe; a biasing member that elastically biases the column pipe upward; a fastening jig; and a guide member which is made from a synthetic resin and has a sliding side portion, which is provided with a buffer protrusion and a bolt shaft hole, and a sliding bottom portion formed at the lower end of the sliding side portion. The buffer protrusion of the guide member | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160059880 | ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN MECHANISM WITH ANTITHEFT LOCK - A steering column mechanism a movable subassembly including a tube body and a steering shaft rotating around an rotation axis in the tube body, and a connecting articulation between the movable subassembly and a fixed support to guide pivoting of the movable subassembly relative to the fixed support around a pivot axis perpendicular to the rotation axis. An antitheft locking mechanism includes a locking body that is movable relative to the fixed support between a retracted position and at least one locking position and a matching member mounted on the shaft. In the locking position, the locking member ensures with the matching member positive locking to lock the rotation of the steering shaft. The locking member and the matching member have, in the locking position, a mutual contact zone which, in reference to a direction parallel to the rotation axis, extends on either side of the pivot axis. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160068181 | ELECTRICALLY-DRIVEN STEERING COLUMN APPARATUS - Electrically-driven steering column apparatus including: lower jacket; upper jacket axially slidably inserted thereinto; and telescopic drive disposed astride these two jackets. The telescopic drive contains: support member; screw shaft connected to the support member; and electric motor unit fixed to the lower jacket. The screw shaft is rotatably driven by the motor unit to make slidable motion of the upper jacket with respect to the lower jacket thereby allowing telescopic operation. The lower jacket has axially extending evacuation section shaped by partially increasing the inner diameter of the lower jacket, thereby allowing the passage of nut member provided on the upper jacket. Attaching bolt is screwed into the nut member through longitudinally extending rectangular hole defined by the evacuation section. The support member is supported by the upper jacket through the attaching bolt. Pushing member is disposed circumferentially opposite to the evacuation section, for pushing the upper jacket inwardly. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160075367 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes: a rotary shaft supported by an upper bracket; a plurality of engaged teeth fixed to an upper jacket; a lock member including engaging teeth to mesh with the engaged teeth; and a support shaft supported by a lower jacket at a position farther away from the engaged teeth than the rotary shaft 35. When the rotary shaft is rotated, a first rotary member is rotated in synchronization with the rotary shaft. A second rotary member moves the lock member to a disengaged position in conjunction with rotation of the first rotary member. The lock member is urged toward a meshing position by an urging member. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160101806 | STEERING DEVICE - A steering device includes a steering column, a bracket, and a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism includes a roller clutch, an inner ring, a slip ring and a rod which penetrates through side plate portions of the bracket. The roller clutch and the inner ring are not operated in a clamping direction in which the manipulation lever is rotated to provide a clamping force and are operated in a releasing direction in which the manipulation lever is rotated to release the clamping force. The slip ring is a friction providing member which applies frictional resistance to the rod in a case where the roller clutch and the inner ring are operated. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160107675 | Steering Apparatus - A steering apparatus capable of easily and sufficiently mitigating rattles and rattling sounds during a positional adjustment of a steering wheel without affecting the operability of a pivot lever is provided. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160114827 | STEERING COLUMN DEVICE - A steering column device includes a first tube on an inner side and a second tube on an outer side which are fitted into each other so as to be relatively slidable in an axial direction, and rotatably support a steering shaft. A plurality of projections that come into contact with the inner periphery of the second tube and extend in the axial direction of the first tube are provided on the outer periphery of the first tube. The plurality of projections are disposed at unequal intervals in a peripheral direction of the first tube so as to come close to the vertical plane which includes a central axis line of the first tube. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160121918 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STOWING STEERING COLUMN IN AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE - A stowing steering column is provided for use with an autonomous vehicle that is capable of traveling at a slower rate of speed and a higher rate of speed, depending on the situation. a high range of travel at a high rate of speed. The slower speed, that of about 20 mm/sec, is the “standard” speed that is utilized during regular stowage and unstowage of the steering wheel under ordinary conditions. The higher rate of speed is necessary in a situation where a possible impact event is sensed and the steering wheel must be extended back to the original design intent position in case the airbags need to be deployed or the vehicle operator needs to over-ride the system for an evasive maneuver. The slower rate of speed is preferably about 20 mm/sec while the higher rate of speed is preferably about 40 mm/sec. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160121919 | POSITION ADJUSTMENT DEVICE OF STEERING WHEEL - In a position adjustment device of a steering wheel, a step forming surface is provided in a portion close to one axial end of an adjustment rod. A nut is threadedly fixed to one end portion of the adjustment rod in the axial direction. An adjustment lever is connected to a driving cam of a cam mechanism. The driving cam is sandwiched between the step forming surface and the nut. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160144885 | STEERING SYSTEM - In a steering system configured such that occurrence of a half lock is suppressed, when a body portion of a tooth member is pressed in a lock operation of locking the position of a steering column, the tooth member is extended to move a pair of second tooth row forming portions away from each other obliquely with respect to a lateral direction of an elongate tilt hole along the outer surface of a fastening side plate. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160144886 | STEERING SYSTEM - A steering system includes an upper bracket having a first tooth row, a rigid tooth member, a second tooth row provided on the tooth member, a first moving member, and an elastic member disposed between the tooth member and the first moving member. The first tooth row includes a plurality of first teeth. The second tooth row includes a plurality of second teeth. The elastic member exerts a constant restoration force. The second tooth row meshes with the first tooth row when the first teeth and the second teeth are alternately arranged in a tilt direction. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160159387 | STEERING DEVICE - Provided is a steering device including a hollow upper jacket that accommodates a steering shaft, a first engagement member, a rotary shaft that extends in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the steering shaft, and a second engagement member that is a component independent from the rotary shaft. The first engagement member has an engagement hole and is attached to the upper jacket. The second engagement member has an engagement projection which is engageable with the engagement hole. The second engagement member is movable between a lock position where the engagement projection engages with the engagement hole and a release position where the engagement projection is disengaged from the engagement hole, in accordance with a rotation of the rotary shaft. A vertical direction of the second engagement member between the lock position and the release position is different from a rotating direction of the rotary shaft. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160167693 | STEERING SYSTEM | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167694 | STEERING APPARATUS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160167695 | STEERING APPARATUS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160176434 | STEERING COLUMN OF VEHICLE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160176436 | STEERING COLUMN FOR VEHICLE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160185377 | GUIDE TUBE FOR A STEERING SHAFT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME - A guide tube ( | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160185378 | Telescopic Shaft and Steering System - A telescopic shaft includes: an inner shaft where a pair of recessed grooves that face each other in a direction perpendicular to an axis and extend in an axial direction are formed; an outer shaft where a pair of recessed grooves that face each other in the direction perpendicular to the axis and extend in the axial direction are formed; a plurality of rolling bodies that are disposed between each of the recessed grooves and the corresponding recessed groove so as to form a line in the axial direction; a pair of stoppers; and a buffer body unit. Each of the stoppers restricts falling of a rolling body at an end portion of the corresponding line from the corresponding recessed groove of the inner shaft. The buffer body unit integrally includes a pair of buffer bodies, and a connection portion that connects the pair of buffer bodies. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160200344 | STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR RETRACTING A STEERING WHEEL IN A VEHICLE | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160200345 | STEERING APPARATUS | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160200346 | Steering Column Assembly | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160251026 | STEERING DEVICE | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160252133 | RADIAL TELESCOPE BUSHING FOR STEERING COLUMN | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160375860 | RETRACTABLE STEERING COLUMN SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND METHOD - A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and a first interlock configured to indicate when the steering column shaft is in the driving position and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position. When the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is non-deployable, and when the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160375923 | VEHICLE STEERING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A single vehicle steering arrangement is provided. The steering arrangement includes a steering wheel and at least one human machine interface configured to allow a human to steer the vehicle, the human machine interface being a component separate from the steering wheel. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160375926 | STEERING ARRANGEMENT - A steering arrangement provided with an autonomous vehicle includes a steering wheel. The steering wheel is selectively coupled to a steering shaft. The steering wheel is selectively switched between a rotatable condition and a non-rotatable condition by an advanced driver assist system. The steering wheel has a steering wheel body defining a receptacle and a convenience assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160375928 | STATIONARY STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A stationary steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel connected to an axially extending column. The assembly also includes a steering wheel locking component engageable with the steering wheel and moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position locking the steering wheel to prevent rotation and the second position unlocking the steering wheel to allow rotation of the steering wheel. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160375929 | RETRACTABLE STEERING COLUMN WITH RAKE LIMITER - A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket, a pin, and a bracket. The inner jacket is configured to telescopically slide with respect to the outer jacket along a telescopic axis. The pin is engaged to and projects radially outward from one of the inner and outer jackets. The bracket is pivotally engaged to the other of the inner and outer jackets, and includes first and second surfaces that extend substantially axially and are generally opposed to one-another for selective contact with the pin to limit a pivoting range as a function of telescopic position. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170232994 | STEERING SYSTEM | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170232995 | STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170232996 | ADJUSTMENT MOUNTING BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR STEERING COLUMN | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180022375 | STEERING DEVICE | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180022376 | TELESCOPIC STEERING DEVICE | 01-25-2018 |
| 20220135111 | STOWABLE STEERING COLUMN - A steering column may have a steering spindle jacket that is disposed within a support assembly. An outer steering spindle may include a spline hub portion and may be disposed within the steering spindle jacket. An inner steering spindle may be disposed within the outer steering spindle and may include a spline shaft portion configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub portion and the spline shaft portion are engaged. In a deployed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be engaged, and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be free of engagement. A base disposed in the support assembly engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state to prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle. | 05-05-2022 |
