Adjustable steering column assembly

a technology of steering column and assembly, which is applied in the direction of steering parts, vehicle components, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of difficulty for some drivers and the inability of electrically operated locking mechanisms to provide immediate feedback, and achieve the effect of less for

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-05-09
STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HLDG
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution allows for easy adjustment of the steering column in both longitudinal and tilt directions with reduced operational force and provides tactile feedback, enhancing user experience and ease of use.

Problems solved by technology

An example of an adjustable steering column assembly in which the locking mechanism are manually controlled by a lever is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0266152 A1 to Armstrong et al. the manually controlled locking mechanisms require an excessive force to actuate, which may be difficult for some drivers.
The electrically operated locking mechanisms do not provide the immediate feedback through the touch of the switch that the locking mechanism has been disengaged.

Method used

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  • Adjustable steering column assembly
  • Adjustable steering column assembly
  • Adjustable steering column assembly

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0012]Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a steering column assembly is generally shown at 20. The steering column assembly 20 is for a vehicle, and rotatably supports a steering wheel (not shown) as is well known.

[0013]Referring to FIG. 1, the steering column assembly 20 comprises a column jacket 22. The column jacket 22 extends along a longitudinal axis 24. The column jacket 22 is adjustable in at least one of a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 24 and a tilt direction about a tilt axis 26, transverse to the longitudinal axis 24. The column jacket 22 includes a lower jacket 28 and an upper jacket 30. The upper jacket 30 is telescopically engaged with and longitudinally moveable relative to the lower jacket 28 along the longitudinal axis 24 to adjust the column jacket 22 in the longitudinal direction. A tilt housing 32 is pivotably mounted to the upper jacket 30. The tilt housing 32 is pivotably...

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Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to and is a U.S. Non-Provisional, divisional, patent application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 108,156 filed on Apr. 23, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION / FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject invention relates to a steering column assembly for a vehicle that is adjustable in at least one of a telescope direction along a longitudinal axis and a tilt direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]The subject invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly comprises a column jacket. The column jacket extends along a longitudinal axis. The column jacket is adjustable in at least one of a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis and a tilt direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is coupled to the column jacket an...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B62D1/187
CPCB62D1/187B62D1/184
InventorTANKE, EUGENE T.GRIGORAS, ADRIAN
OwnerSTEERING SOLUTIONS IP HLDG