Dual direction locking mechanism for telescoping steering column

a locking mechanism and telescoping technology, applied in steering parts, vehicle components, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of assemblies that do not allow infinite positioning in a telescoping direction, and the mechanism that locks in the forward direction is typically limited to using clamp friction

Inactive Publication Date: 2020-02-27
STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HLDG
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables secure locking in both axial directions, enhancing driver comfort and safety by allowing precise adjustment and energy absorption without relying solely on clamp friction, reducing the force required for locking and improving retention during energy absorption events.

Problems solved by technology

Mechanisms that lock in the forward direction, for example, typically are limited to using clamp friction to resist steering column movement in the rearward direction.
Assemblies that do not allow infinite positioning in a telescoping direction often require the driver to readjust the steering column and repeat the clamp lever locking cycle to eliminate a tooth on tooth engagement condition.

Method used

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  • Dual direction locking mechanism for telescoping steering column
  • Dual direction locking mechanism for telescoping steering column
  • Dual direction locking mechanism for telescoping steering column

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0019]Referring now to the Figures, where the invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments, without limiting same, a telescope locking mechanism for a steering column is provided to allow “infinite positioning” while also positively locking the steering column in a forward and rearward direction, as will be appreciated from the disclosure herein.

[0020]Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portion of a steering column is illustrated and generally referenced with numeral 10. The steering column 10 includes several components, including an upper jacket 12 and a lower jacket 14 that are telescopingly engaged with each other in an axial direction (i.e., longitudinal direction of steering column). A first side 16 of the portion of the steering column 10 is closer to the driver, where a steering wheel would be positioned. A second side 18 of the portion of the steering column 10 is closer to a steering gear.

[0021]The steering column 10 may be used in any type of vehicle t...

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Abstract

A locking mechanism for a telescoping steering column includes an energy absorption strap having a plurality of teeth disposed therealong. Also included is a clamp bolt rotatably driven by an adjustment lever. Further included is an actuator body coupled to the clamp bolt and rotated therewith. Yet further included is a first lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a first direction. Also included is a second lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a second direction different than the first direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 711,217, filed Sep. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 397,637, filed Sep. 21, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND[0002]The invention relates to vehicle steering columns and, more particularly, to a dual direction locking mechanism for telescoping steering columns.[0003]Steering column assemblies often include multiple portions that are telescopingly adjustable relative to each other. This is desirable for individual driver comfort and preference. Additionally, the telescoping relationship facilitates a collapsible steering column that may provide safety advantages during an energy absorption event.[0004]A locking mechanism is required to maintain the moveable portion of the steering column at the desired position after teles...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B62D1/184B62D1/185B62D1/19
CPCB62D1/192B62D1/184B62D1/185
InventorANSPAUGH, MICHAEL P.BUZZARD, DONALD A.CLARK, MICHAEL W.TINNIN, MELVIN L.
OwnerSTEERING SOLUTIONS IP HLDG