Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle has an integral rake pivot joint carried between a mounting structure generally attached to the vehicle chassis and a support bracket that pivots about a pivot axis. A preferably telescoping shaft extends along a centerline and connects to a steering wheel at one end and is rotationally supported near an opposite end by the support bracket. Preferably, the pivot axis is orientated substantially perpendicular to the centerline. The pivot joint has a boss preferably elongated with respect to the pivot axis and generally orientated concentrically to the pivot axis. The boss fits pivotally in a bore disposed concentrically to the pivot axis and carried by the other of the mounting structure and support bracket. Preferably, a web portion of the boss projects through a slit extending axially and communicating radially inward with the bore.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle includes a steering shaft, a support bracket rotatably receiving the steering shaft for rotatably supporting the steering shaft on the motor vehicle, and an anti-rotation device. The anti-rotation device is supported by the support bracket and is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the anti-rotation device prevents rotation of the steering shaft relative to the support bracket. The anti-rotation device may be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position to allow rotation of the steering shaft relative to the support bracket. Prior to assembly of the steering column assembly to the motor vehicle, the anti-rotation device may be moved to the engaged position to lock the steering column in a common rotational position. After assembly, the anti-rotation device may be moved to the disengaged position to allow rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) of the collapsible type includes a mounting plate (30) for rigid attachment to a vehicle body structure. The mounting plate (30) supports the steering column (12) during normal operation through interconnecting release capsules (24) which allow the steering column (12) to collapse, away from the rigidly attached mounting plate (30), during a frontal collision. An energy absorbing tear strip (44) in formed integrally in the mounting plate (30) and is connected via tab (43) to a fixed connection (42) which adjoins a portion of the column bracket (18). The column bracket (18) moves together with the steering column (12) during a collapse situation. The tear strip (44) simultaneously bends and tears in a peeling fashion as the steering column (12) collapses to provide energy absorption for the assembly (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column assembly also includes a locking bracket adjacent to the steering column and moveable along a path for collapsing movement. The steering column assembly also includes a locking member supported in two-way movement by the locking bracket between a first position and a second position spaced from one another. In the first position, the locking member locks the locking bracket and the steering column member together. When the locking member is in the second position, the steering column member is moveable relative to the locking bracket. The steering column assembly also includes at least one quick release bolt engaged with the locking bracket to selectively fix the locking bracket with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for supporting a steering wheel in a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column having a first end and a longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly is disposable in the vehicle for raking movement about the first end and for collapsing movement along the longitudinal axis. The steering column assembly also includes a collar engaged with the steering column to move with the steering column at least during the raking movement. The steering column assembly also includes a support bracket for supporting at least one gage of the vehicle. The support bracket is releasibly engaged with the collar such that the support bracket separates from the collar in response to the collapsing movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus including a steering column movable between first and second positions along a path. The path defines tilting movement of at least a portion of the steering column, telescoping movement of at least a portion of the steering column, or both tilting and telescoping movement. The apparatus also includes a lock moveable between locked and unlocked positions. When the lock is in the locked position, the steering column is locked along the path. When the lock is in the unlocked position, the steering column is moveable along the path. The apparatus also includes a switch operable to emit an second signal. The apparatus also includes a controller communicating with the switch to receive the unlock signal. The controller controls the lock to move to the unlocked position in response to the unlock signal. The apparatus also includes a signal generator operable to emit a second signal to the controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that improves the adjustment of energy absorbing properties of the steering column of a vehicle. The method includes the step of disposing a first steering column member for axial movement along an extension path between an extended position and a retracted position relative to a second steering column member. The first steering column member is also disposed for pivoting movement along a pivot path between a tilt-up position and a tilt-down position relative to the second steering column member. The method includes the step of absorbing energy associated with relative movement between first and second steering column members along the extension path at a first rate with a first device. The first device can be any type of energy absorbing arrangement known in the art, such as an arrangement including a strap and an anvil. The method includes the step of adjusting the first rate of energy absorbed during said absorbing step with a second device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering column assembly of the present invention includes a lower support bracket, an upper support bracket, and a jacket disposed within and extending along a longitudinal axis through the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket. The steering column assembly includes a yoke support housing and a plurality of tubes spaced from one another circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and interconnecting the yoke support housing and the upper support bracket. The invention includes a method of fabricating the assembly. An advantage of the present invention is to provide the steering column assembly that achieves a high section modulus, improved and predetermined stiffness characteristics, and improved packaging characteristics to hold various components such as ECL mechanisms, steering tube position sensors, BSTI switches, wires and the like.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.