Steering Posts Patents (Class 74/492)
  • Patent number: 11891110
    Abstract: A steering column has a tubular jacket supported by a mount bracket. The tubular jacket extends along a central axis between lower and upper ends, and is pivotal about a pivot axis. The mount bracket has first and second sidewalls spaced from one another for movement of the tubular jacket therebetween. The first and second sidewalls have first and second lock features, respectively. A lock bolt extends along a lock bolt axis transversely to the central axis. First and second lock cams are operably supported by the lock bolt for rotation about the lock bolt axis between locked and unlocked states. The first and second lock cams have respective first and second lock cam lock features for engagement with the first and second lock features, respectively, to releasably lock the tubular jacket against pivotal movement about the pivot axis in opposite first and second directions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew L. Messing, Jacob A. Caverly, Margaret R. Szeliga
  • Patent number: 11858547
    Abstract: An intermediate shaft assembly for a steering column is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a first shaft defining a cavity and a first bearing raceway, a second shaft arranged at least partially within the cavity of the first shaft, a sleeve arranged on an axial end of the second shaft and defining a second bearing raceway, and a bearing assembly including at least two rows of rolling elements and a cage. The rolling elements are supported between the first bearing raceway of the first shaft and the second bearing raceway of the sleeve. The sleeve can be heat treated, and formed from sheet metal. The sleeve can be secured to the axial end of the second shaft by a direct rotational connection such that the sleeve is rotationally fixed to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elias Ferreira Machado, Kleberson Sierra
  • Patent number: 11707985
    Abstract: An assembly includes a steering column and an instrument panel. A bezel is fixed to the instrument panel. A releasable panel is releasably connected to the bezel. A cable extending from the releasable panel to the steering column. In the event of a vehicle impact, the releasable panel releases from the bezel to absorb energy from the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Srinivas Reddy Malapati, Mangesh Kadam
  • Patent number: 11643130
    Abstract: A steering device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an outer shaft, an inner shaft, an outer column, and an inner column. The inner shaft has a sliding portion configured to be capable of being inserted into the outer shaft, and a bearing-mounting portion that is connected to the sliding portion in an axial direction thereof and is configured not to be capable of being inserted into the outer shaft. In the bearing-mounting portion, rear bearings are disposed with an interval therebetween in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 11613298
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket extending along an axis and including a pair of jacket mounting plates on opposite sides of the axis. The steering column assembly also includes a mounting bracket including a pair of mounting bracket plates spaced by a bridge, wherein each of the mounting bracket plates is operably connected to a jacket mounting plate. The steering column assembly further includes at least one of the mounting bracket plates including a mating aperture defined by a pivot portion that is circular and an insertion slot extending outwardly from the pivot portion. The steering column assembly yet further includes at least one of the jacket mounting plates including a mating projection that includes at least one tab interfacing with opposite sides of the pivot portion. The insertion slot is sized to allow the at least one tab to be inserted therein during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Michael P. Anspaugh, Scott E. Rezmer, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 11572094
    Abstract: An assembly for a steering column assembly including an engagement plate and a telescope plate at least partially disposed within the engagement plate. The engagement plate may be adapted to be located between a column tube of a steering column assembly and the telescope plate. The engagement plate and the telescope plate have one or more features for engaging with or contacting each other to provide energy absorption during an impact exceeding a threshold load. These features may include one or more projections or protrusions, one or more slots, one or more ribs, or a combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Mathur, Gerald Lim, Jonathon Lyte, Victor Corona Martinez, Simon Read, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11554803
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein are for an absolute position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly. The absolute position sensor system comprises: a sector connected to a rake adjustment mechanism of the steering column assembly and operable to be moved thereby; a gear coupled to the sector and operable to be rotated by the movement thereof; a magnet connected to and retained by the gear such that the magnet rotates responsive to the rotation of the gear; and a sensor device positioned below the magnet and connected to a stationary part of the steering column assembly. The sensor device is configured to: detect an angle of rotation of the magnet, where the angle of rotation of the magnet corresponds to a position of the rake adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Damian Z. Gosztyla, Robert D. Bueche, James E. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 11518428
    Abstract: An article for a steering column assembly (10) including a connection member (60) having a base portion (62) adapted to be attached to a column tube (30) of the steering column assembly (10) and opposing side walls (64) extending from the base portion (62). The article further includes an energy absorption member (80) having a first generally flat segment (82), a second generally flat segment (84) generally parallel to the first generally flat segment (82), and a curved portion (86) therebetween. The energy absorption member (80) extends from the base of the connection member (60). The present teachings also envision a telescoping adjustment subassembly and a steering column assembly (10) employing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Isabel Chong Hok Yuen, Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11498607
    Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle may include a hollow outer shaft and an inner shaft. The hollow outer shaft may receive the inner shaft in a torque-transmitting manner and in an axially displaceable manner. An elastic boot may be connected to the inner shaft or the outer shaft. The steering shaft is protected against ingress of dirt and moisture and at the same time has a homogeneous displacement force and can be adjusted with low noise. The boot may be arranged at least partially within the steering shaft and may have a free end with a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Florian Päkel, Alexander Scheidbach, Mike Wörle
  • Patent number: 11485403
    Abstract: A rotation limiting means for a steer-by-wire steering system comprises a fixedly arranged outer housing and a steering column which is received at least partially in the outer housing and can be rotated relative to the outer housing. Furthermore, at least one actuating member is provided which is arranged between the outer housing and the steering column and can be rotated to a limited extent relative to the outer housing and relative to the steering column, in order to mechanically limit a rotation of the steering column relative to the outer housing. Furthermore, a steering system and a method for limiting a rotational movement in a steering system are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Walentowski
  • Patent number: 11486440
    Abstract: A length-adjustable steering shaft may include a metallic hollow shaft with an opening in which a metallic inner shaft is accommodated rotatably-fixedly and in an axially movable manner. The steering shaft may also include a pull-out retention means with an outer stop that protrudes into an opening of the hollow shaft and an inner stop that protrudes outward from the inner shaft. The inner and outer stops may be formed from the metallic material of the hollow shaft or the inner shaft and may comprise stop surfaces that are directed toward each other in an axial direction. A layer of non-metallic material may be applied to at least one of the inner stop or the outer stop at least partially in a region of the stop surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Marius Breuer, Janick Durot
  • Patent number: 11459017
    Abstract: An energy absorption device for a steering column for a motor vehicle includes an energy absorption element for absorbing energy by a relative movement between at least two components of the steering column in a crash situation, and at least one arresting element for arranging in a blocking position for blocking the relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Hansjoerg Sulser, Alexander Wesely
  • Patent number: 11440578
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorbing strap assembly operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap assembly includes a strap having a stationary leg and a moveable leg connected by a curved portion to form a substantially U-shape. The energy absorbing strap assembly also includes a metal pin extending through the stationary leg and the moveable leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt D. Dubay, Anthony R. Talhelm
  • Patent number: 11396319
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket having a first end, a second end, a jacket length, and an inner surface defining a bore. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft having an outer surface and a shaft length, at least a portion of the steering shaft located within the bore defined by the inner surface of the jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a stiffening sleeve having a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, and a sleeve length, wherein the radially outer surface of the stiffening sleeve is fixed to the inner surface of the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D. Beach, Robert D. Maida
  • Patent number: 11377135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a meshing plate (10) of a steering column energy absorbing device, comprising a base plate (9) formed of a first material and comprising a row of first meshing shapes (91) extending along a longitudinal axis (A); the meshing plate comprises lateral protrusions (11) overmoulded onto said base plate so that each comprises a rear abutment surface (92) and/or a lateral bearing surface (93).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE STEERING VENDÔME
    Inventors: Nicolas Genet, Stéphane Thebault, Jérémy Renard
  • Patent number: 11247714
    Abstract: A motor-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle has an outer casing which is held by a support unit that is attachable to a vehicle body. An actuator unit is received in the outer casing to adjust in the longitudinal direction. A steering spindle is coaxially and rotatably mounted in a casing tube in the actuator unit. An adjustment drive and an energy absorbing installation are disposed between the outer casing and the actuator unit. The adjustment drive has a spindle mechanism with a threaded spindle which is rotatably drivable by an electric servomotor engaged in a spindle nut. The energy absorbing installation has at least one energy absorbing element at least indirectly disposed between the spindle nut and the actuator unit. The spindle nut or the threaded spindle has at least one forming element which operatively engages with the energy absorbing element and is plastically deformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Christoph Munding, Hieronymus Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 11225281
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a jacket wall integrally formed with the lower jacket, the jacket wall extending longitudinally form a first end to a second end and having a first side and a second side. The steering column assembly yet further includes an energy absorption strap offset from the first side of the jacket wall to form a recess extending along the jacket wall, the energy absorption strap having a first end and a second end, the energy absorption strap having at least one tear line at an interface with the jacket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Joen C. Bodtker, Donald A. Buzzard, Tyler M. Reno
  • Patent number: 11203376
    Abstract: A drive carriage of a vehicle steering system positioned between a movable tube and a drive member, having an attachment zone intended to cooperate with the movable tube, the attachment zone making a fixation of the movable tube on the drive carriage when a force exerted on the attachment zone is below a first predetermined threshold and a movement of the movable tube relative to the drive carriage when the force exerted on the attachment zone exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the drive carriage comprises a coupling zone intended to cooperate with a cover part making the fixation of the cover part on the drive carriage when a force exerted on the coupling zone is below a second predetermined threshold and a movement of the cover part relative to the drive carriage when the force exerted on the second coupling zone exceeds the second predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventors: Laurent Rey, Sylvain Duhamel, Boris Catherin
  • Patent number: 11117610
    Abstract: A steering column is disclosed for a motor vehicle, including an actuating unit, in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis. The actuating unit includes a casing unit which has at least three casing tubes which are arranged so as to be axially telescopable relative to one another. One of the casing tubes forms an outer casing tube in which at least one intermediate casing tube, in which an inner casing tube is accommodated, is accommodated. Rolling bodies are arranged between the casing tubes such that they are able to roll in the axial direction. First rolling bodies are arranged between the outer casing tube and the intermediate casing tube, and second rolling bodies are arranged between the intermediate casing tube and the inner casing tube, the first rolling bodies being arranged offset in the circumferential direction relative to the second rolling bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Tim Bayer, Sebastian Huber, Daniel Kreutz, Arne Schacht
  • Patent number: 11104373
    Abstract: A rack and pinion steering system includes a housing, a rack, a pinion gear, and a radially preloaded rack bearing. The rack is supported by the housing, and the pinion gear is meshed to the rack. The radially preloaded rack bearing is supported and preloaded to the housing and is preloaded to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin P. Douglas, Ryan D. Harris, Fred N. Golda, Justin R. Coats
  • Patent number: 11034376
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a first elongate guide portion, a second portion movably mounted with respect to the first elongate guide portion and a means for attaching a steering wheel to one of the first and second portions. The first elongate guide portion further includes at least two elongate, parallel guide edges and the second portion further includes at least two rollers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the elongate guide portion and shaped complementarily to, and engaged with, a first of the elongate guide edges and at least two further rollers, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the elongate guide portion and shaped complementarily to, and engaged with, a second of the elongate edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Appleyard
  • Patent number: 11014596
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a case with a steering gear-side end and a steering wheel-side end. The case includes an outer casing tube in which an inner casing tube is arranged telescopically and in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis. The steering spindle includes a hollow shaft in which a steering shaft is arranged telescopically. The steering spindle is mounted rotatably in a rear bearing in the steering wheel-side end portion. A safety element may be arranged between the steering gear-side end of the case and the rear bearing between the case and the steering spindle, which leaves a circumferential radial safety distance between the case and steering spindle which is smaller than the radial distance between the case and steering spindle outside the safety element between the steering gear-side end of the case and the rear bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Matthias Ancelin, Hieronymus Schnitzer, Tobias Heeb
  • Patent number: 11007958
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes an upper steering shaft and a lower steering shaft. A pivot joint is between the upper steering shaft and the lower steering shaft. The upper steering shaft is pivotable in a cross-vehicle direction about the pivot joint. A pin is connected to the upper steering shaft and the lower steering shaft. The pin is releasable from at least one of the upper steering shaft and the lower steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 11001290
    Abstract: A steering column may include a steering spindle that is surrounded by a casing tube and is connected to a steering wheel, a guide clamp in which the casing tube is guided displaceably along a longitudinal axis of the steering spindle. The guide clamp may be mounted pivotably about a pivot axis in a holding part that is connectable to a chassis of the motor vehicle. The position of the casing tube may be adjustable relative to the holding part, and a blocking device may be arranged between the casing tube and the holding part. The blocking device may comprise a threaded rod engaged with a spindle nut. The spindle nut may be mounted in a rolling bearing. Rolling bodies of the rolling bearing may be at least partially surrounded by a magnetorheological fluid, and the blocking device may comprise an electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Alexander Weselý, Daniel Kreutz, Hansjoerg Sulser
  • Patent number: 10967916
    Abstract: A cross-vehicle beam for a vehicle comprises a tubular portion extending in a longitudinal direction (X), a first brace connected to the tubular portion and intended to be fixed to a windshield lower crossmember of the body of the vehicle, and a second brace connected to the tubular portion and intended to be fixed to a bulkhead of the body of the vehicle. The ends of the first and second braces at the tubular portion are located in the same transverse plane (P1) of the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Laurent Baudart
  • Patent number: 10858032
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. The assembly also includes a lower jacket operatively coupled to the upper jacket, the upper and lower jackets telescopingly movable relative to each other in an automated manner, the upper and lower jackets moveable in a rake direction over a first range of rake positions and over a second range of rake positions that is outside the first range of rake positions. The assembly further includes a clamp load controlling component in contact with the lower jacket to apply a first clamp load on a jacket interface between the upper and lower jackets while the lower jacket is within the first range of rake positions, the clamp load controlling component applying a lower clamp load on the jacket interface while the lower jacket is in the second range of rake positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Leslie E. Edmundson, Jeremy M. Zemla
  • Patent number: 10773747
    Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle includes: a column tube coupled to an outer side of a steering shaft and having a collapse elongated-hole extending in an axial direction; a column housing coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the column tube and having a telescopic elongated-hole extending axially to correspond to the collapse elongated-hole; a support cylinder coupled between the column tube and the column housing and having an insertion hole, into which an insertion shaft passing through the telescopic elongated-hole and the collapse elongated-hole from an outer side of the column housing is inserted, and a support hole penetrating through the support cylinder in the axial direction; and a bending clip having a first end fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the column tube and a second end folded to be inserted into the support hole while wrapping an end of the support cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sang Chul Ku
  • Patent number: 10654510
    Abstract: An electric steering column apparatus includes a pressing mechanism for reducing the play between an outer jacket and an inner jacket. A pressing mechanism has a first pressing portion disposed on the outer jacket and pressing a lower surface of the inner jacket upward and a second pressing portion disposed on an axially front end side of the outer jacket and pressing an upper surface of the inner jacket downward. A tubular member housing a telescopic nut is disposed between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion in an axial direction so as to face the second pressing portion in an up-down direction and fixed to the lower surface of the inner jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Inoue, Takeshi Miyagi, Daisuke Terada, Tomoya Ohashi
  • Patent number: 10596772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of novel fibre-reinforced profile materials filled with a rigid foam core, especially a PMI foam core. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel process which, in various versions, provides a particularly high throughput and allows a very wide range of shaping options. One step here continuously produces a complex fibre-reinforced profile material and simultaneously inserts the rigid foam core into same. In addition, in the same process step, very good binding of the rigid foam core to the fibre-reinforced profile material is assured. Shaping further takes place in two or more moulds simultaneously to achieve a particularly high throughput and simultaneously produce profile materials differing in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Evonik Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Buehler, Sivakumara K. Krishnamoorthy, Mark Reinhard Berlin, Karl-Heinz Semlitsch
  • Patent number: 10550285
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a telescopic shaft including a male shaft and a cylindrical female shaft slidably connected to each other in an axial direction, in which an outer circumferential surface of the male shaft or an inner circumferential surface of the female shaft is coated with a resin coating layer, includes a coating step, a broaching step, and a cooling step. In the coating step, a powder coating material is attached, by a fluid bed dip method, on the outer circumferential surface of the male shaft or the inner circumferential surface of the female shaft which is heated in advance and the resin coating layer is formed. In the broaching step, the resin coating layer is caused to be thin by broaching before cooling of the formed powder coating material is completed. In the cooling step, the thin resin coating layer is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoya Nishida
  • Patent number: 10518798
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is realized by providing a steering device having: a column pipe for supporting a shaft; an outer column; a fixing bracket, and a tightening tool, wherein the outer column includes an embracing main body portion that holds the column pipe so that the column pipe can move in a front-rear direction, and clamp portions for widening and narrowing a slit formed in the embracing main body portion in a width direction, and an inner peripheral recessed portion is formed on an inner peripheral side of the embracing main body portion opposite the slit so as to extend from a rear end of the embracing main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Ito, Mami Tokizaki, Kazuya Akaishi, Yasushi Yokokura, Koji Hirooka, Ryosuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10449992
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column may include a casing tube that rotatably supports a steering spindle, a holding part that has two lateral cheeks between which the casing tube is positioned, and an electromechanical fixing device. In a release position of the fixing device, the casing tube may be adjustable relative to the holding part. In a fixing position, a set position of the casing tube may be fixed relative to the holding part. The fixing device may include a clamping bolt that passes through the lateral cheeks and is rotatable about its axis by an electric motor positioned in a housing as the fixing device is opened and closed, a cam mechanism, and a support bearing. The lateral cheeks and the casing tube may be positioned between the cam mechanism and the support bearing. A first cam disk of the cam mechanism may rotate with the clamping bolt, and a second cam disk may be guided on the clamping bolt so as to be axially movable in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Simon Blättler, Jean-pierre Specht
  • Patent number: 10370023
    Abstract: A method may be used to produce a steering column for a motor vehicle that includes an inner steering column tube that receives a steering shaft such that the steering shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, an outer steering column tube that receives the inner steering column tube and has a longitudinal slot that extends in a direction of the longitudinal axis, and a clamping apparatus that can be switched over between a release position in which the inner steering column tube is adjustable relative to the outer steering column tube and a fixing position in which the inner steering column tube is fixed relative to the outer steering column tube. The longitudinal slot may have a greater width in the release position than in the fixing position. The method may involve, amongst other steps, manufacturing at least one single blank of the outer steering column tube and/or of the inner steering column tube using an extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Eric Gstöhl, Sven Hausknecht, Stefan-Hermann Loos, Frank Pasch, Christian Geissler
  • Patent number: 10118640
    Abstract: A damper apparatus includes a shock-absorbing member configured to absorb a shock while restricting movement of a shaft relative to a housing. The shock-absorbing member includes a shock-receiving member configured to come into contact with one member, which is one of a large-diameter portion of the shaft and a restriction portion of the housing, and a pre-compression spring disposed between the other member, which is the other of the large-diameter portion and the restriction portion, and the shock-receiving member in a state where the pre-compression spring is compressed in advance in an axial direction. The pre-compression spring is configured to urge the one member in the axial direction via the shock-receiving member when the large-diameter portion is relatively moved toward the restriction portion beyond a prescribed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki Ogata
  • Patent number: 9944309
    Abstract: A steering column device has a downward U-shaped attachment bracket, an upward U-shaped lower jacket, a polygonal cylindrical mid jacket 3, a polygonal cylindrical upper jacket 4 inserted into the polygonal cylindrical mid jacket 3 and a shock energy absorbing mechanism 26 to absorb a shock energy at the time of a secondary collision. The shock energy absorbing mechanism 26 has a contracting guide part 27 to perform sliding and contracting operation of the upper jacket 4 to the mid jacket 3 separately from an energy absorbing part 28. The contracting guide part 27 is formed by interposing a plurality of linear guides 29 at an overlapping part between the mid jacket 3 and the upper jacket 4, linear guides 29 in which a plurality of bolls 29b arranged in the sliding direction of the mid jacket 3 and the upper jacket 4 are connected to each other through holders 29a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Matsuno, Koji Sawamura, So Tanaka, Tadao Ito
  • Patent number: 9889876
    Abstract: Arrangements (e.g., method; vehicle; non-transitory, tangible, machine-readable media embodying a program) for controlling nominal vehicle steering characteristics in a vehicle steering system are disclosed. A method of controlling nominal vehicle steering characteristics includes determining an actual position of an adjustable steering component of the vehicle, comparing the actual position to a reference position of the component, and based at least in part on the comparison, adjusting at least one of the steering ratio and a steering torque feedback in the vehicle steering system. In one embodiment, based at least in part on the comparison, a percentage of change in a steering ratio for a range of steering wheel angles is calculated and, based on the percentage of change, at least one of the steering ratio and a steering torque feedback in the vehicle steering system is adjusted to a nominal value associated with the nominal vehicle steering characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Russell, Lodewijk Wijffels, Robert J. Garby
  • Patent number: 9637161
    Abstract: A steering device includes an inner column, an outer column, an outer column bracket, an inner column bracket, a shear pin, and a damper. A first hole is formed in the inner column. The outer column has a slit formed by notching one end. The outer column bracket tightens the outer column together with a telescopic friction plate. The inner column bracket is supported by the telescopic friction plate, and has a second hole. The shear pin detachably connects the inner column and the inner column bracket to each other at a position across the first hole and the second hole. The damper faces an internal end portion wall of the slit in an axial direction of the inner column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Daiki Orihara, Masaya Johta, Hiroshi Kakita, Osamu Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9550515
    Abstract: 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 1a during normal operation can be adequately increased. A vehicle-side bracket 5a is provided with a stationary-side support plate section 17 on only one side in the width direction of the column-side bracket 4a. This column-side bracket 4a is supported by the stationary-side support plate section 17 so as to be able to displace in the forward direction due to an impact load during a secondary collision. The column-side bracket 4a is also supported by the vehicle-side bracket 5a by way of an installation plate section 21 that is provided in a portion on the opposite side in the width direction of the steering column 1a from the stationary-side support plate section 17 so as to be able to displace in the forward direction due to an impact load during a secondary collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9376136
    Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock plate provided with a plurality of holes and a plurality of partition portions arranged in the axial direction; and a tooth that advances to and retreats from the lock plate, and that is engaged with one of the holes of the lock plate. The steering shaft includes a first end to which a steering member is mounted and a second end. The partition portions are provided such that a height of a first end-side partition portion in a direction toward the tooth retreated from the lock plate is greater than that of a second end-side partition portion positioned on a second end side of the first end-side partition portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Yoshihara, Tomonori Sugiura, Yuji Takahashi, Atsumune Nagatani, Tatsuro Kubota, Shigeru Hoshino, Yota Uesaka
  • Patent number: 9309960
    Abstract: A damper structure for a gear device, which includes a first gear mounted to turn with respect to a shaft in a circumferential direction, a second gear mounted on the shaft to rotate integrally, a stopper rubber mounted on the second gear to face the first gear, and a pressing protrusion at the first gear to face the second gear. The stopper rubber is configured to be elastically deformed by pressing the pressing protrusion in a circumferential direction of the second gear during rotation of the first gear and be restored to the initial shape by separating the pressing protrusion during stop of the first gear. A recess for accumulating lubricating oil in the first gear is formed to face the stopper rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, OTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Yamanari, Kazunori Ueno, Fumihisa Ishiguro, Jun Hattori
  • Patent number: 9205857
    Abstract: 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 51 and a second rock friction plate 52 to increase frictional faces counteracting an impact force when the secondary collision occurs, thereby augmenting a force of fixing an outer column 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9163661
    Abstract: Rolling bearing assembly device comprising an outer race, an inner race, a row of rolling elements which is arranged between the outer and inner races, a sleeve mounted in the bore of the inner race, and an elastic preload element capable of transmitting an axial preload to the inner race, the elastic preload element being mounted in direct contact with the inner race and being able to be in contact with an annular axial centring portion of the sleeve. A radial bearing flange of the sleeve extends radially from the axial centring portion towards the outside of the device and bears axially over its entire periphery against the elastic preload element. The rolling bearing assembly device comprises an axial retention means bearing axially over its entire periphery against the radial bearing flange of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Sylvain Bussit, Daniel Jansen, Thomas Lepine, Bruno Montboeuf
  • Patent number: 9139220
    Abstract: A steering system of an automobile may include a mounting bracket having a flange portion supporting a steering column and contacting with an automobile body, and an opening hole formed at the flange portion and opening toward one side of the flange portion, a capsule slidably coupled to the opening hole and adapted to be decoupled from the opening hole when an impact is given thereto, and at least one molded supporter fixing the capsule and the flange portion and adapted to be sheared off from the capsule or the flange portion when the impact is given thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, NAMYANG IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Jong Hong, Kwang Mo Koo, Tae Young Kim, Jung-Woo Park, Jin-Ho Bae, Joon Mo Park, Sang-Gyu Yoon
  • Patent number: 9126551
    Abstract: A shock absorber for motor vehicles, comprising: a deforming body (2) comprising a first portion (3) and a second portion (4) which are fixed to one another such as to identify a tubular member (5) which has a first axis and comprises a first wall (6) and a second wall (7) adjacent to one another, which intersect to identify an edge (8), each portion (3, 4) comprising a half-shell (9) and two fixing tabs (10) arranged respectively at opposite ends of the half-shell (9), at least a portion (3, 4) comprising at least a bead (11, 12) which develops along a perpendicular development with respect to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Pasquale Impero
  • Patent number: 9068590
    Abstract: A rolling bearing assembly device comprising an outer race, an inner race, a row of rolling elements arranged between the outer and inner races, a sleeve mounted in the bore of the inner race, and an elastic preload element capable of applying an axial preload transmitted to the inner race. The elastic preload element is mounted in direct contact with an annular axial centering portion and bearing axially over its entire periphery against a radial bearing flange extending radially from the axial centering portion towards the outside of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Sylvain Bussit, Daniel Jansen, Thomas Lepine, Bruno Montboeuf
  • Patent number: 9061699
    Abstract: In a vehicle steering system provided in a vehicle in which a high-voltage battery is provided, a clutch mechanism is mechanically disconnected and the intermediate shaft falls, after a collision of the vehicle is detected. An ECU detects the collision of the vehicle based on an acceleration that is input, and then detects contraction of the column shaft and disconnection of the clutch mechanism based on an ON signal of a microswitch. Thereafter, the ECU is able to continue to rotationally drive an electric motor based on a steering angle signal that is output from a steering angle sensor provided on the column shaft, and that is electrically insulated through a photo coupler, and thus the ECU causes the vehicle to travel and stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shohei Ogi
  • Patent number: 9056628
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly is provided. The device includes a first end configured to couple to a first component of the steering column assembly, a second end configured to couple to a second component of the steering column, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second ends. The intermediate portion includes a curved portion having a radius, and an aperture extending through the intermediate portion. The aperture is configured to shift 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Russell, Matthew J. T. Vincent, Robert W. Dubay, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 9039041
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an anti-rotation assembly for a steering column is provided. The anti-rotation assembly includes a bushing and a pin having a detent for engaging the bushing when the pin is inserted into the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, James C. Russell
  • Patent number: 9032833
    Abstract: A securing element (1) with an annular body (3, 12a, 26) and with holding tongues (4) which emerge from the annular body (3, 12a, 26) and end at a hole (6) in the securing element (1), which hole is centered with respect to the center axis (5) of the securing element (1), wherein the hole (6) leads axially in the same direction as the center axis (5) through the securing element (1) and, at the radial narrowest points of the hole (6), is bounded at least by end edges (7) formed on the end sides of the holding tongues (4), and wherein in each case at least two surfaces (8, 9) bounding part of the holding tongue (4) meet and end at the respective end edge (7), and of which one of the surfaces (8) is formed on the front side of the holding tongue (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Erhardt, Richard Baier, Jochen Ott, Rainer Lutz, Anton Erhardt, Peter Loncar, Reinhold Nuetzel
  • Patent number: 9027437
    Abstract: Steering wheels, steering wheel and steering column assemblies, and methods for assembling steering wheels and steering columns for motor vehicles are provided herein. In one example, a steering wheel comprises a hub that is disposed in a central section of the steering wheel. The hub comprises a tubular stem portion that has a channel and that comprises a wall disposed around the channel. The tubular stem portion is configured to operably couple to a steering shaft. A catch and a biasing feature are disposed along the wall and are cooperatively configured such that the biasing feature acts on the catch to allow the catch to move relative to the wall during assembly of the steering wheel to the steering shaft and urges the catch into an engaged position with the steering shaft when the steering shaft is proximate a seated position in the tubular stem portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Wiseley, Peggy M. Gossiaux, Peter J. Judis