Abstract: A foldable steering wheel is configured to be folded or unfolded due to linear movement and rotating movement of the steering wheel to secure an available space in a driver's seat, and the foldable steering wheel includes an armature body connected to a column, the steering wheel coupled to the armature body, configured to be linearly moved in a radial direction with respect to a steering shaft of the column, and configured to be rotatably moved on a rotation shaft which is unparallel to the steering shaft, and a moving device engaged to the steering wheel and configured to generate a linear movement path and a rotating movement path of the steering wheel to move the steering wheel with respect to the armature body.

Abstract: An operating element for finger operation, which has an improved tightness against the ingress of dust and water with simultaneously increased degree of freedom of movement is provided. The operating element includes a thumbwheel, wherein the thumbwheel as an operating lever, which can be rotated about at least one first axis of rotation, a mounting box, wherein a point of intersection of the first axis of rotation with the thumbwheel is formed within the mounting box, as well as an integral sealing system having at least one seal. The sealing system and mounting box can be connected by a two-component injection molding. The mounting box has injection channels for injecting a material of the sealing system, in which corresponding injection channel connections of the sealing system are formed. The seals are connected to one another via the injection channel connections, and wherein a seal partially surrounds the operating lever.

Abstract: A method of assembling a steering column assembly includes pressing a first pivot bushing into a first rake bracket first opening of a first rake bracket and inserting a first pivot fastener into the first pivot bushing and into a first mounting bracket opening of a first mounting bracket arm of a mounting bracket. The method further includes displacing material of the first mounting bracket arm with first splines of the first pivot fastener to form first mating splines within the first mounting bracket opening.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a latching device having a first latching unit and having at least one second latching unit, wherein first teeth of the first latching unit are formed in order to realize an interlocking latching connection with second teeth of the second latching unit, and the first teeth of the first latching unit have a first tooth tip in each case, wherein the first tooth tip forms a first tooth ridge extending in a longitudinal direction of the first tooth. In order to reliably resolve a tooth-on-tooth situation and to be able to realize the desired interlocking latching connection, wherein the first tooth ridge is designed to be curved at least in portions.

Abstract: A steering column may include a casing pipe disposed longitudinally movably in a casing unit, a steering spindle rotatably supported about a longitudinal axis in the casing pipe, and a clamping device configurable in a fixing position for securing the casing unit relative to the casing pipe. The clamping device may have an engagement element supported on the casing pipe, having an upper side parallel to the longitudinal axis, and having lateral edge sides. The clamping device may have a locking element supported in the longitudinal direction on the casing unit and that can be moved to adjust the fixing position in a normal direction of the upper side against the engagement element. Positive-locking elements on the locking and engagement elements are engageable to produce a positive-locking connection in the longitudinal direction, at least some of which are disposed on an edge side of the engagement element.

Abstract: 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 31 for expanding or contracting the inner diameter of a fitting-holding portion 30a of an outer column 10b comprises a main-slit section 39 and a pair of sub-slit sections 40a, 40b.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tilt or tilt and telescopic steering apparatus for use in a vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a conventional structure, which should be provided with both of tilting fixing gears and telescopic fixing gears for locking after a tilt or tilt and telescopic operation, is improved in such a manner that the tilt or tilt and telescopic operation may be locked by a locking member and a linear protruding portion. As a result, an improper tooth-engagement phenomenon (tooth-on-tooth phenomenon) between gear teeth can be prevented, the tilt operation and the telescopic operation can be simultaneously locked, and required components can be reduced such that material costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A motor cover (80) includes an edge portion (84) located outside an inner side surface of a frame cover (20) with the motor cover (80) being disposed inside a housing chamber (12), configured to push the frame cover (20) wider when the frame cover (20) is mounted onto a frame (10), and configured to be pressed by the frame cover (20) from an opened surface of the frame (10) with the frame cover (20) being mounted on the frame (10).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to stably and smoothly perform the operation of position adjustment of a steering wheel 1, the electric position adjustment apparatus for a steering wheel of the present invention is such that: a concave engaging section 19a of a moving piece 16a that moves in the forward/backward direction with an electric motor 56 as a driving source has a cylindrical concave-shaped inner-circumferential surface; a cylindrical column section 65 of a transmission member 17a that transmits the movement of the moving piece 16a to a steering column 5b is inserted into the concave engaging section 19a by way of cylindrical spacer 72 and has a cylindrical convex-shaped outer-circumferential surface; and a cylindrical spacer 72 has a cylindrical convex-shaped outer-circumferential surface and a cylindrical concave-shaped inner-circumferential surface.

Abstract: A locking device for a steering column is provided. The locking device includes an operating lever configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, an actuating body configured to rotate in response to rotation of the operating lever and a locking cam operably connected to the actuating body and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of the actuating body. The locking cam includes an eccentric locking surface having a plurality of locking teeth. A locking segment is positioned adjacent to the locking cam, the locking segment having a plurality of segment teeth formed thereon. A shaft extends along a first axis and the actuating body and locking cam are positioned on the shaft and configured to rotate about the first axis.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering device includes a housing constituted by an enclosing main body section, a separation section formed on two sides of on the lower side of the enclosing main body section along the axial direction thereof, and clamping sections formed respectively on two sides of the enclosing main body section so as to face each other in the lateral direction of the separation section; a fixed bracket having fixed side sections that clamp the housing at two sides in the lateral direction; a clamp that clamps the two clamping sections of the housing and the two fixed side sections of the fixed bracket; an outer pipe having at the axially front side thereof a slit formed in the axial direction; and an inner pipe inserted into the inner circumferential side of the outer pipe.

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle steering system, having a steering gear, a servomotor which is adapted to provide a steering assist force, a blocking ring which is assigned to a motor shaft of the servomotor, and a locking member which is adapted to engage in the blocking ring to block rotation of the motor shaft of the servomotor and thereby to lock the steering gear, further provision being made for an actuating member having the locking member adjustably mounted thereon, and the actuating member being adjustable by a drive motor between a blocking position and a release position.

Abstract: A plug-on body for a clamping bolt of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle. The plug-on body includes at least one opening for guiding the clamping bolt through the opening of the plug-on body and at least one or two damped elongated hole stops for damping an impact of the clamping bolt on an end of an elongated hole.

Abstract: An auxiliary lock mechanism that locks a lock member (6) at a steering lock position is provided. In the auxiliary lock member, a slide plate (91) thereof engages with an auxiliary engagement portion (95) of the lock member (6) located at the steering lock position in such a manner that engagement between a holding member (21) and a holding/receiving portion (93) thereof is disengaged. On a more rear end side of the lock member (6) than the auxiliary engagement portion (95), a fragile portion (74) is provided, in which a load is set smaller than a load tolerable by the slide plate (91). In a case where a load of a set value or more is applied to the lock member (6), the lock member (6) is torn at the fragile portion (74).

Abstract: On at least either one of an inside of an opening edge of a cover (2) and an outside of an opening edge of a frame (3), an inclined portion (95) is formed, and on the other of the inside of the opening edge of the cover (2) and the outside of the opening edge of the frame (3), an inclination receiving portion (96) is formed. In such a way, in an event where external force is applied to the inclined portion (95) from an outside, the inclination receiving portion (96) slides on the inclined portion (95), and positionally shifts or falls off the cover (2).

Abstract: A motor cover (80) includes an edge portion (84) located outside an inner side surface of a frame cover (20) with the motor cover (80) being disposed inside a housing chamber (12), configured to push the frame cover (20) wider when the frame cover (20) is mounted onto a frame (10), and configured to be pressed by the frame cover (20) from an opened surface of the frame (10) with the frame cover (20) being mounted on the frame (10).

Abstract: A steering lock for inhibiting rotation of a rotary steering member having a rib. A lockbolt is movable along a first axis between steering member-locking and -unlocking positions. A shuttle moves between a non-blocking position, in which the shuttle does not obstruct movement of the lockbolt from the steering member-locking position, and a blocking position, in which the shuttle obstructs movement of the lockbolt out of the steering member-locking position. An actuator is coupled to the shuttle and operable to drive the lockbolt to the steering member-locking position by moving the shuttle from the non-blocking position to the blocking position. The lockbolt is unbiased along the first axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric locking system (1) for locking the position of a steering column of a vehicle relative to the dashboard of said vehicle, the steering column including a tube-body movably mounted in a supporting assembly for enabling the manual adjustment of said steering column. The locking system includes means (2) for locking the tube-body on the supporting assembly, an electric motor (4) coupled to the locking means (2) for driving the latter and placing the steering column in an unlocked state or a locked state, motor control means providing motor actuation instructions for placing the steering column in the locked state and/or in the unlocked state, and means for detecting the state of the steering column and for generating an electric signal representative of the state of the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tilt or tilt and telescopic steering apparatus for use in a vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a conventional structure, which should be provided with both of tilting fixing gears and telescopic fixing gears for locking after a tilt or tilt and telescopic operation, is improved in such a manner that the tilt or tilt and telescopic operation may be locked by a locking member and a linear protruding portion. As a result, an improper tooth-engagement phenomenon (tooth-on-tooth phenomenon) between gear teeth can be prevented, the tilt operation and the telescopic operation can be simultaneously locked, and required components can be reduced such that material costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an instrument panel, a steering column defining a longitudinal axis, and a steering wheel arranged on the steering column in a region of the instrument panel. The steering wheel is configured for movement in relation to the instrument panel in a direction of the longitudinal axis towards the instrument panel from a first position to a second position. The steering column is also constructed to enable the steering wheel to move from the second position to the first position when the motor vehicle is subjected to a force caused by an accident.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An objective is to provide an electric steering lock device capable of preventing a lock member from being falsely detected as being at an unlock position to unfailingly ensure that an engine is started with a steering wheel being unlocked. In the electric steering lock device, magnetic detection means placed at a position corresponding to an unlock position of the lock member is configured by including a Hall element (north-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the north pole of a magnet fixed to the lock member and a Hall element (south-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the south pole of the magnet. A microcomputer (control means) determines that the lock member has moved to the unlock position when the Hall elements (north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements) are both turned on, and then stops driving an electric motor (electric actuator).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering lock for locking a rotary steering member against rotation. A lockbolt is movable along a first axis between steering member-locking and -unlocking positions. A shuttle moves between a non-blocking position, in which the shuttle does not obstruct movement of the lockbolt from the steering member-locking position, and a blocking position, in which the shuttle obstructs movement of the lockbolt out of the steering member-locking position. An actuator drives the lockbolt to the steering member-locking position by moving the shuttle to the blocking position. An output gear is drivable by the actuator. A rotary drive member has a first portion formed with gear teeth meshed with the output gear, and a second portion formed with a driving structure engaged with a follower structure of the shuttle, whereby the shuttle is configured to translate axially toward and away from the first axis when the rotary drive member rotates in place.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a wire fitting bracket that is fitted to an end portion of a connecting wire for connecting an outer tube to an inner tube and that has a bracket body and a plurality of protrusions. The bracket body is fitted to a steering column-side member with a bolt, and has a bolt insertion hole through which the bolt is passed. The protrusions protrude from the bracket body, and are arranged around an axis of the bolt insertion hole. The protrusions are formed of rotation restricting protrusions that restrict rotation of the wire fitting bracket and an erroneous fitting prevention protrusion that prevents erroneous fitting of the wire fitting bracket.

Abstract: An auxiliary lock mechanism that locks a lock member (6) at a steering lock position is provided. In the auxiliary lock member, a slide plate (91) thereof engages with an auxiliary engagement portion (95) of the lock member (6) located at the steering lock position in such a manner that engagement between a holding member (21) and a holding/receiving portion (93) thereof is disengaged. On a more rear end side of the lock member (6) than the auxiliary engagement portion (95), a fragile portion (74) is provided, in which a load is set smaller than a load tolerable by the slide plate (91). In a case where a load of a set value or more is applied to the lock member (6), the lock member (6) is torn at the fragile portion (74).

Abstract: On at least either one of an inside of an opening edge of a cover (2) and an outside of an opening edge of a frame (3), an inclined portion (95) is formed, and on the other of the inside of the opening edge of the cover (2) and the outside of the opening edge of the frame (3), an inclination receiving portion (96) is formed. In such a way, in an event where external force is applied to the inclined portion (95) from an outside, the inclination receiving portion (96) slides on the inclined portion (95), and positionally shifts or falls off the cover (2).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An objective is to provide an electric steering lock device capable of preventing a lock member from being falsely detected as being at an unlock position to unfailingly ensure that an engine is started with a steering wheel being unlocked. In the electric steering lock device, magnetic detection means placed at a position corresponding to an unlock position of the lock member is configured by including a Hall element (north-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the north pole of a magnet fixed to the lock member and a Hall element (south-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the south pole of the magnet. A microcomputer (control means) determines that the lock member has moved to the unlock position when the Hall elements (north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements) are both turned on, and then stops driving an electric motor (electric actuator).

Abstract: A steering device includes a housing constituted by an enclosing main body section, a separation section formed on two sides of on the lower side of the enclosing main body section along the axial direction thereof, and clamping sections formed respectively on two sides of the enclosing main body section so as to face each other in the lateral direction of the separation section; a fixed bracket having fixed side sections that clamp the housing at two sides in the lateral direction; a clamp that clamps the two clamping sections of the housing and the two fixed side sections of the fixed bracket; an outer pipe having at the axially front side thereof a slit formed in the axial direction; and an inner pipe inserted into the inner circumferential side of the outer pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket (1) which carries an upper jacket unit (3) and a lower jacket unit (5), wherein the jacket units (3, 5) surround a steering shaft (8) rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units (3, 5) comprise an inner jacket tube (10) and an outer jacket tube (11) which surrounds the inner jacket tube (10) 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 (6) made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve (6) is inserted into the outer jacket tube (11) with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube (11) has at least one opening (12), in the region of which the plastic sleeve (6) is pressed against the inner jacket tube (10) by deformation.

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle steering system, having a steering gear, a servomotor which is adapted to provide a steering assist force, a blocking ring which is assigned to a motor shaft of the servomotor, and a locking member which is adapted to engage in the blocking ring to block rotation of the motor shaft of the servomotor and thereby to lock the steering gear, further provision being made for an actuating member having the locking member adjustably mounted thereon, and the actuating member being adjustable by a drive motor between a blocking position and a release position.

Abstract: A locking device for a steering column is provided. The locking device includes an operating lever configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, an actuating body configured to rotate in response to rotation of the operating lever and a locking cam operably connected to the actuating body and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of the actuating body. The locking cam includes an eccentric locking surface having a plurality of locking teeth. A locking segment is positioned adjacent to the locking cam, the locking segment having a plurality of segment teeth formed thereon. A shaft extends along a first axis and the actuating body and locking cam are positioned on the shaft and configured to rotate about the first axis.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a vehicle comprises a first portion rotatably supported by a second portion. The steering column arrangement further comprises a first electrical motor that is adapted to be operably connected to a vehicle control system. The steering column is arranged to be moved laterally and/or axially by the first electric motor. The steering column arrangement further comprises locking means arranged to lock the steering column thereby preventing rotation of the steering column. The locking means comprise a first locking member attached to the steering column and a second locking member arranged to be attached to the vehicle chassis, where the first electric motor is arranged to move the steering column to a locked position in which the first locking member and the second locking member are arranged to engage, thereby preventing rotation of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering device includes a fixed bracket, a movable bracket, a friction plate, a first friction washer, a pressing plate, engagement units, a second friction washer, and a fastening tool. The friction plate is attached to face, with an appropriate gap, at least one of both fixed side portions of the fixed bracket. The first washer is inserted between the fixed side portion and the friction plate. The pressing plate is attached to an outer surface of the friction plate. The engagement unit causes the pressing plate to be detachably attached and be immovable at least in a vertical direction. The second friction washer is clamped between the pressing plate and the friction plate. The fixed bracket, the friction plate, the first friction washer, the second friction washer, and the pressing plate are connected by penetrating therethrough a lock bolt of the fastening tool.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock member (7, 8) that is slidable between a locking position P1 and an unlocking position P2 and biased from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 by a biasing member (76), and a sliding member (6) arranged slidably in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction of the lock member (7, 8). At least any one of the lock member (7, 8) and the sliding member (6) includes a displacement portion (64c) inclined along the sliding direction of the sliding member (6) and toward a steering shaft. The lock member (7, 8) is displaced in conformity to inclination of the displacement portion (64c) in conjunction with slide of the sliding member (6).

Abstract: A small-size, highly-reliable left-right independent steering device is provided without having to make significant modifications to existing vehicles or to develop dedicated vehicles. The device includes tie rods linked to left and right front wheels and axially expandable and contractible by means of small-size telescopic mechanism portions defined by ball-screw-type linear actuators. Each telescopic mechanism portion mainly includes a main body to which a tie-rod end of the corresponding tie rod is fixed, and an electric motor serving as an actuator attached substantially perpendicularly to the main body. The other end of the tie rod is coupled to a steering rod and functions as a piston rod that can advance or recede in the axial direction by means of the telescopic mechanism portion. Thus, the telescopic mechanism portions are mountable within tire wheels at positions free of, for example, suspension arms and stabilizers located near the tie rods.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column adjustable includes a steering shaft mounted in a body tube arranged in a movable support member and immobilized on a fixed support member by an electric clamping system. The clamping system is mounted in a casing supporting an electric actuator and includes a transmission mechanism, an immobilizing assembly and a clamping rod passing through the fixed support member. The immobilizing assembly includes a fixed cam rotationally fixed with respect to the clamping rod, and a rotationally movable cam, the cams having rolling paths for balls. Each rolling path has the shape of a spiral with an escape slope for a ball, in order to initiate clamping or unclamping depending on the rotation direction of the movable cam relative to the fixed cam.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is adjustable in both rake and telescope directions and then locked in a convenient setting by a driver. The locking mechanism for the telescope and rake adjust is motor actuated in response to activation of a toggle switch. The motor can be proximate or remote from the locking mechanism and the steering column assembly. A transmission operates on a rotating cam principal which alternately cycles a clamp of the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked conditions. A drive shaft extends between the motor and the locking mechanism and can be either rigid or flexible. Locking the steering column assembly in an adjusted position can be accomplished either by compressing a capsule bracket against a compression bracket, or via interlocking engagement of pawls with corresponding teeth in respective slots in the capsule and compression brackets.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering system control apparatus having a centering unit for resisting off-center movement of the steer wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement. A centering shaft is connected to the steering shaft of a vehicle steering gear for rotational reciprocation therewith and an intermediate rotational position thereof defines a neutral position that is adjustable by a trimming assembly to change a selected center position of the steering system. A holding force and a return force are applied to the centering shaft by actuating members that engage a cylinder arranged for reciprocal movement against a constantly applied resilient force.