With Adjustable Steering Wheel Or Column Patents (Class 280/775)
  • Patent number: 10742967
    Abstract: A display system for a motor vehicle is provided. The display system comprises a holographic projector assembly and a steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel assembly includes a ring-shaped member configured to be held by a driver of the vehicle and rotated about a central axis in order to steer the vehicle. The holographic projector assembly is configured to produce a holographic image inside a central region about which the ring-shaped member circumferentially extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Hoggarth, Jasper Dekker, Edward Rose
  • Patent number: 10737714
    Abstract: A steering device is configured such that an EA stopper and a telescopic lock tooth are engaged with each other such that an inner column and a fixation member move forward with respect to a hanger bracket in a case where a load in a forward direction that acts on the inner column is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Regarding a telescopic stopper, the fixation member comes into contact with the telescopic stopper in accordance with movement of the inner column and the fixation member with respect to the hanger bracket such that the telescopic stopper rotates in a withdrawal direction in which the telescopic stopper is withdrawn from the fixation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 10730546
    Abstract: A steering system equipped with a linear electric actuator includes: a casing, a shaft slidably coupled to the casing with respect to a sliding axis and provided with an end that protrudes externally from said casing, an electric motor, which is housed in the casing and provided with a stator and a rotor that is axially hollow and coaxial with the shaft, in which the rotor is operable in rotation with respect to an axis of rotation parallel to the sliding axis, a nut screw integrated in rotation with the rotor of the motor and provided with an internal thread, the nut screw includes a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion, axially arranged side by side, a joint adapted to make the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion integrated in rotation, and a helical groove surface integrated with the shaft and coupled to the internal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: OGNIBENE POWER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Ognibene
  • Patent number: 10717458
    Abstract: A displaceable steering column for motor vehicles may include an actuating unit in which a steering shaft is rotatably mounted. The actuating unit may be displaceable relative to a holding unit in the axial direction of the steering shaft, and optionally in the vertical direction, and can be clamped by means of a clamping device so that the actuating unit is fixed in an non-displaceable manner when the motor vehicle is operating normally. The steering column may also include an energy absorption device disposed between the actuating unit and the holding unit, which in the event of a vehicle crash absorbs at least part of the energy applied to the steering column by material deformation of an energy absorber. The energy absorption device may have a central portion on which an energy absorber is disposed and is engaged with the actuating unit. The central portion may be connected to a clamping portion that can be clamped by the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Daniel Kreutz, Sebastian Forte
  • Patent number: 10696319
    Abstract: A steering device includes an outer column, an inner column, and a hanger bracket. The inner column is configured such that the inner column and a fixation member move forward with respect to the hanger bracket in a case where a load in a forward direction that acts on the inner column is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the locked state. A sliding friction portion that slides on at least one of the inner column and the hanger bracket in accordance with movement of the inner column with respect to the hanger bracket is provided between the inner column and the hanger bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 10696213
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a steering shaft that is rotatably supported in a cover unit, an interface for fitting a steering column switch fixed relative to the cover unit, and a transmission element connected to the steering shaft so as to conduct torque by way of a securing means. The transmission element may include actuation means that is movable into operational engagement with the steering column switch fitted to the interface. The transmission element may be constructed in one piece together with at least one securing means for a rotationally secure connection to the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Marcus Massonnaud, Thomas Geiselberger, Martin Fleischer
  • Patent number: 10676120
    Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle steering column may include a casing tube, a guide tube that is axially movable in the casing tube, a steering spindle that is received by the guide tube and is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis, an energy absorption element that is disposed between the guide tube and the casing tube and deforms and absorbs impact energy during a vehicle crash, a deformation means that deforms the energy absorption element during the vehicle crash, and an adjustment device for axially moving the guide tube into an adjustment position and fixing the guide tube in the adjustment position. The absorbable impact energy may be substantially independent of component tolerances of the energy absorption element and the deformation means such that the energy absorption reaches a substantially predefined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Amir Abou Alam
  • Patent number: 10675973
    Abstract: A method of mounting a shifter to a vehicle steering column includes operatively coupling a shifter and an attachment bracket to a moveable portion of a steering column at a first coupling position located on a first side of a column clamping structure of a stationary portion of the steering column. The method also includes operatively coupling the shifter and the attachment bracket to the moveable portion of the steering column at a second coupling position located on a second side of the column clamping structure within a stationary portion aperture defined by the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Arthur W. Nellett
  • Patent number: 10676122
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide a tilt fixing device for a vehicular steering column wherein no tooth-on-tooth phenomenon occurs between a stationary gear and a movable gear when the driver conducts a tilt locking operation; even if such a tooth-on-tooth phenomenon occurs, a first elastic member installed between the movable gear and a load support member enables tilt locking of the steering column; and, if an external impact is applied, the movable gear slides and meshes with the stationary gear by means of elastic force from the first elastic member such that there occurs a stable tilting operation of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: HyunBi Kwon
  • Patent number: 10661820
    Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle includes a steering column and a device for adjusting the steering column. The device includes a bearing block, a first guide mechanism, and a second guide mechanism. A housing of the steering column is adjustably mounted in the bearing block. The first guide mechanism is configured to adjust a height of the steering column in the bearing block. The second guide mechanism is configured to adjust an inclination of the housing, and includes at least one first guide plate and at least one second guide plate that are each movably connected to the housing of the steering column and to the bearing block so as to be axially movable with an adjustment of the inclination of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Denes Gacsal, Gabor Andor Fuchs, Miklos Szabo
  • Patent number: 10654514
    Abstract: A steering device includes a plurality of telescopic lock teeth, a lock bolt, an EA stopper, and a first urging member. An outer circumferential surface of the lock bolt is formed with a bolt engagement portion. An inner circumferential surface of an EA insertion hole is formed with an EA protruding portion that is engaged with a bolt engagement portion in a direction in which the EA stopper is moved toward an abutting position in a bolt circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 10640141
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a tilt apparatus for a vehicular steering column. The tilt apparatus includes: a tilt bracket including a tilt guide portion supported on an outer side of a distance bracket and having a first tilt hole in the tilt guide portion; a fixed gear including a second tilt hole communicating with the first tilt hole and a first screw portion having a thread peak and a thread valley on opposite side ends thereof, the fixed gear being installed outside the tilt guide portion and the first screw portion being spaced apart from the tilt guide portion; a movable gear including a second screw portion having a thread peak and a thread valley to be meshed with or separated from the first screw portion during a tilt operation of an adjusting lever; and a lever bolt configured to rotate in cooperation with the adjusting lever and installed through the first tilt hole, the second tilt hole, and the movable gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: HyunBi Kwon, Sang Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 10625767
    Abstract: A steering device includes: an inner tube; an outer tube that fixes the inner tube by fastening the inner tube from an outer side, and has a first slit extending in an axial direction; a pair of clamp brackets that is disposed so that the clamp brackets face each other with the first slit therebetween; and a reinforcing member that is connected to one of the clamp brackets and also connected to a connection region that is a region of an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and located farther on one side in the axial direction than an end of the first slit on the one side in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, HIRUTA-KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Suzuki, Daiki Goto, Susumu Imagaki, Takahiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 10611396
    Abstract: A motion control assembly for a steering column assembly includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg. Also included is a clamping mechanism intersecting the upper jacket and positioned on the first leg of the rake bracket, the on-center, single-sided clamping mechanism moveable between a clamped condition and an unclamped condition, the clamped condition securing a lower jacket against telescoping movement relative to an upper jacket. Further included is a mechanical fastener extending through the second leg of the rake bracket and at least partially through the lower jacket and operatively coupled to the lower jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 10604172
    Abstract: A motor-driven steering column device for a vehicle, the motor-driven steering column device may include a housing fixed to a vehicle body and having a pipe through one side portion of which a slot is formed; a telescopic pipe inserted into an internal diameter portion of the housing to be movable back and forth and locked and fastened to a steering shaft; a telescopic bracket disposed on an internal diameter portion of the telescopic pipe; and a driving device coupling the telescopic pipe and the telescopic bracket through the slot and providing power of moving back and forth to the telescopic pipe and the telescopic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Gyu Yoon, Jin Ho Bae, Yong Sun Kim, Beom Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10597064
    Abstract: Non-circular portions (41) are provided in two positions of an adjusting rod (17a) in an axial direction, and the non-circular portions (41) are disposed inside of telescopic-adjusting long holes (16a) of a displacement bracket (13a). Up-down-direction clearances (44a and 44b) which are present between opposite edges of each of the non-circular portions (41) in an up-down direction and inner surfaces of each of the telescopic-adjusting long holes (16a) in the up-down direction in a state where a position of a steering wheel can be maintained are less than up-down-direction clearances (43a and 43b) which are present between the opposite edges of each of the non-circular portions (41) in the up-down direction and the inner surfaces of each of the telescopic-adjusting long holes (16a) in the up-down direction in a state where the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 10597062
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a motorized length adjustment drive unit, a box rocker having a control surface, a column jacket, and a crash bracket releasably coupled to the column jacket. The assembly includes an energy absorbing member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the crash bracket and the distal end is coupled to the column jacket. A plate is attached to the box rocker such that a channel is formed between the plate and the control surface. At least one anti-rotation member is coupled to the crash bracket and extends through the channel. The at least one anti-rotation member is adapted to inhibit rotation of the crash bracket during a frontal collision of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Justin Yoho, Thomas Geiselberger
  • Patent number: 10577010
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column is constructed to be mounted to a vehicle structure. The telescoping steering column includes a plurality of jackets in telescopic relation to one another along a telescopic axis, an electric motor, at least one leadscrew, first and second thread sets, and first and second nuts. The plurality of jackets include a first jacket and a second jacket. The electric motor is rigidly fixed to one of the plurality of jackets. Then at least one leadscrew is rotationally driven by the electric motor. The first and second thread sets are carried by the at least one leadscrew. The first and second nuts are threaded upon the respective first and second thread sets, and attached to the respective first and second jackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Todd M. King, James E. Rouleau, Donald A. Buzzard, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 10577012
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steer-by-wire steering wheel and a central axis about which the steering wheel rotates to control the direction of travel of a motor vehicle. The steering wheel assembly also includes (a) a support arm, the steering wheel being coupled to a first end of the support arm so as to permit rotation of the steering wheel about the central axis of the steering wheel and (b) an interior trim portion, wherein the second end of the support arm is slidably coupled to a track of the interior trim portion. The track is configured such that the steering wheel is movable relative to the interior trim portion from a first deployed position in which a first occupant of the vehicle steers the steering wheel to a position away from the first deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jasper Dekker, Markus Quarta
  • Patent number: 10569798
    Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) including a mounting structure (20); a column housing (50) having a wall opening (54) and being fixed in position for upward and downward pivotal motion; a tilt screw (72) having a threaded shank and a gear; a tilt nut (80) and optionally a bushing surrounding the tilt nut positioned at least partially within and contacting a surface defining wall opening (54) and having a threaded bore adapted to receive the tilt screw, the contact between the tilt nut and the wall opening such that the load transmitted from the wall opening to the tilt nut is substantially on axis with the threaded bore; a motor (96) for raising and lowering the column housing by rotating the gear portion and causing the tilt nut to advance toward or away from the gear, causing the column housing to raise or lower, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the threaded shank can pivot fore or aft as the column housing is raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman, Logananth Chinniah
  • Patent number: 10526034
    Abstract: A variety of scooters are disclosed. In some embodiments, a scooter can include a pivot assembly that allows the scooter to move between a folded and unfolded configuration. The pivot assembly can include a knob that frees a pin from a bracket to allow the scooter to fold. Turing the knob increases compressive forces on elements of the pivot assembly to reduce rattling noise and wobbling movement when the scooter is in use. Some embodiments of the scooter can include a center stand that can be deployed from either side of the scooter deck to stabilize the scooter when the scooter is stationary. Certain embodiments have an ergonomic handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: RAZOR USA LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hadley
  • Patent number: 10507861
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a lock for an adjustable steering column. The lock has a first member having at least one tooth disposed in a first direction. The lock has a second member having at least one tooth disposed in a second direction. A moveable locking device having a first recess disposed to engage at least one tooth on the first member and a second recess positioned to engage the at least one tooth on the second member. A releasable clamping device is positioned to be moved into and away from an engagement position with the first and second members. The first recess restricting movement in the first direction and the second recess restricting movement in the second direction when the moveable locking device is engaged with the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE STEERING LLC
    Inventors: Michael McFarland, Olivier Perichon
  • Patent number: 10501110
    Abstract: A steering system includes an inner column; an outer column including a guide tube part that supports the inner column to be movable in an axial direction and a holding tube part in which a slit extending in the axial direction is formed; and a telescopic adjustment mechanism that switches between a locked state in which an interval of the slit is reduced and movement of the inner column is regulated and an unlocked state in which the interval of the slit is increased and the movement of the inner column is allowed. An inner circumferential surface of the guide tube part has support surfaces that slidably support an outer circumferential surface of the inner column, and flanks located on the same circumference as the support surfaces and are separated from the outer circumferential surface of the inner column in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihito Osawa, Minoru Takakusaki
  • Patent number: 10501109
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes at least one of an electric telescopic mechanism driving a steering wheel provided at a steering shaft and an electric tilt mechanism driving the steering wheel. The one of the electric telescopic mechanism and the electric tilt mechanism includes an electric motor, a threaded shaft connected to an output shaft of the electric motor, and a speed reduction mechanism. The speed reduction mechanism includes a worm gear, a screw gear, an idle gear meshing with the screw gear and the worm gear. The output shaft and the threaded shaft are connected to each other such that at least one of a relationship of parallelism, a relationship of inclination and a relationship of skew is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ken Kato
  • Patent number: 10494020
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power steering for a motor vehicle, having an input shaft which is rotatable about a steering axis, a steering column tube arranged around the input shaft, a sensor housing which is axially adjacent to the steering column tube and has a housing opening for the input shaft, and a shaft expansion element which is connected with the input shaft and has an outside diameter, the input shaft extending through the steering column tube and the housing opening into the interior of the sensor housing, wherein an opening diameter of the housing opening is smaller than the outside diameter of the shaft expansion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Tim Kappelhoff
  • Patent number: 10494011
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescoping steering column includes an energy absorption strap having a plurality of teeth disposed therealong. Also included is a clamp bolt rotatably driven by an adjustment lever. Further included is an actuator body coupled to the clamp bolt and rotated therewith. Yet further included is a first lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a first direction. Also included is a second lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael W. Clark, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 10494012
    Abstract: A travel control system for a cam assembly includes a cam having a plurality of lobes on a first face of the cam. Also included is a cam follower engageable with the first face of the cam to follow the lobe profile defined by the plurality of lobes. Further included is a pair of cam prongs extending outwardly from an outer perimeter of the cam. Yet further included is a lock indicator cam follower tab in contact with a first cam prong of the pair of cam prongs in a locked position of the cam assembly and in contact with a second cam prong of the pair of cam prongs in an unlocked position of the cam assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler M. Reno, Randy Jones, Justin D. Mills, Floyd E. Eschenbacher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10494010
    Abstract: A steering device of a two-track vehicle has a retaining element and a steering handle for the driver that is rotatably mounted therein, and has a guide device for the retaining element, along which the retaining element can be moved between an extended use position, toward the driver in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a retracted rest position, further away from the driver. The guide device extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Henri Freiherr von Freyberg, Victor Kuehn, Sebastian Kroes, Nico Daun, Marek Mitula
  • Patent number: 10486732
    Abstract: A steering column may include a sleeve unit in which a steering spindle rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis, which sleeve unit is accommodated in a supporting unit so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction. An energy absorption device may be fitted between the supporting unit and the sleeve unit. The energy absorption device may include first and second bending elements that each comprise an elongate input limb positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction and connected at a free end to the supporting unit or the sleeve unit, and merges at another end into a bend to which a fixed limb is connected. The fixed limb may be connected to the other of the supporting unit or the sleeve unit. The second bending element may be formed in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the first bending element and may be positioned mirror-symmetrically adjacent to the first bending element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: André Schädlich
  • Patent number: 10449993
    Abstract: The present embodiments provides a tilt fixing device of a vehicular steering column, including: a tilt bracket having a tilt hole formed in a tilt support foiuied on an outer side of a distance bracket, a first threaded portion being formed on a first side surface of the tilt hole, a stepped portion being formed to protrude from a second side surface of the tilt hole, which faces the first side surface, so as to have a level difference with regard to the tilt support, and a second threaded portion being formed on the stepped portion; a lever bolt coupled to an adjustment lever so as to rotate while interworking with the adjustment lever, the lever bolt being installed to penetrate the distance bracket and the tilt hole; and a movable gear having an insertion hole formed to be penetrated by the lever bolt and having a movable threaded portion formed on an outer peripheral surface so as to be inserted into the tilt hole such that the movable threaded portion meshes with the first threaded portion and the secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sang Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 10449991
    Abstract: A steering column mechanism (10) comprises a lower body (14), an upper tube (16) that is movable depthwise relative to the lower body (14) along an extension and retraction path, in a direction of retraction and in a direction of extension opposite the direction of retraction, and a locking mechanism (34) for locking the upper tube (16) relative to the lower body (14), movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A retractable stop (58) is movable relative to the lower body (14) and relative to the locking mechanism (34) between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, the retractable stop (58) limits the travel of the upper tube (16) in the direction of retraction to an adjustment stop position, whereas in the retracted position, it does not interfere with the upper tube (16). The retractable stop (58) is linked to the locking mechanism via an interlock (65) in such a way as to be in the active position when the locking mechanism (34) is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering Vendôme
    Inventors: William Charvet, Jacques Bernier, Mickaël Sauquet
  • Patent number: 10442457
    Abstract: A steering column may comprise a casing tube and a steering spindle that is mounted in the casing tube so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The steering column may further comprise fastening elements for fastening the steering column on the vehicle body. The steering column may include a pivot bearing for height adjustment of the steering column. The pivot bearing may be provided on a region of the steering column that is remote from the steering wheel. Further, the pivot bearing may be disposed or formed in a supporting element that is fastened non-releasably on the casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Eric Gstöhl, Sven Hausknecht, Stefan-Hermann Loos, Frank Pasch, Christian Geissler
  • Patent number: 10421476
    Abstract: An extendable steering column assembly includes a steering shaft, an energy absorption device, and a self-locking telescope actuator. The steering shaft is configured to rotate about an axis, and includes a forward shaft portion mounted for rotation to a fixed support structure, and a rearward shaft portion mounted for rotation to a jacket. The rearward shaft portion is configured to axially translate with the jacket. The energy absorption device is engaged to the jacket. The telescope actuator includes a rod extending along a centerline, a nut threaded to the rod, and a casing in operable contact with the nut. Rotational motion along with axial translational motion is induced between the rod and the nut when at least in at least a power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 10415646
    Abstract: A roller I-shaft includes an inner shaft, a hollow outer member, and a plurality of bearings. The inner shaft extends along an axis, and includes an outward face defining a plurality of first and second grooves that both extend axially and are alternately spaced circumferentially from one-another. The outer member is disposed radially outward from the inner shaft and includes an inward surface defining a plurality of first channels substantially aligned with the plurality of first grooves, and a plurality of second channels substantially aligned with the plurality of second grooves. The first grooves and the first channels form a plurality of first bearing races, and the second grooves and the second channels form a plurality of second bearing races. The plurality of bearings are disposed in a selected plurality of bearing races comprising one of the plurality of first bearing races and the plurality of second bearing races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn A. Haring, Gregory D. Brezinski, Chase A. Szostak, Carl R. Castanier
  • Patent number: 10370021
    Abstract: A steering wheel comprising a steering wheel rim (1) provided with an extended extremity (11), an operating part (2) provided on the radial inner side of the steering wheel rim (1), and an actuating rod (4) fixedly connected to the extended extremity (11). A central shaft (3) is extended from the bottom end of the operating part (2). The central shaft (3) runs through the extended extremity (11) and is inserted into a cavity provided by the actuating rod (4). A bearing component (5) is provided between the inner wall of the extended extremity (11) and the outer wall of the central shaft (3). By fitting the central shaft (3) with the bearing component (5), and by fitting the bearing component (5) with the extended extremity (11), separation of the operating part (2) and the steering wheel rim (1) is implemented, and the steering wheel rim (1) is allowed to be rotated around the central shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: GUANGDONG HUA'CHAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CO., LTD
    Inventor: Shugang Gong
  • Patent number: 10351159
    Abstract: A driver interface for a vehicle includes a steering column assembly and a structural facial. The steering column assembly includes a column constructed and arranged to move between a retracted state and an extended state, and an attachment projecting outward from the column. The structural facial defines an alcove for receipt of the attachment when the steering column is in the retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Joen C. Bodtker, Melvin Lee Tinnin
  • Patent number: 10343707
    Abstract: A steering column may include an adjustment unit with a steering spindle that is mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis in a casing tube, a supporting unit that supports the adjustment unit, and a clamping device that controls movement between the adjustment unit and the supporting unit in a longitudinal direction. The clamping device may comprise an actuating element that interacts with a clamping mechanism for clamping the supporting unit to the adjustment unit. The clamping device may further comprise a locking part. In the securing position a form-fitting element of the locking part engages non-displaceably in the longitudinal direction with a form-fitting element of an engagement part connected to the adjustment unit. In the release position the form-fitting element of the locking part may be spaced apart from the form-fitting element of the engagement part to release the adjustment unit. The actuating element may be connected to a lifting mechanism separate from the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Daniel Kreutz, Sebastian Forte, Hieronymus Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 10336362
    Abstract: An energy absorption strap assembly includes an energy absorption strap coupled to an upper jacket and positioned along an inner surface of a lower jacket of the steering column assembly, the energy absorption strap having a base extending along a longitudinal direction of the energy absorption strap. Also included is a rocker plate having a pivot region seated on the base of the energy absorption strap and tiltable thereon. Further included is a clamp assembly for fixing a telescoping position of the steering column assembly, the clamp assembly having a clamp jaw, wherein movement of the clamp jaw provides a meshed engagement between teeth of the clamp jaw and teeth of the rocker plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDNG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Randy W. Jones, Tyler Reno, Cory A. Harris
  • Patent number: 10315691
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to correct clear vision errors in a vehicle steering system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor to measure a current position of a steering column and a current position of a steering wheel in a vehicle steering system. The example apparatus further includes a non-uniformity manager to map the current position to an offset, and an active steering system to apply the offset to adjust the current position of the steering wheel to a nominal position of the steering wheel to compensate for a clear vision error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lodewijk Wijffels, David Michael Russell, Jeremy Alan Rawlings, Attila Benak, Timothy Cannon, Joseph Park
  • Patent number: 10315682
    Abstract: A steering column may include a steering spindle mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis in an inner casing tube. An outer casing unit in which the inner casing tube is held may be directly or indirectly connectable to a body of a motor vehicle. A clamping device in a fixing position affixes the outer casing unit relative to the inner casing tube. In a release position, the clamping device permits adjustment of the inner casing tube relative to the outer casing unit at least in a longitudinal direction. The clamping device may have at least one locking part for prohibiting or permitting movement between the inner casing tube and the outer casing unit. The inner casing tube and the outer casing unit may be coupled by an energy absorption device that has at least two energy absorption elements that are plastically deformed in the event of displacement between the inner casing tube and the outer casing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Thomas Agbor, Thomas Geiselberger, Johannes Ganahl, Martin Fleischer
  • Patent number: 10308275
    Abstract: A steering column may include a casing unit with a steering spindle that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and a bracket unit that is fixable on the motor vehicle. The casing unit may be secured to the bracket unit such that the casing unit is adjustable in at least one direction. The casing unit may be fixable in different positions by a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism may have a fixing element that is rotatable about a pivot axis. The casing unit may be fixed in position in or on the bracket unit in a locked position of the fixing element, and adjusted relative to the bracket unit in a released position of the fixing element. A movably mounted stop body may interact with the fixing element and, in the released position of the fixing element, is disposed in a first position where it limits adjustability of the casing unit relative to the bracket unit. In the locked position of the fixing element, the stop body may be disposed in a second position where it disengages with the casing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Huber, Mergim Murtezi
  • Patent number: 10300938
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, the shroud comprising an upper shroud portion and a lower shroud portion, in which the upper shroud portion is located towards the end of the steering shaft that is nearest the steering wheel and the lower portion is located towards the end of the shaft furthest from the steering wheel, the upper portion being at least partially received within the lower portion so that the upper portion can telescopically collapse into the lower portion during a crash, a support bracket that in use is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two support bracket arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud, a clamp rail that is releasably secured to the upper shroud portion, the clamp rail including a slot that extends generally horizontally, and a clamp pin that extends through an opening in each of the arms of the bracket and through the generally horizontal slot in the rail, the cla
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Michael Appleyard
  • Patent number: 10293845
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a steering column shroud, comprising: a clamp pin which passes through an opening in the shroud and having a stopper towards one end, a toothed block carried by the clamp pin having a set of rake teeth, the teeth of the block being urged into engagement with a rack of teeth fixed to a support bracket by the stopper when the clamp assembly is in the clamped condition, thereby securing the relative positions of the fixed and moving portions of the steering assembly; and a biasing means that provides a biasing force that acts in an unclamped condition to bias the stopper of the clamp pin away from the moving part to permit the rack of teeth on the block to move clear of the rack of the support bracket, in which a substantial part of the biasing force provided by the biasing means acts upon the clamp pin without passing through the toothed block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Niclas Davies, Tomasz Karp, Stephen Butler, Govindarajan Bangaru, James O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10286945
    Abstract: One steering column assembly for use with a vehicle includes a steering shaft; a bracket having a base and an arm; a jacket supporting the steering shaft and having a locking assembly; and a stop. The arm has an adjustment slot and upper and lower brakes separated from one another by empty space. The jacket has an axle passage, and the locking assembly has a shaft passing through the axle passage and the adjustment slot. The stop is located along the jacket adjacent the arm in the empty space, such that the stop contacts the upper and lower brakes before the shaft reaches upper and lower ends of the adjustment slot. The stop has a main body with passenger-facing and forward-facing ends, an upper leaf spring extending above the main body, and a lower leaf spring extending below the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: thyssenkrupp AG, THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG
    Inventor: Sascha Fricke
  • Patent number: 10286944
    Abstract: On the outer peripheral surface of a part of a tilt operation shaft between sidewalls of a steering column, a pair of left and right protrusions are disposed opposite to each other which protrude outward in the radial direction. The pair of protrusions include mutually facing side surfaces formed as slanted parts defining a truncated V shape in a plan view such that the slanted parts get closer to each other as extending in the circumferential direction of the tilt operation shaft. When the tilt operation shaft is rotated, parts of a spring come into contact with the slanted parts of the protrusions and become elastically deformed, thereby pulling hold end parts of the spring out of tilt holes in wall surface parts of a tilt bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI KIKO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Fujimura
  • Patent number: 10246118
    Abstract: A clamping device for a longitudinally adjustable and/or height-adjustable steering column of a vehicle, having a device part and an actuating part which is movable relative to the device part between a release position, in which the steering column is longitudinally adjustable and/or height-adjustable, and a fixing position, in which the steering column is neither longitudinally adjustable nor height-adjustable, a damping unit being provided for damping a relative movement between the device part and the actuating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Baumeister, Kai Grebe, Magnus Loyen
  • Patent number: 10239480
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration at least in part by a translational movement of the steering wheel. An airbag cushion may be deployable from the steering wheel and may be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration before or during deployment of the airbag cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald James Paxton, Dino Anthony Forton, Chandrakanth Siddharthan, David Keyser, Dion Karl-Axel Kruse
  • Patent number: 10220872
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fastening mechanism that makes an upper jacket fastened to be held by a lower jacket. In a fastened state of the fastening mechanism, a first tooth member on the upper jacket side is meshed with a second tooth member on the lower jacket side. The second tooth member is connected to the lower jacket via a guide shaft (connecting member) that is fracturable during a secondary collision. During the secondary collision in an unfastened state of the fastening mechanism, a second engagement portion (driving member) that moves in a column axial direction integrally with the upper jacket abuts on the second tooth member in an unmeshed state to fracture the guide shaft, and deforms an impact absorbing member via the second tooth member to absorb an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihito Yoshihara, Yu Myohoji, Atsumune Nagatani, Masayuki Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 10202139
    Abstract: A steering system includes a movable member and a tooth member. The movable member includes first tooth arrangements. The movable member is movable together with a column jacket in a tilt direction. The movable member is movable in a right-left direction. The tooth member is supported by a lateral plate of an upper bracket so that the tooth member is located between the movable member and the lateral plate in the right-left direction. The tooth member includes: second tooth arrangements engageable with the first tooth arrangements; and curved elastic portions supporting the second tooth arrangements, with the second tooth arrangements inclined toward the upper bracket such that the second tooth arrangements are away from the first tooth arrangements. When the elastic portions are sandwiched between the movable member and the lateral plate and elastically deformed, the second tooth arrangements come into engagement with the first tooth arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenobu Tanaka, Yoshihito Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 10199787
    Abstract: An arrangement for electrical lines is set forth which is mounted in a steering column switching module and/or in a steering wheel mounted on the module, equipped with its ends electrically conductively connected to one of the electrical components, which is fixedly mounted in the steering wheel switching module or in the steering wheel mounted thereon. At least two of the lines are connected with their other free ends to electrical contacts, which are arranged in at least one coupling body of insulation material in such a way that they are accessible on the plug-in side thereof. The coupling body is accessible from the outside connected with a plug-in side on or in the steering column switching module of the motor vehicle and, in the assembly position, an electrical line leading to the coupling body is connected through an electrical line leading to the onboard network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Frank Schroer, Helmut Rebhan, Alexander Steinert, Markus Wall