With Adjustable Steering Wheel Or Column Patents (Class 280/775)
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Patent number: 9694848Abstract: A High Performance Steering System for amplifying the turning motion of an axle as the turning motion is applied to wheels or tracks at the outer ends of the axle. The present invention generally includes a support member such as an axle which is secured underneath the frame of a vehicle such as a garden tractor or automobile. The support member includes a fixed post and an outer post for each wheel that is steered. Wheels or tracks are connected to the outer posts, such as by mounts. Rotation of the support member imparts forces through sprockets, gears, pulleys, tie rod linkages, or the like to amplify the turning motion of the support member as it is applied to the outer post. The amount of such amplification of turning motion between the support member and outer posts may be varied with differing size ratios of the sprockets, gears, or pulleys.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Energy Performance Systems, Inc.Inventor: L. David Ostlie
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Patent number: 9669861Abstract: The steering column adjusting device for vehicles, preferably commercial vehicles, has a basic unit, with respect to which an adjusting unit is adjustable. With the adjusting unit, a steering spindle can be adjusted. In its respective position, the adjusting unit can be clamped with respect to the basic unit with at least one clamping device. The clamping device is pivotably mounted on the adjusting unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Willi Elbe Gelenkwellen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Sedlmeier, Jörg Hauhoff, Olaf Beuermann, Tomasz Spyra, Tobias Wittmann
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Patent number: 9669781Abstract: A steering apparatus (2) is disclosed, which includes: a steering shaft (3) having a conductive property and transferring a steering force; an outer column (10) having a conductive property and supporting the steering shaft (3) rotatably; an inner column (11) having a conductive property, being fitted in the outer column (10) to enable a relative movement in an axial direction supporting the steering shaft (3) rotatably together with the outer column (10); a bracket (12) having a conductive property, retaining the outer column (10) and being fixed to a vehicle body; and an electrifying lead (17) having a conductive property and configuring a part of an electrifying path leading to the vehicle body from the inner column (11).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kakita, Daiki Orihara, Osamu Kurihara
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Patent number: 9637160Abstract: An outer jacket externally fitted over an inner jacket so as to be slidable in an axial direction relative to the inner jacket has a slit extending straight from an opening formed at a jacket end. A recessed portion is formed at an inner edge of the slit such that a slit width at an inside diameter portion of the outer jacket is larger than a slit width at an outside diameter portion of the outer jacket. An amount of recess of the recessed portion in a circumferential direction of the outer jacket continuously decreases from the opening end to an area end.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryota Okano, Masayoshi Sakuda
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Patent number: 9637158Abstract: A steering column assembly comprising an inner tube and an outer tube that surrounds the inner tube along at least part of its length, in a relaxed condition the outer tube being a relatively loose fit around the inner tube, an elongate slot in the outer tube which can be at least partially closed by applying a load either side of the slot to cause a reduction in the internal diameter of the tube, the slot extending along the outer tube starting from one end of the tube, a pair of flanges which are fixed to the tube on opposing sides of the slot, and a clamp mechanism which connects one flange to the other, the clamp mechanism being movable between a clamped position in which it applies a clamping force to the flanges that acts to reduce the width of the slot and so tightens the outer tube around the inner tube, and an unclamped position in which the clamping force is reduced to permit the flanges to move away from one another as the tube returns towards its relaxed condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: TRW LimitedInventor: Harry Kingston-Jones
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Patent number: 9630644Abstract: A stowing steering column is provided for use with an autonomous vehicle that is capable of traveling at a slower rate of speed and a higher rate of speed, depending on the situation. The slower speed, that of about 20 mm/sec, is the “standard” speed that is utilized during regular stowage and unstowage of the steering wheel under ordinary conditions. The higher rate of speed is necessary in a situation where a possible impact event is sensed and the steering wheel must be extended back to the original design intent position in case the airbags need to be deployed or the vehicle operator needs to over-ride the system for an evasive maneuver. The slower rate of speed is preferably about 20 mm/sec while the higher rate of speed is preferably about 40 mm/sec.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Erik William Soderlind
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Patent number: 9623898Abstract: A second tooth defining member includes a first portion rotatably supported around a support so as to be movable in the column axial direction and a second portion defining second teeth coming into meshing engagement with first teeth moving together with an upper jacket. A guide mechanism guides the second portion in an inclination direction inclined with respect to an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the column axial direction. The guide mechanism includes a guide shaft supported by the lower jacket, and a guide hole that is slot formed in the second portion and extending in the inclination direction. The guide hole has a first end and a second end. The second end of the guide hole is arranged farther from the second teeth than the first end and above the first end in the column axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Masayoshi Sakuda, Atsumune Nagatani, Yu Myohoji
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Patent number: 9623895Abstract: A steering device includes a cylindrical inner column, a cylindrical outer column, a column bracket, a tilt bolt, a lock member attached to the outer periphery of the tilt bolt, a first fixing mechanism, and a second fixing mechanism. The first fixing mechanism clamps the outer column by a pressing bracket in response to the rotation of an operation lever. The second fixing mechanism urges the lock member to the inner column in the tilt direction in response to the rotation of the operation lever. When the inner column moves toward a front side of a vehicle body in a state where the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism are fixed, the lock member separates from the tilt bolt.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Masaya Johta, Daiki Orihara, Ryoichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 9616914Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly received within a lower jacket assembly, and an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes a first energy absorption strap and a second energy absorption strap. The first energy absorption strap has a first portion defining an opening configured to receive a pin of an actuator and a second portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly. The second energy absorption strap has a third portion coupled to a telescope drive bracket and a fourth portion coupled to the upper jacket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Scott A. Stinebring, Robert D. Maida, Nicholas M. Messing
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Patent number: 9610969Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a support unit connectable with the chassis of the motor vehicle, a securement part disposed between the side jaws of the support unit, a setting unit disposed between the side jaws of the support unit; a counter-securement part connected with the setting unit; and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is operably engaged with the setting unit such that in the opened state of the clamping mechanism the setting unit is displaceable with respect to the support unit at least in a longitudinal direction of the steering column, and in the closed state of the clamping mechanism the setting unit is secured at a set position with respect to the support unit. In the event of a motor vehicle crash, the counter-securement part is shiftable with respect to the setting unit with the consumption of energy.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Martin Oehri, Mathias Senn
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Patent number: 9604663Abstract: A steering system includes: an upper bracket that supports a column jacket so that the column jacket is pivotable about a central shaft; a pair of first tooth rows that are supported by the upper bracket and are arranged side by side in an axial direction; and a tooth member that is pivotable together with the column jacket and is movable in a right-and-left direction. The tooth member has second teeth that are formed in two locations spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and that can mesh with the pair of the first tooth rows. The tooth tip angle of first teeth in one first tooth row of the pair of the first tooth rows is different from the tooth tip angle of the first teeth in the other first tooth row that is more distant from the central shaft than the one first tooth row.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hiromitsu Tomiyama, Hidenobu Tanaka, Masayuki Nagaoka
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Patent number: 9598100Abstract: A device for connecting a steering column to a cross member positioned between two A-pillars. The device comprises a front connecting region, a cross member-accommodating region, and a rear connecting region. The device comprises at least one metal structure, which is designed as a bow or comprises at least one such bow, extending from the front connecting region to the rear connecting region. A base body supports the metal structure. The metal structure is substantially the main load path for introducing force into the cross member. The base body is connected to the metal structure in at least the front connecting region and rear connecting region, in the direction of the main load path.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: KIRCHHOFF AUTOMOTIVE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Christian Lenkenhoff, Rolf Schwarzer, Frank Rohlfs
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Patent number: 9580100Abstract: A steering system includes an upper bracket having a first tooth row, a rigid tooth member, a second tooth row provided on the tooth member, a first moving member, and an elastic member disposed between the tooth member and the first moving member. The first tooth row includes a plurality of first teeth. The second tooth row includes a plurality of second teeth. The elastic member exerts a constant restoration force. The second tooth row meshes with the first tooth row when the first teeth and the second teeth are alternately arranged in a tilt direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hiromitsu Tomiyama, Atsumune Nagatani, Hidenobu Tanaka, Masayuki Nagaoka
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Patent number: 9550513Abstract: Provided is steering column support construction that together with eliminating strong rubbing between the bottom surface of a vehicle-side bracket 23a and the top surface of a column-side bracket 22a, and keeping the absolute value and fluctuation in the break away load small, more completely protects the driver during a collision accident without lowering the freedom of design of the steering apparatus. An adjustment rod 27 for adjusting the position of a steering wheel is provided on the top side of a steering column 6b. During a secondary collision, a moment that is applied to the column-side bracket 22a is kept small, friction at the area of rubbing between the column-side bracket 22a and the vehicle-side bracket 23a is reduced, and the break away load is kept low. Moreover, the driver's knees are protected by eliminating the portion that protrudes further downward than the steering column 6b.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Fujiwara, Toru Segawa, Takahiro Minamigata, Kiyoshi Sadakata
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Patent number: 9545943Abstract: A steering device includes: a rotary shaft supported by an upper bracket; a plurality of engaged teeth fixed to an upper jacket; a lock member including engaging teeth to mesh with the engaged teeth; and a support shaft supported by a lower jacket at a position farther away from the engaged teeth than the rotary shaft 35. When the rotary shaft is rotated, a first rotary member is rotated in synchronization with the rotary shaft. A second rotary member moves the lock member to a disengaged position in conjunction with rotation of the first rotary member. The lock member is urged toward a meshing position by an urging member.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Masayoshi Sakuda, Ryota Okano
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Patent number: 9540031Abstract: Provided is a steering device including: a column pipe; an outer column; a fixing bracket; a hanger bracket that is fixedly attached to the column pipe; a biasing member that elastically biases the column pipe upward; a fastening jig; and a guide member which is made from a synthetic resin and has a sliding side portion, which is provided with a buffer protrusion and a bolt shaft hole, and a sliding bottom portion formed at the lower end of the sliding side portion. The buffer protrusion of the guide member 8 is inserted into a telescopic elongated hole in the hanger bracket, the sliding bottom portion abuts against the lower end of the hanger bracket, and a part of the biasing member abuts against the sliding bottom portion 83.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Naohiro Tagaya, Toru Ito, Kazuya Akaishi
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Patent number: 9522693Abstract: To provide a steering device that reduces a hitting sound occurring upon release of clamping by a clamp mechanism and has high operability. A steering device including a clamp mechanism including: a shaft rod bridged across a vehicle-body attachment bracket supporting a steering column; a fixed cam member and a movable cam member configured to cause mutually opposing cam protrusions to be engaged with each other, and axially move the shaft rod in cooperation with each other; and an operation lever for moving the movable cam member. A buffer member is provided between first stopper portions of the fixed cam member and second stopper portions of the movable cam member.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Yuuichi Tomaru, Noritomo Narita
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Patent number: 9505426Abstract: A steering column device includes: telescopic guide holes provided in one of a pair of upstanding walls constituting a lower jacket and a pair of vertical walls constituting an upper jacket and also constituted by through-holes opening along a vehicle longitudinal direction; and co-fastening pins penetrating through the telescopic guide holes movably in the telescopic guide holes by which the upstanding walls and the vertical walls are jointly fastened to each other so that the vertical walls can move on the upstanding walls.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: FUJI KIKO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Matsuno, Tadao Ito, Koji Sawamura
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Patent number: 9501082Abstract: A dampener assembly for a lever is provided. The dampener assembly includes a travel limiter that defines a surface for co-acting with the dampener. The lever is configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position to unlock a component for adjustable movement. The dampener assembly includes also a roller bumper and cam assembly that is configured to cause the surface of the travel limiter to contact the roller bumper in the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, the component is a rake-telescope steering column or an adjustment assembly therefor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard
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Patent number: 9499190Abstract: A self-de-lashing power-rake mechanism of an adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle is provided. The power-rake mechanism includes a jacket, rake bracket coupled to the jacket, and rake bolt extending through the jacket and bracket. At least one pivot bushing is disposed between the jacket and bracket and configured to receive and radially constrict around the bolt. A fastener is configured to be positioned onto the bolt, tightened, and seated on the bracket. The bolt is forced through the fastener, bracket, bushing, and jacket. The bolt is seated on the bracket as the fastener is tightened and draws the bolt, fastener, bracket, bushing, and jacket together as the fastener is being seated on the bracket, thereby de-lashing respective interfaces defined between and among the bolt, fastener, bracket, bushing, and jacket. A steering column assembly including the mechanism is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Jacob A. Caverly, Robert D. Maida, Scott A. Stinebring
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Patent number: 9487228Abstract: The steering column having a lug, a casing, an inner tube, an outer tube, a steering wheel end-piece, and at least one adjustment gear motor. The lug is axially movable and the column includes a gear motor controlling the lug. Having a movable lug makes it possible to increase the stowing length of the steering wheel. The range of movement is the sum of the movements of the lug and the adjustment gear motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE STEERING VENDOMEInventors: Laurent Fevre, Mickael Sauquet
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Patent number: 9481390Abstract: A collapsing steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle, comprising an inner column tube, a steering shaft, a tilt bracket, and a steering wheel adjustment subassembly. During a secondary impact, at least a portion of the steering wheel adjustment subassembly is adapted to detach relative to the tilt bracket by way of at least one breakaway structure and translate (e.g., at least partially longitudinally) during the impact, such as a secondary impact, for moving away from a vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman
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Patent number: 9469330Abstract: A lock device of a steering system includes a tongue piece unit and a frame plate held on a first side plate. The tongue piece unit includes elastic tongue pieces supported in a cantilever manner by a vertical frame provided along at least one of longitudinal edge portions of at least one of first side plates to form a row that extends in a tilt direction. The frame plate includes partitioning portions, between which a plurality of grooves are formed to house the elastic tongue pieces so as to be projectable. When a steering column is locked, some of the elastic tongue pieces are pressed by a pressing surface of a tightening member to be retracted into grooves. Consequently, the tightening member is interposed between the elastic tongue pieces projecting from the grooves in the tilt direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hidenobu Tanaka, Yoshihito Yoshihara, Atsumune Nagatani
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Patent number: 9446781Abstract: In a steering system configured such that occurrence of a half lock is suppressed, when a body portion of a tooth member is pressed in a lock operation of locking the position of a steering column, the tooth member is extended to move a pair of second tooth row forming portions away from each other obliquely with respect to a lateral direction of an elongate tilt hole along the outer surface of a fastening side plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hidenobu Tanaka, Masayuki Nagaoka, Hiromitsu Tomiyama, Atsumune Nagatani
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Patent number: 9446783Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering column including a cylindrical outer column and a cylindrical inner column partially inserted into the outer column, and rotatably supporting an input shaft connected to a steering wheel, two telescopic adjustment portions projecting from an outer peripheral surface of the outer column to extend facing each other, the two telescopic adjustment portions each including an elongated hole elongated in an axial direction of the outer column, a rod penetrating the elongated hole, and an urging member provided on an outer peripheral surface of the inner column exposed from a slit provided between the two telescopic adjustment portions on the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, and urging the rod outward in a radial direction of the inner column and being positioned in an opening portion provided in an outer peripheral surface of the inner column.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Ko Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9440685Abstract: A seat section protecting structure, having a seat at the center thereof, is supported on a chassis frame so that it can swivel horizontally. While running, the lateral side of the seat is covered by the seat section protecting structure so as to protect the passenger from the risk of a collision from the side of the vehicle or a rollover, and while the passenger gets on/off, the seat section protecting structure swivels so that the opening, which allows the passenger to get on/off therethrough, is located on the lateral side of the vehicle. The vehicle has its seat and batteries arranged at optimal positions so as to increase the space efficiency and safety within a limited volume space. Moreover, a steering handle is provided, which is made while taking passenger accessibility into consideration, and an airbag unique to this vehicle is provided in order to increase safety.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: SEARCHWARE KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masanobu Suzuki
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Patent number: 9428210Abstract: A position lock for a steering column comprises a rake lock bracket, a tooth lock and a driver. The rake lock bracket is fixed to the vehicle has a rake lock tooth wall that bounds a control slot and that defines a plurality of rake lock teeth. The tooth lock is coupled to the steering column for movement in a raking direction and supported for rotation about a tooth lock rotation axis. The driver, supported for translation with the tooth lock and for rotation about a driver rotation axis, is configured for contacting an actuation feature of the tooth lock so as to cause the tooth lock to rotate with the driver as the driver rotates within the active range of rotation of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin, John Schulz, Donald A. Buzzard
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Patent number: 9428215Abstract: A steering system includes a second tooth defining member and an energy absorbing unit. The energy absorbing unit includes energy absorbing portions each including a first portion extending upward in a column axial direction from a restraining portion restrained in the column axial direction and a second portion formed by folding back the energy absorbing portion at a fold-back portion, the energy absorbing portions being separated from each other in a first orthogonal direction, and a coupling portion that couples the second portions together and moves together with the second tooth defining member at the time of the secondary collision. At the time of the secondary collision, the energy absorbing portions allow the fold-back portions to move downward in the column axial direction to absorb impact energy while guiding downward movement of the second tooth defining member in the column axial direction between facing edges of the energy absorbing portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Atsumune Nagatani, Masayoshi Sakuda, Yu Myohoji
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Patent number: 9428213Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly is provided. The device includes a first strap coupled to the steering column assembly, the first strap configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column assembly, a second strap coupled to the steering column assembly. The second strap is also configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column. A coupling device connects the second strap to the first strap such that both the first strap and the second strap absorb energy of a first impact event. The coupling device selectively uncouples the second strap from the first strap such that the only the first strap absorbs energy of a second impact event.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
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Patent number: 9421994Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column comprises a steering spindle bearing unit and a steering spindle mounted in the steering spindle bearing unit so as to be rotatable about a steering spindle longitudinal axis, and a support unit, which is provided in the motor vehicle for fixing the steering column and against which the steering spindle bearing unit is retained. The steering spindle bearing unit has a thread and can be adjusted by means of a motor along the steering spindle longitudinal axis relative to the support unit, wherein the steering spindle bearing unit, for adjustment thereof along the steering spindle longitudinal axis relative to the support unit, is connected by means of at least one drive belt or at least one drive chain to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AGInventors: Thomas Agbor, Thomas Geiselberger, Martin Fleischer
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Patent number: 9415796Abstract: A steering apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: friction plates 23, 24a, 24b fastened by a fastening mechanism with a clamp portion and a vehicle-sided bracket 6; and an annular member 20 fitted on an inner column 3 and connected to the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b, the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 being formed with through-holes 20a, 3a penetrating the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 in the vicinity of a connecting portion between the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b and the annular member 20 and being connected by a pin 21 inserted into the through-holes 20a, 3a, the pin being fractured upon receiving predetermined impact force, resulting in canceling the connection between the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 to enable a more stable and lower separating load to be acquired.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Hagiwara, Masaya Jouta
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Patent number: 9415794Abstract: In an upper end portion of a front end portion of an outer column, a cutout which is opened to a front end edge of the outer column is provided in a state of being overlapped on a front end portion of an outer shaft in a radial direction. Accordingly, during insertion work, a state of core dislocation can be visually confirmed through the cutout.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Makoto Nagasawa, Suguru Sugishita
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Patent number: 9415795Abstract: A steering apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including friction plates 23, 24a, 24b clamped by a clamping bolt 10 together with a clamp portion and a vehicle-sided bracket 6 to extend toward a rear side of a vehicle in an axial direction; and a holding member 20 fitted on an inner column 3 and connected to portions, on the rear side of the vehicle, of the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b, the holding member 20 and the inner column 3 being connected together via shearing pins 21a, 21b, the shearing pins being sheared into fracture upon receiving a predetermined level of impact force to enable a more stable and lower separating load to be acquired.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Hagiwara, Masaya Jouta, Hideki Kojima
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Patent number: 9393987Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an input shaft of which one end is connected to a steering wheel, and a steering column that rotatably supports the input shaft. The steering column includes a cylindrical outer column and a cylindrical inner column that is partially inserted into the outer column and guides the outer column in an axial direction. The inner column has a stopper, which regulates a movable range of the outer column in the axial direction, on an outer circumferential surface, and the stopper enlarges the movable range when deformation or movement thereof occurs due to inertial force.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Shinji Okada, Yuuichi Tomaru
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Patent number: 9393986Abstract: A clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, James C. Russell, Malgorzata R. Szeliga
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Patent number: 9381935Abstract: In a steering device, a restriction member urged by an urging member restricts rotation of an inner tube when the restriction member is at an inserted position at which the restriction member is inserted into a second opening of the inner tube through a first opening of an outer tube. When the inner tube moves to contract a steering column upon a secondary collision, a driving edge portion of the second opening drives the restriction member to a position at which the restriction member is retracted from the second opening against the urging member.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Shoji Ishimura
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Patent number: 9376137Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft and a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock plate provided with a plurality of holes; a lock mechanism that moves a tooth such that the tooth advances to the lock plate to be engaged with one of the holes, and retreats from the lock plate to be disengaged from the hole. The lock plate includes a bent portion as a stopper at an end portion of the lock plate in the axial direction, and the stopper restricts a movement of an upper jacket relative to a lower jacket in the axial direction by abutting on the lock mechanism in the axial direction when the steering shaft and the column jacket is telescopically adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignees: 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
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Patent number: 9376135Abstract: A steering device includes a steering column capable of a telescopic adjustment, a support bracket provided with an insertion hole, a movable tooth member fitted into the insertion hole with play in an axial direction, and a stationary tooth member arranged so as to face the movable tooth member. The movable tooth member has a first tooth, and is elastically displaceable to both sides in the axial direction from a predetermined neutral position. The stationary tooth member with a second tooth engageable with the first tooth is moved in a lateral direction to be brought into contact with the movable tooth member and to be separated therefrom. As a result, the second tooth is allowed to engage with the first tooth, and engagement between the first tooth and the second tooth is released.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.Inventor: Toru Sakata
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Patent number: 9359000Abstract: The telescopic connecting steering rod includes a mutually telescopically arranged main steering rod, a middle adaptor, and an upper extension. A lower end of the main steering rod is adapted to enable its mounting in a vehicle steering system. An upper extension is fitted with a connecting element adapted to connect the steering rod to the tailgate part of the vehicle and to connect it to the control element of the vehicle steering mechanism. An above-open bushing on the upper end of the main steering rod and a connecting element include a head. The outline shape of the head conforms to the inner hollow of the bushing. Both of these mutually insertable parts are fitted with fittings to connect the main steering rod and the connecting element with zero lash.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: ELBEE MOBILITY S.R.O.Inventor: Josef Franc
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Patent number: 9296419Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an steering apparatus and, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, occurrence of noise resulting from slip between an inner surface of a fixing bracket and a side surface of a hinge pipe, which faces the inner surface, is prevented, thereby providing the driver with a comfortable steering feeling.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Jin Seok Oh
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Patent number: 9283981Abstract: A steering device includes: a column pipe; an outer housing having a clamping portion; a pair of stopper plates; a fastener having a bolt shaft that is mounted on the clamping portion so as to fasten the clamping portion to thereby fix the column pipe; and a buffer member. The buffer member is mounted on any one of the pair of facing stopper plates and the bolt shaft and makes contact with the other by mutual displacement, and a plurality of projection ribs having a triangular cross-sectional shape is formed on a contacting surface of the buffer member.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Norihiko Yokota, Yoshiyuki Satou, Noriyuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 9278706Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Donald A. Buzzard
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Patent number: 9266554Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column includes an inner jacket pipe that receives a steering spindle, which is received in a longitudinally adjustable manner in an outer jacket pipe held on a steering console and having a hollow cross-section. The steering column also includes a clamping device, by means of which the inner jacket pipe can be releasably secured in its adjusted longitudinal position relative to the outer jacket pipe. The outer jacket pipe has a recess at least over a longitudinal region, whereby its hollow cross-section can be altered by the clamping device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Detlef Hansen, Torsten Harms, Axel Hebenstreit, Holger Kittler, Jan Maak, Juergen Niemoeller, Steffen Schulze, Marco Schwieger
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Patent number: 9260131Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an adjustable shroud which at least partially surrounds a steering shaft and a clamp mechanism operable between a clamped position in which the adjustable shroud part is locked in position and an unclamped position in which the adjustable shroud part can be moved to set the reach and/or rake of the steering column assembly, in which the clamp mechanism comprises a clamp pin, a locking handle and a cam mechanism fitted to the clamp pin, in which the cam mechanism comprises first and second cam portions which can be moved relative to each other by operation of the locking handle to vary the overall length of the cam mechanism, the unclamped position of the cam mechanism being defined by contact of a first end stop of the first cam portion with a second end stop of the second cam portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: TRW LimitedInventors: Mark Anthony Wilkes, Niclas Davies
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Patent number: 9260130Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes: a telescopic mechanism that can move a steering column in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a tilt mechanism that can tilt the steering column in a vertical direction of the vehicle; a driving mechanism that adjusts and transmits an output torque of a driving motor to a telescopic screw shaft that drives the telescopic mechanism and to a tilt screw shaft that drives the tilt mechanism provided in parallel with the telescopic screw shaft; and a switching mechanism that has a first clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the tilt screw shaft, a second clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the telescopic screw shaft, and a switching motor that switches a clutch mechanism between the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Taichi Mizuno
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Patent number: 9254861Abstract: The electric steering wheel position adjustment apparatus of the present invention is constructed so as to improve the support rigidity of a portion that constitutes a steering column apparatus thereof, such that the steering shaft 2b and the steering column 5b have non-expandable construction, but are able to be displaced in the axial direction; holding holes are provided in at least two locations on the top side of the column holder 31 that supports the steering column 5b; and in each of the holding holes, a sliding plate 35, an elastic member 37 and a cover 38 are assembled such that the sliding plate 35 is elastically compressed by the elastic member 37 and pushes the outer circumferential surface of the steering column 5b.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Masato Iwakawa, Yoshiyuki Sekii, Hiroshi Kakita
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Patent number: 9211904Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, with a support part for directly or indirectly mounting the steering column on a body of the motor vehicle and with at least one carriage displaceably mounted in a displacement direction on the support part, at least in the event of a crash, wherein a steering spindle of the steering column is rotatably mounted directly or indirectly on the carriage, wherein the carriage is clamped onto the support part by means of at least one clamping device of the steering column, wherein the carriage is further braced on the support part by at least two contact points arranged on opposite sides of the clamping device and spaced away from the clamping device, wherein at least one free space between the carriage and the support part is arranged in regions between the clamping device and each of the contact points.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rodrigo Back, Robert Galehr
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Patent number: 9205858Abstract: A tilt steering column device is provided having construction in which a displacement bracket 16a is provided on the top side of the steering column 6a and that suppresses an increase in operation force for operating an adjustment lever even when the steering wheel 1 is located at the top end of the adjustment range. A wide section 33 having a width dimension that is larger than the width dimension in the forward-backward direction of an anchor section 25 or the top-half section of a pushing member 29 is provided in the top-end section of at least one long hole 17a of a pair of long holes 17a, 17b that are provided in support plate sections 15b, 15c.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: NSK, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kii, Yoji Arai
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Patent number: 9199661Abstract: A steering device includes: a fixing bracket; an outer column A including a gripping main body portion which is installed swingably on the fixing bracket and which grips an inner pipe, a slit portion formed along the gripping main body portion, clamping portions formed along an axial direction of slit edges which are mutually opposing in the width direction of the slit portion, and a coupling portion which couples together the two clamping portions; and a clamping tool which expands and contracts an interval between the two coupling portions of the outer column A. The coupling portion projects to the outer side of a forming region of the slit portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Kawakami, Kazunari Machida
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Patent number: 9187115Abstract: A steering apparatus has a tilt mechanism, and a locking direction of a tilt lock operation lever is a direction in which the operation lever is pushed down about a central axis. A width of a second end of a tilt elongate hole, which is located on a tilt direction lower side, is narrower than a width of a first end of the tilt elongate hole, which is located on a tilt direction upper side.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Hideyuki Kakishita