Abstract: In a steering device, when a telescopic position of a steering wheel is disposed at a vicinity of an adjustment end on a front side of a vehicle body, if a large force is applied erroneously to the steering wheel toward the front side of the vehicle body, rear ends of telescopic position adjusting long grooves are brought into contact with a fastening rod and push the fastening rod to the front side of the vehicle body. An engaging protrusion pushes an inner column to the front side of the vehicle body. A large force to the front side of the vehicle body, which is applied to the steering wheel is supported by the vehicle body via the inner column, and a force which is applied to a vehicle body attaching bracket can be reduced. This prevents the vehicle body attaching bracket from becoming detached from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A telescoping shaft having a roller assembly in a steering column is provided. The telescoping shaft includes an outer shaft having at least one projection or at least one groove, and an inner shaft telescopically received in the outer shaft, the inner shaft having the other of the at least one groove and the at least one projection, the at least one groove matingly engaging the at least one projection, each of the at least one grooves having a mounting section formed therein. A roller assembly is positioned in the mounting section of each of the at least one grooves and includes a spring having a first biasing section and a second biasing section, a first plurality of rollers positioned on the first biasing section and a second plurality of rollers positioned on the second biasing section, the at least one projection extending between the first plurality of rollers and the second plurality of rollers.

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

Abstract: Construction is achieved wherein upward displacement of a steering column 6c during a secondary collision is prevented, and the distance D between the steering column 6c and the tip end section of an adjustment lever 18b is kept the same regardless of the up/down position of the steering wheel 1. The position of the adjustment lever 18b after rotation is maintained by the tip end section of a locking arm 40 that is provided on the base end section of the adjustment arm 18b engaging with a locking groove 42 of a locking piece 41 that is provided on a support plate section 23a. The direction of formation of the locking groove 42 is such that when the up/down position of the steering wheel 1 is in an upward position, the top end section of the locking groove 42 engages with the tip end section of the locking arm 40, and when the up/down position of the steering wheel 1 is in a downward position, the bottom end section of the locking groove 42 engages with the tip end section of the locking arm 40.

Abstract: A lift-up mechanism is provided with a link member with one end thereof being supported rotatably on a movable bracket for holding a movable columnar member, and the other one end thereof being disposed to be engaged with and removed from a fixing bracket. The link member selectively provides a hold state for engaging the link member with the fixing bracket at a rear part of the vehicle body to hold the movable bracket at an initial position or a lift-up position, and a release state for releasing its engagement. A spring member is disposed between the fixing bracket and the movable bracket, with component forces of its biasing force biasing the movable bracket in a direction to be lifted up from the fixing bracket, and biasing the link member in a direction to be engaged with the fixing bracket.

Abstract: A tilting mechanism is provided with a movable column member for pivotally supporting a steering column to be swung about a swinging center provided at a front part of a vehicle body, and a movable bracket holding it. A lift-up mechanism is provided with a fixing bracket fixed to the vehicle body, and a link member with one end thereof being supported rotatably on the movable bracket, and the other one end thereof being disposed to be engaged with and removed from the fixing bracket. A lift-up biasing portion (spring member) biases the movable bracket in a direction to be lifted up from the fixing bracket. A lift-up manipulating lever selectively provides a hold state for engaging the link member with the fixing bracket to hold the movable bracket at an initial position or a lift-up position, and a release state for releasing its engagement.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a tilt lever, an expandable mechanism having a driving cam rotated by the tilt lever and a driven cam engaged with the driving cam, and a telescopic damper arranged to apply resistance against the rotation of the tilt lever in a direction allowing a position of a steering wheel to be adjusted. The telescopic damper is provided between a lever-side engaging portion which rotates together with the tilt lever and a cam-side engaging part of the driven cam.

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

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle provided with a steering wheel includes a main housing, a movable column member, a fixing bracket fixing the main housing to a vehicle body, a link mechanism, and a drive mechanism connected to the link mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor, a threaded shaft, and a nut member moving in an axial direction of the threaded shaft, the nut member includes a female threaded portion threadedly engaged with the threaded shaft and a pivot shaft portion including a rotational axis orthogonal to an axis of the female threaded portion and including two flat surface portions being parallel to the rotational axis and facing each other while leaving a predetermined distance therebetween, and the link mechanism includes a bearing portion including a bearing hole and a cut-out portion including two flat surfaces configured to be parallel to the two flat surface portions.

Abstract: A steering device is provided that facilitates an operation of mounting a friction plate on a mounting bracket. A first friction plate and a second friction plate just need to be mounted on an outer column only. It is possible to greatly facilitate an operation of assembling alternate layers of the first friction plate and the second friction plate at specified orientations. When the outer column is displaced telescopically, a tightening rod touches a long slit in the second friction plate. The second friction plate rocks around a columnar protrusion as the rocking center. The long slit is formed lengthwise in a direction of tilt positioning. The long slit absorbs a difference between a rocking trajectory formed by the second friction plate and a linear trajectory formed by the outer column. The second friction plate smoothly rocks. The outer column can be smoothly adjusted in the telescopic direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle including a clamping device, in the opened state of which the steering column is adjustable and in the closed state of which the set position of the steering column is fixed and which has an operating lever and a clamping pin having a longitudinal axis. A clamping part, which can be rotated by the operating lever about the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin in order to open and close the clamping device, is arranged on the clamping pin or is integrated with the clamping pin as one piece. The clamping pin and/or the clamping part includes a toothing, which surrounds the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin and the teeth of which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin.

Abstract: A unique motor type motor driven column apparatus may include a motor attached to a telescoping tube that slidably receives a column tube therein, wherein the telescoping tube may be pivotally coupled with a vehicle body by a tilt bracket, an actuating rod rotating by the motor, a tilt mechanism including a tilt clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by a motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the tilt mechanism to make a tilt motion of the column tube, and a telescoping mechanism including a telescoping clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by the motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the telescoping mechanism so as to make a telescoping motion of the column tube.

Abstract: A steering system includes a column shaft that is supported by a column tube so that the column shaft is able to rotate. A male serration is formed in a lower end of a lower shaft of the column shaft in an axial direction. A universal joint connects the lower shaft with an intermediate shaft. A first portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a rotor of a steering angle sensor, and a second portion of the male serration is fitted to a serration hole of a first yoke of the universal joint.

Abstract: A tilt-up mechanism for tilting up an upper column of a steering column from a drive position to a tilt-up position is configured independently from a tilt angle adjusting mechanism and a column length adjusting mechanism. When an operator who is to get on/off an operator's seat steps on and operates a pedal of the tilt-up mechanism, an engaged state of a lock pin with respect to a tilt-up member is disengaged. The tilt-up member is rotated around a support shaft, by a spring force of a tilt-up spring, whereby the upper column is tilted up together with a steering wheel in a direction (A) away from the operator's seat. At this time, the tilt angle and the column length can be held at positions adjusted in advance.

Abstract: A steering device includes: an inner column; an outer column that includes a left-right pair of outer column half bodies having holding surface portions formed on respective inner surface sides thereof, the two holding surface portions together constituting a holding inner peripheral surface for holding an outer peripheral surface of the inner column; a pivot bracket in which hanging side portions are formed on either width direction side of a pivot upper portion; a fixing bracket provided with fixing side portions on either width direction side; and a clamping tool. Respective width direction outside surfaces of the two outer column half bodies are sandwiched between the two hanging side portions of the pivot bracket, and the two fixing side portions of the fixing bracket are connected such that the two width direction outside surfaces of the two outer column half bodies can be clamped and released by the clamping tool.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle that includes an inner column tube, a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner column tube and having a longitudinal axis, a top bracket adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, and a telescoping motor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft in a fore or aft direction. A telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is coupled during normal operation to a column housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted to detach from the column housing in the event of an impact exceeding a predetermined first impact load.

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

Abstract: A position lock for a steering column comprises a rake lock bracket, a tooth lock, a driver, and a spring. 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. The spring is configured and arranged to apply a biasing moment to cause the tooth lock to rotate in a locking direction.

Abstract: A steering apparatus may include a motor; a motor shaft connected to the motor and adapted to deliver torque of the motor; a variable steering section connected to a steering column coupled to a steering handle and adapted to change angle and length of the steering column; and a connecting section adapted to receive from the motor shaft and deliver to the variable steering section the torque of the motor, wherein the variable steering section includes a tilting device adapted to change the angle of the steering column, a telescopic device adapted to change the length of the steering column, a variable steering clutch adapted to be coupled with one of the tilting device and the telescopic device selectively, and a delivery member coupled to the variable steering clutch and adapted to deliver the torque of the motor received from the connecting section to the variable steering clutch.

Abstract: A steering column apparatus has a fixed bracket fixed to a vehicle body and having a pair of long holes extending parallel to each other along a backward-and-forward direction; a movable bracket arranged movably in the backward-and-forward direction; a pair of bolts and a pair of nuts for fixing the movable bracket to a rear portion of the fixed bracket so that the movable bracket can move in the backward-and-forward direction with respect to the fixed bracket; a spring plate having pressing portions for holding the movable bracket at the rear portion of the fixed bracket by pressing the fixed bracket against the movable bracket; a shear pin connecting the fixed bracket and the movable bracket at the rear portion of the fixed bracket; and first and second low friction elements. Upon a secondary collision, the movable bracket smoothly moves toward a vehicle front side together with the spring plate.

Abstract: A steering column includes a steering spindle mounted rotatably about the steering-spindle longitudinal axis thereof, and a bracket unit fixed to the motor vehicle. The casing unit is held on the bracket unit so as to be displaceable in at least one direction parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis and can be locked in differing positions by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has at least one locking element which is mounted moveably, preferably rotatably. In at least one locking position of the locking element, the casing unit is locked in the position thereof in the bracket unit and, in at least one release position of the locking element, the casing unit can be displaced relative to the bracket unit in at least one of the directions parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steering column which supports rotatably a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is connected and a pair of support mechanisms which support the steering column so as to tilt relative to a vehicle body. Each of the support mechanisms includes a support bracket having a column-side fastened portion and a body-side fastened portion, a fulcrum bolt, and a bush. A fastening hole through which a fastening bolt is inserted to fasten the support bracket to a fixed member is formed in the body-side fastened portion. Each of the support mechanisms includes an elastic member which can be compressed in an axial direction of the fulcrum bolt, and the support bracket is configured to oscillate relative to the steering column by the elastic member being compressed.

Abstract: Provided is an electric power steering apparatus that is both lightweight and rigid. A lightweight electric power steering apparatus is achieved wherein a gear housing 45 that houses an electric assist mechanism, a lower support bracket 54 for fastening the gear housing 45 to the vehicle body, a sensor housing 56 that houses a torque sensor 57, an outer column 30 of a steering column 6c, and an upper support bracket 59a for fastening the middle section of the outer column 3 to the vehicle body are all integrally formed of synthetic resin with glass fibers, improving the strength of the joined sections of these members.

Abstract: A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a fixed bracket, a fastener, a primary cam that rotates with a rotation operation of the fastener, and a secondary cam that is non-rotatably attached to a fixed side portion and is in contact with the primary cam. Cam operating portions each including an inclined surface portion, a high level surface, and a contact protrusion are formed at regular intervals along a circumferential direction on a base flat surface of each of the primary cam and the secondary cam, and the inclined surface portion is constituted by a low gradually inclined surface, a middle sharply inclined surface, and a high gradually inclined surface arranged in this order from the base flat surface toward the high level surface.

Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device, the stress applied to around a through hole formed in a column to which the steering block device is attached is reduced. Since there is a slight clearance formed, in the vehicle height direction, between the outer periphery of the lock pin and the through hole and also between the guide groove and the engaging convex part, the clamping force is born by the flange section and first ribs and also by the flange section and second ribs without any force applied to the through hole. The engaging convex part is not fitted in the through hole, so that the through hole is only required to be large enough to allow the lock pin whose cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the engaging convex part to come in and out. This makes it possible to reduce the cross-sectional area of the through hole and thereby increase the strength of the outer column.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component and an adjustable steering column are provided. A compression bracket is configured to support the steering column, a rake bracket is configured to support the compression bracket and an actuating lever is slidingly coupled to the compression bracket and slidable along a linear travel path. A linkage assembly is connected to the compression bracket and is coupled to one end of the actuating lever and a clamping assembly is coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to release a clamping force from the component upon movement of the actuating lever from a first position to a second position, and apply a clamping force to the component upon movement of the actuating lever from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, the mounting bracket having a first leg extending therefrom, a lower jacket having an axial opening extending along its length along a first axis, and an upper jacket extending along the first axis telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. A rake bolt extends along a second axis through the first leg from a first side to a second side of the first leg. The second axis intersects the upper jacket and at least a portion of the rake bolt is received within the lower jacket. A clamping mechanism is positioned on the rake bolt and is configured to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the upper jacket against telescope movement.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting and a carriage received in a guideway of the mounting for movement between a rearward starting position and a forward end position. Arranged between the carriage and the mounting is an actuatable locking device to lock the starting position of the carriage during normal travel and, when being released, to allow a shift of the carriage to the forward end position together with the steering wheel to thereby facilitate entry of the driver. The locking device has at least one predetermined breaking element dimensioned to either break or to become deformed sufficient to release the locking device and to allow the carriage to move from the starting position to the end position, when an impacting predefined crash force is exceeded in the event of a crash.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent portion of the vehicle, the mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot. A column jacket is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction. The adjustable steering column also includes a shift assembly having a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism. The shift cable bracket is supported firstly by the shift mechanism and supported secondly adjacent to the mounting bracket at a distal anchor point.

Abstract: An exemplary adjustable steering column comprises a gear positioned and configured to cause a shaft to rotate about its central axis as the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more telescoping friction plates arranged and configured so as to rotate with the shaft when the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more raking friction plates, each raking friction plate being positioned in frictional contact with at least one of the one or more telescoping friction plates and configured to exhibit a different rotation than the one or more telescoping friction plates when the steering column telescopes. The shaft imposes a compressive load between the one or more telescoping friction plates and the one or more raking friction plates so as to induce friction between the telescoping friction plates and the raking friction plates and thereby resist their relative movement.

Abstract: Construction of a tilt steering apparatus is provided that is capable of preventing the occurrence of unpleasant noise during height adjustment of a steering wheel 1, and maintains sufficient durability and smooth operation. The tilt steering apparatus of the present invention is provided with stoppers 65 in at least two locations in a buffer member 21 c that are rotationally symmetric about the center axis of an adjustment rod 14, and that when a driven-side cam 15b is rotated as the axial dimension of a cam apparatus 47 is expanded or contracted, controls rotation of the driven-side cam 15b so that a convex engaging portion 39c does not collide with the front-side edge or rear-side edge of a vertically long hole 35b.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a console part for securing the steering column to a body of the motor vehicle, and a steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of the steering column. The steering shaft bearing unit is mounted between at least two lateral cheeks of the console part. A bearing part is arranged between the lateral cheeks of the console part and the steering shaft bearing unit. A clamping bolt of the steering column penetrates the lateral cheeks of the console part, the bearing part, and the steering shaft bearing unit. The bearing part has at least one bearing part bead, while the steering shaft bearing unit has at least one steering shaft bearing unit bead, at least some areas of the bearing part bead lying flat against the steering shaft bearing unit bead. The clamping bolt penetrates the bearing part in the bearing part bead and penetrates the steering shaft bearing unit in the steering shaft bearing unit bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element including at least one spring tongue for spring-loading a separate locking part of a steering column of a motor vehicle and at least one fastening part for fastening the spring element to a pin of the steering column. The spring element also has at least one carrier arm, preferably at least two carrier arms, arranged opposite each other for carrying along the locking part when the spring element moves.

Abstract: A steering apparatus exhibits favorable lever operability and generates a powerful steering column fastening and fixing force during tilt and telescopic adjustment. It has a simple structure includes: a column supporting member; a fixed bracket having, fixed side portions; a lock bolt that penetrates the respective fixed side portions of the fixed bracket together with the column supporting member; a main driving cam; a driven cam; an intermediate cam; and an operating lever. The lock bolt penetrates the main driving cam, the driven cam, and the intermediate cam, the main driving cam is rotated by the operating lever, the driven cam is attached to the fixed side portions to be incapable of rotating, the intermediate cam is disposed between the main driving cam and the driven cam, and the intermediate cam is caused to approach and separate from the main driving cam and the driven cam.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a casing unit that rotatably supports a steering shaft, first and second lateral flanges, which can be fastened to the body and between which the casing unit is arranged, a locking device that comprises a clamping bolt, which penetrates the lateral flanges through openings and which is moved in the axial direction when the locking device is opened and closed, and first and second locking elements, between which the casing unit is arranged. The first locking element interacts with a first mating locking element in the closed state of the locking device, and the second locking element interacts with a second mating locking element in the closed state of the locking device. A stop element is arranged on or against the clamping bolt in the area between the two lateral flanges, said stop element being at a distance from a counter-stop in the closed state of the locking device.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a steering column and a lever moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The position of the steering column is adjustable when the lever is in the unlocked position and fixed when the lever is in the locked position. An anti-unlocking device is provided to prevent the lever from moving to the unlocked position from the locked position when a first force is applied to the steering column. The anti-unlocking device prohibits adjustment of the steering column when a first force is applied to the steering column. An example anti-unlocking device may include a member defining a slot, with the lever being at least partially insertable in the slot in the unlocked and locked positions. The member includes a wall defining a ramp surface configured to abut at least one surface of the lever when the first force is applied.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot through which a rake bolt extends. The steering column also includes a column jacket pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction, and a shift assembly. The shift assembly includes a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism, the shift cable bracket having a slot formed therein, a telescope adjustment portion along a first length of the slot, an energy absorbing (E/A) release portion along a second length of the slot, and a raised collar formed in the telescope adjustment portion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket telescopingly disposed within the outer jacket for movement along a longitudinal axis with a cavity defined between the inner and outer jackets. A bushing is radially disposed about the inner jacket within the cavity between the inner and outer jackets. The bushing includes at least one tab engaging the inner jacket to interconnect the bushing to the inner jacket and includes at least one radially projecting pad engaging the outer jacket to frictionally interconnect the bushing to the outer jacket for interlocking the inner and outer jackets.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering column assembly may include a main steering column shaft; a first tubular member; a first attachment feature; and a second attachment feature. The first attachment feature and the second attachment feature may be formed of an injection moldable material such as nylon or polypropylene, having a load glass fiber component. The first and second attachment features are injection molded about the main steering column shaft. A method of constructing a steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is also provided, wherein the first attachment feature and the second attachment feature are injection molded and positioned about the main steering column shaft.

Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a steering shaft which is continuously hollow and through which at least an electrical conductor is led in order to make electrical connection with steering-wheel-side equipment. The conductor, in particular flexible conductor tracks, highly flexible cables, and/or flat conductor ribbons, is guided in an axial direction through the entire steering shaft, and emerges therefrom at the two ends of the steering shaft, and is surrounded essentially by a protective device. The protective device has two protective tubes which can be changed in length in the axial direction, in particular by moving them in and out in a telescopic fashion.

Abstract: A road finishing machine includes a control panel that can be selectively swiveled about a first swivel axis and a second swivel axis, where one operational control each is provided for the first and the second swivel axes for separately unlocking and/or locking a swiveling capacity around the respective swivel axis. One counter surface is fixed to the control panel for each of the operational controls. The swivel axes can be unlocked by pulling the respective operational control in the direction of the respective counter surface, and the control panel can be swiveled into the same direction.

Abstract: First and second lower support mechanisms (27, 28): are each provided with a coil spring (66, 86) that is mated to the outer periphery of an axle part (59, 79) of a fulcrum bolt (53, 73); and are configured in such a manner that support brackets (51, 71) are able to rock with respect to a steering column (5) by compressing the coil springs (66, 86). The coil springs (66, 86) are formed in such a manner that the axle parts (59, 79) are force fitted in a state prior to column-side fastening parts (55, 75) being fastened to the steering column (5).

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket having a first outer leg, a second outer leg and a cross bar connecting the first and second outer legs. A compression bracket is positioned between the outer legs and includes a first inner leg, a second inner leg and a lower plate connecting the first and second inner legs. The lower plate includes a spring slot. A column jacket is secured to the compression bracket and extends along a first axis. A rake bolt extends through the mounting bracket and compression bracket. A coil spring is seated on the cross bar and is secured to the rake bolt. The coil spring extends through the spring slot in the lower plate and supports the column jacket with the steering column in an unlocked condition.

Abstract: A position lock for an adjustable steering column comprises a plurality of discs stacked for rotation on a control shaft and engaged to a gear profile of a stationary bracket. The discs are engaged to the gear profile so as to be caused to rotate relatively to one another as the steering column undergoes movement in the relevant direction. The discs are configured to resist rotation relative to one another when subjected to a compressive load, and the control shaft is engaged to a cam for selectively applying a compressive load to the discs. A method for selectively controlling motion of a steering column comprises coupling motion of the steering column to the relative movements of a plurality of discs, constraining the discs to rotate relative to one another as the steering column undergoes motion in the relevant direction, and selectively adjusting resistance to relative rotation the discs.

Abstract: A steering device contains a rolling bearing that axially supports a steering shaft to allow rotation, and whose upper column and lower column engage along the axis in a sliding motion in order to provide improved steering wheel operating stability during high-speed driving. The elastic force of an O-ring tightens the outer circumferential surface of a female steering shaft against the cylindrical surface of a bushing. A specific frictional force therefore occurs between the cylindrical surface of the bushing and the outer circumferential surface of the female steering shaft so that handling stability of the steering wheel during high-speed driving is improved. Moreover, vehicle vibrations are prevented from being conveyed to the steering wheel by the O-ring crushed due to the pressing force of the inner circumferential surface of the first lower column and that absorbs the vibration of the female steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a column jacket and an energy absorption system. The column jacket is configured to undergo a collapse event involving a translation of the column jacket along a longitudinal axis in response to application of a column compression force. The energy absorption system includes an anvil coupled to the vehicle and a strap coupled to the column jacket with the strap extending through the anvil such that the strap is drawn over the anvil in response to the collapse event. The strap is configured to cause: (a) a friction force to be created between the strap and the anvil; and (b) a deformation force to be created between the strap and the anvil. The strap is configured such that at least one of the friction force and the deformation force varies along the length of the strap.

Abstract: Construction is achieved capable of stably maintaining an inner column 43 on the inner diameter side of an outer column 42. The outer column 42, including a support section 46 is formed by using hydroforming to swell a hollow tube outward in the radial direction. A displacement bracket 34 is also integrally formed with the outer column 42 by tube swelling. Furthermore, raised sections 47a, 47b of the support section 46 are formed at three or more location in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the outer column 42, and these raised sections 47a, 47b and the outer circumferential surface of the inner column 43 come in contact with each other at three or more locations in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may be operably coupled to the frame and configured for steering at least one wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle. The steering assembly may include a vertical adjustment assembly and a folding assembly. The vertical adjustment assembly may be configured to enable telescopic adjustment a height of handles associated with the steering assembly. The folding assembly may be configured to enable folding of at least a portion of the steering assembly.