Steering Column Or Wheel Movable In Response To Collision Patents (Class 280/777)
  • Patent number: 12049250
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering column, a steering wheel and an actuator configured to move the steering handle amongst a plurality of positions, and at least one sensor for sensing a user proximate to the vehicle and generating sensed data based on the sensed user. The vehicle also includes a controller determining one or more characteristics of the user from the sensed data and controlling the actuator to actuate the steering wheel to one of the plurality of positions based on the determined one or more characteristics of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Brendan Diamond, Taras Palczynski, Erik William Soderlind, James Robert Chascsa, II, Lucretia Williams
  • Patent number: 11891116
    Abstract: A telescope drive bracket for coupling a telescoping actuator to an upper steering jacket, the telescope drive bracket includes a plate including a first end, an opposite second end, and a pair of sides extending from the first end to the second end, a strap retainer formed with the plate and including a reaction wall extending in parallel with the plate, and a strap including a first portion engaging the strap retainer, a second portion extending along the plate, and a bent portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion and the second portion extend from the bent portion in a same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Zachery P. Schultz, Raymond J. Neifert, Robert D. Maida
  • Patent number: 11884318
    Abstract: A steering device including a steering column supporting a steering shaft to be coupled to a steering wheel. The steering column is sandwiched between a bracket including a first support plate and a second support plate with a tightening shaft penetrating the first support plate and the second support plate and including a male thread at an end of the tightening shaft on a side close to the second support plate having a nut attached thereon. An operation lever is disposed between the nut and the second support plate and penetrated by the tightening shaft. A case including a bottom surface facing an end surface of the tightening shaft is attached to the operation lever, and a coil spring coming into contact with the bottom surface and the tightening shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Shin Mihara, Osamu Kurihara
  • Patent number: 11885375
    Abstract: A tubular body of a power transmission shaft made of fiber-reinforced plastic is provided with a cylindrical main body portion, and a second connection portion continuous with an end portion of the main body portion and to which a stab shaft is joined. The main body portion is formed with a weak portion which fails when a load input in the direction of an axial line exceeds a predetermined value. A linear rupture portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the weak portion. In the present configuration, cost reduction and weight reduction of the tubular body are made possible, and the tubular body fails infallibly when a predetermined load is input to the tubular body in the direction of the axial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nakayama, Kazuki Ohta, Kenichi Mori
  • Patent number: 11866093
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorbing strap assembly operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap assembly includes an energy absorbing strap having a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a curved portion connecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the first leg portion coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap also includes a control bracket defining a slot sized to receive the curved portion of the energy absorbing strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy W. Jones, Chet A. Hickmott, Shenbing Wen
  • Patent number: 11753064
    Abstract: A steering column that includes a first jacket and a second jacket that is axially movable with respect to the first jacket. An energy absorbing apparatus is located between the first jacket and the second jacket. The energy absorbing apparatus includes a strap body that extends between a first end and a second end. A curved portion is located between the first end and the second end and a spring segment is configured to bias the curved portion towards the first end when the connector strap is fixed to a jacket of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 11685422
    Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column including a first jacket and a second jacket that is axially movable with respect to the first jacket. The second jacket includes a window and the first jacket includes a connector opening. An energy absorbing assembly includes a lock cam that is located in the window and connected to the second jacket and a strap body that is connected to the first jacket with a fastener extending through the strap body and the connector opening. The connector opening includes a ramp for ejecting the fastener from engagement with the first jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 11685423
    Abstract: A steering column comprising a first jacket and a second jacket that is axially movable with respect to the first jacket. The first jacket includes an aperture. An energy absorbing apparatus includes a strap body extending between a first end and a second end and a curved portion located between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a first connector and the second end includes a second connector selectively connected to the first connector through the aperture in the first jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 11661097
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorbing strap assembly operatively coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorbing strap assembly includes a strap having a stationary leg and a moveable leg, the moveable leg extending from a first strap end region to a curved portion, the stationary leg extending from the curved portion to a second strap end region, wherein the second strap end region forms a U-shape defined by a radially outer segment, a radially inner segment and a connecting segment to join the radially outer segment and the radially inner segment. The energy absorbing strap assembly also includes a pin extending through the radially inner segment of the stationary leg and the moveable leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy W. Jones, Chet A. Hickmott, Kurt D. Dubay, Anthony R. Talhelm
  • Patent number: 11623680
    Abstract: A steering device includes: an inner tube including a steering wheel; a column housing that houses the tube retractably along an axis; a drive mechanism attached to the column housing in such a way as to cause the tube to perform a retraction operation via a drive member that reciprocates along the axis, a first impact absorption member that is provided on one of the drive member and the tube, and includes a deformation portion; and an action member that is provided on another of the drive member and the tube, and plastically deforms the deformation portion. The drive member, the first impact absorption member, and the action member are fixed by a single fixing member. When a predetermined pushing load acts on the tube, fixing between the first impact absorption member and the action member is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihiro Muraki
  • Patent number: 11613299
    Abstract: A steering device includes an inner column, an outer column, a hanger bracket, and a fixing member. The hanger bracket has a guide hole which extends in the front-rear direction and through which the shaft portion of the fixing member passes. An edge portion of the guide hole is provided with a first region with which the seat portion of the fixing member comes into contact to fix the hanger bracket to the inner column and a second region which is disposed in front of the first region and faces the seat portion when the seat portion is displaced forward together with the inner column by a secondary collision load being input. A frictional restraining force between the seat portion and the edge portion of the guide hole in a state where the seat portion is displaced to a position opposite the second region is set to be smaller than a frictional restraining force between the seat portion and the edge portion of the guide hole at a position where the seat portion faces the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 11591002
    Abstract: An absorber of steering column shock energy includes a plastically deformable part forming a loop, a breakaway link closing this loop on itself, and a first attachment interface and a second attachment interface separate from the breakaway link and arranged on either side of the loop. The part and the fusible link are arranged so that the exertion of forces in opposite directions on the first attachment interface and on the second attachment interface respectively, causes a stress leading to a deformation of the loop, breaking of the breakaway link and further deformation of the loop after this break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering Vendome
    Inventors: Mickael Sauquet, Eddy Dupont
  • Patent number: 11396318
    Abstract: A steering device includes a bracket and right and left bolts. The bracket includes right and left side plates supporting a steering column from both sides, respectively, in a widthwise direction, and right and left flanges extending outwardly in the widthwise direction from respective upper ends of the right and left side plates. The bolts fasten the flanges to a mount surface of a vehicle body. The flanges include respective right and left internal protrusions protruding toward the mount surface from respective flange surfaces, which face the mount surface. The internal protrusions are located forwardly in a vehicle body back-and-forth direction relative to tightened positions of the bolts, and are located near respective internal edges of the flanges in the widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoya Ishikawa, Satoaki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11345391
    Abstract: A steering column may include an inner casing tube in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis, an outer casing unit in which the inner casing tube is retained, and a motorized adjustment drive for longitudinal relative movement between the outer casing unit and the inner casing tube. The inner casing tube and the outer casing unit are coupled via an energy absorption device that has at least two energy absorption elements and a coupling device. A first energy absorption element can be coupled or uncoupled between the inner casing tube and the outer casing unit via the coupling device, which energy absorption element can be plastically deformed in the coupled state with relative displacement in the longitudinal direction of the inner casing tube and the outer casing unit. The coupling device has a coupling element that is movable between the uncoupled and the coupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: René Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11279396
    Abstract: A steering column includes an upper jacket. The steering column also includes a lower jacket that the upper jacket is telescopingly coupled to. The steering column further includes an energy absorbing strap directly coupled to the upper jacket with at least one mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt D. Dubay, Leslie E. Edmundson, Anthony R. Talhelm
  • Patent number: 11279392
    Abstract: A steering column device includes a cylindrical inner tube, and a cylindrical outer tube which is fixed to the inner tube by being externally fitted to slide in an axial direction of the inner tube and being elastically reduced in diameter, wherein the outer tube is configured to have a first slit and a second slit to be reduced in diameter. A stress alleviation portion is provided at the second slit. A contour shape of the stress alleviation portion is set to include an elliptic arc-shaped portion of which a direction of a major axis is a direction intersecting the second slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonori Sugiura, Kentaro Kikuiri, Yuta Kiguchi, Kota Higuchi
  • Patent number: 11242085
    Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a shaft for a steering device, the shaft including a spline shaft part to be coupled with an input shaft, a stopper part to be coupled with an output shaft, and an intermediate shaft part that couples the spline shaft part with the stopper part. The method includes: a step of forming a hole part recessed in an axial direction from one end of a pillar-shaped material by forging; and a step of pressing the material in which the hole part has been formed into a die to perform drawing in a radial direction on a portion of the material at which the stopper part is formed and prolonging a length along the axial direction of the hole part at the same time by forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suehiro, Kaname Yasuda, Kazuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 11242083
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle, with a first casing in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted about an axis. The first casing and a second casing are arranged to be telescoped one into the other. The second casing can be connected to a body of the motor vehicle. The casings are coupled to one another via an energy absorption device which has at least two deformation sections arranged one behind the other in the direction of the axis. At least one of the deformation sections can be coupled between the casings via a coupling device or decoupled therefrom, and the deformation section can be plastically deformed in the coupled state in the event of relative displacement of the first casing with respect to the second casing. At least two deformation sections are formed on a single-piece energy absorption element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Hieronymus Schnitzer, Ciprian Paltinisanu, Matthias Ancelin
  • Patent number: 11173946
    Abstract: A steering column may include an actuating unit with a steering spindle rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis in a casing tube, a support unit in which the actuating unit can be received, and an energy absorbing device that includes a transmission element that is supportable on the support unit and an energy absorbing element secured to the actuating unit. In a crash event, the transmission element is movable in a direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the plastically-deformable energy absorbing element. The energy absorbing element has an elongated hole parallel to the longitudinal axis and into which an expansion part of the transmission element that is oversized relative to the elongated hole engages. The energy absorbing element may be connected to the actuating unit via a securing element that engages in securing recesses of the energy absorbing element and of the casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Oliver Rietzler, Tassoh Kpekpasse, Benjamin Deeg
  • Patent number: 11148704
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle, having an inner casing tube which rotatably supports a steering shaft, and an outer casing unit in which the inner casing tube is received movably in the axial direction and is fixable, also having an energy absorption device which is arranged functionally between the casing tube and the casing unit, in which a portion of the energy occurring in the event of a crash can be absorbed when the casing tube is moved telescopically relative to the casing unit, wherein the energy absorption device comprises at least one deformation strip, which is pulled through a brake element and thereby deformed, is improved according to the invention in order to reduce the installation space of the overall steering column in that the deformation strip is fastened on a carrier plate, which in turn is fastened to the casing tube and projects in the axial direction beyond the casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Markus Domig
  • Patent number: 11148705
    Abstract: A steering column device includes: a lower tube configured to be attached to a vehicle body; a upper tube provided to be movable relative to the lower tube in a vehicle body front-rear direction; and a cylindrical retainer interposed between the lower tube and the upper tube. In addition, the steering column device includes an energy absorption mechanism arranged between the lower tube and the upper tube. The energy absorption mechanism has: a long hole provided in the lower tube; a restriction portion provided on the retainer and arranged in the long hole; and a restriction projection provided on the upper tube, and arranged in the long hole while being positioned on a rear side of the vehicle body relative to the restriction portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Ito, Takahiro Baitou
  • Patent number: 11104370
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having an energy absorption (EA) plate. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorption strap integrally formed with the lower jacket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Tyler M. Reno, John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 11097767
    Abstract: A steering system includes a steering column, a column bracket, a distance bracket, a rod, and an elastic member. The steering column supports an input shaft coupled to the steering wheel. The column bracket has a long hole therethrough and supports the steering column. The distance bracket includes: two vertical plates provided on an outer circumferential surface of the steering column and extending along the column bracket; and a horizontal plate coupling together the two vertical plates. The rod penetrates the long hole and the vertical plates. The elastic member is positioned between the horizontal plate and the rod and presses the rod toward the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Youhei Nakazato
  • Patent number: 11066094
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle, with a vehicle-fixed storage element and on which a storage element is stored, wherein the receiving element is in operative connection with a steering wheel arrangement, an energy absorption device, an effective connection with the storage element and the receiving element and which provides for at least one elongated absorption member as well as at least one reduction member with a passage for the absorption member, through which the absorption member extends and which at least partially has a smaller Q1 cross section compared to a Q2 cross section compared to a cross section of at least one portion of an end-section of the absorption member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Birkheim, Stephan Hänisch
  • Patent number: 11061401
    Abstract: A steering column for autonomous vehicles includes a powered actuator controlling rotation of a lower column, an inner column, and an upper column that is movable relative to the lower and inner columns. Rotation of the lower column relative to the upper column moves the upper column lengthwise. A powered lock rotatably interconnects the inner and lower columns when in a first position, and locks the inner column to a base when in a second position. In an autonomous mode, the upper column is stowed, the powered lock is in the first position, and the motor inhibits rotation of the lower column. In a manual mode, the upper column is extended, the powered lock is in the second position, and a sensor detects an angular position of the upper column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Juergen Koehler, Linh Ngoc Doan
  • Patent number: 11052936
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a collapse limiter having an inner strap and an outer strap, the inner strap being at least partially nested within the outer strap, the collapse limiter being moveable with the upper jacket to provide a collapse distance of the collapsible steering column assembly that is constant regardless of a telescopic position of the upper jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Damian Z. Gosztyla, Matthew J T Vincent, Robert W. Dubay, Robert D. Bueche
  • Patent number: 11046353
    Abstract: A support bracket assembly, for fixing a shroud of a steering column assembly to a vehicle, includes: a support bracket fixable to the shroud; and a capsule assembly for interconnecting the support bracket with a fixed part of the vehicle. The capsule assembly further includes a capsule body; and an energy-absorbing strap; wherein the capsule body and energy-absorbing strap are configured to be fixed to the fixed part of the vehicle. Prior to an application of a predetermined force to the support bracket, the capsule body, energy-absorbing strap, and support bracket are interconnected by a connector and further wherein, upon application of the predetermined force to the support bracket, the connector is configured to separate from the capsule body whilst continuing to interconnect the energy-absorbing strap and support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Pawel Ponikiewski, Artur Wojtalik
  • Patent number: 11046352
    Abstract: A steering column includes: a cylindrical member that holds a steering shaft in such a manner as to allow extension and contraction of the steering shaft; a holding member that holds the cylindrical member; a fixture member that is fixed to a vehicle body; a coupling member that couples the fixture member and the holding member; and an energy absorbing member that is partially fixed to the holding member. The coupling member uncouples the fixture member and the holding member when the holding member moves forward for a specified distance in an axial direction. The fixture member has an engaging section arranged at a position where the engaging section is engaged with an engaged section of the energy absorbing member when the holding member moves forward for the specified distance or longer in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Miyai, Osamu Fujimura, Yota Uesaka, Yasuhiro Tanioka, Akio Osuka, Takuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11034379
    Abstract: A steering column apparatus configured for vehicles may include a housing assembly, and a support assembly configured to be coupled to one side of the housing assembly to serve to absorb a tilt and an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joon-Mo Park, Byung-Woo Noh, Ji-Yong Yim, Beom-Soo Kim, Sang-Min Jo, Hyoung-Jun Ahn
  • Patent number: 11027766
    Abstract: A steering apparatus includes: a column shaft; a column tube supporting the column shaft; a housing movably supporting the column tube; a fastener configured to fix the position of the column tube by pressing on radial ends of the housing; a first impact absorber configured to generate a first dynamic friction force with the column tube; and a second impact absorber configured to generate a second dynamic friction force with the housing during a secondary collision by being moved by the first impact absorber. The first impact absorber is structured such that a distal static friction coefficient in a distal region located further from a squeezing portion of the fastener is less than a proximal static friction coefficient in a proximal region closer to the squeezing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Yoshitaka Miyanaga, Norihito Tanaka, Satoshi Matoba
  • Patent number: 11001292
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column is adapted to be supported by a vehicle structure. The telescoping steering column includes a jacket assembly and a jacket. The jacket is telescopically coupled to the jacket assembly along an axis. The jacket assembly and the jacket are adapted to collapse axially from a normal state to a collapsed state upon exertion of an axial force in a forward direction. The energy absorbing assembly includes a pin and a rupture member disposed axially adjacent to the pin. The pin is fixed to the jacket assembly and extends radially with respect to the axis and through a first opening defined by the jacket. The rupture member is part of the jacket, defines at least in-part first and second openings in the jacket. The rupture member is adapted to break as the jacket assembly and the jacket move from the normal state to the collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Derocher, Leslie E. Edmundson
  • Patent number: 10989251
    Abstract: A friction clutch mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLC
    Inventors: Pritish Khale, Oliver Perichon
  • Patent number: 10967900
    Abstract: A compound energy absorption system for a steering column may include different first and second energy absorption mechanisms. The first energy absorption mechanism may involve a slide that deforms a deformation strip in a crash event. The second energy absorption mechanism may involve an energy absorbing strap and a carrier, with the energy absorbing strap being configured to bend and/or tear in a crash event. The energy absorbing strap, the carrier, the deformation strip, and the slide may be packaged compactly in series along an inner jacket tube of the steering column such that the carrier and the deformation strip move relative to the slide and a portion of the energy absorbing strap in a crash event. A pyrotechnic switch, a solenoid, or the like may selectively couple or decouple the second energy absorption mechanism depending on the severity or anticipated severity of a crash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Christian Pichonnat, Kevin Templin, Bryce Welch, Justin Yoho
  • Patent number: 10953911
    Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a steering device including a pipe, a housing, a telescopic mechanism, and a load absorbing mechanism. The load absorbing mechanism includes an EA plate disposed in the pipe, a guide plate disposed in a telescopic movable portion, and overlapped with the EA plate, and a connection member connecting the EA plate and the guide plate to each other. Dimensions of the load absorbing mechanism are set so that a load applied between the connection member and the EA plate is lower than a load applied between the connection member and the guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Sekiguchi, Taisuke Honma
  • Patent number: 10953910
    Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a steering device including a pipe, a housing, a telescopic mechanism, and a load absorbing mechanism. The load absorbing mechanism includes a first connection member connecting a hanger bracket and an EA plate to each other and a second connection member connecting a guide plate and the EA plate to each other. In a case where a forward acting load applied to the pipe has a predetermined value or greater, the load absorbing mechanism is configured so that the first connection member is slidable on the EA plate, and is configured so that the second connection member is slidable on the EA plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Sekiguchi, Taisuke Honma
  • Patent number: 10946889
    Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle includes a telescopic mechanism, a first electrically powered linear actuator, and a means for absorbing the impact energy transmitted between a driver and the steering wheel in a crash. The telescopic mechanism includes substantially coaxial first and second tubular members. The first electrically powered linear actuator controls the longitudinal position of the first tubular member relative to the second tubular member. The means for absorbing the impact energy includes: (1) two or more folded metal straps; (2) at least one strap is fixed at one of its ends to a member which is fusibly connected to the first tubular member and to which is also connected a moving part of the said electrically powered linear actuator; (3) an adjacent edge of each of at least the first and second straps comprising an array of teeth or ramps; and (4) a pyrotechnically actuated means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Appleyard, Niclas Davies
  • Patent number: 10946888
    Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided that is reach-adjustable. An inner shroud portion and outer shroud portion, which move telescopically relative to one another, each have an elongate slot, the slots at least partially overlapping at all times over the range of adjustment. An end stop extends through, and is movable within, both slots such that it strikes one end of each stop when the steering column assembly is fully retracted and the other end of each slot when the steering column assembly is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Niclas Davies
  • Patent number: 10919561
    Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a steering device including a pipe, a housing, a telescopic mechanism, and a load absorbing mechanism. The load absorbing mechanism includes an EA plate disposed in the pipe, a guide plate overlapped with the EA plate, and a connection member which connects the EA plate and the guide plate to each other, and which is slidable with respect to the EA plate and the guide plate in a case where a forward acting load applied to the pipe has a predetermined value or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Sekiguchi, Taisuke Honma
  • Patent number: 10899379
    Abstract: An energy absorption strip (40) having a generally elongated body portion (46), a first end (42) and a curved portion (44) between the first end (42) and the generally elongated body (46) portion that forms and angle between the first end (42) and the generally elongated body portion (46). The energy absorption strip (40) is adapted to be carried within a steering column assembly (10) and absorb energy by plastic deformation during translation of a column tube (20) during an impact exceeding a threshold load. A steering column assembly (10) including the energy absorption strip (40) is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman, Simon Read
  • Patent number: 10875565
    Abstract: A steering arrangement for a vehicle, the steering arrangement comprising a steering column bracket comprising a pair of bracket walls, each of the bracket walls being arranged in connection with a respective one of steering column walls, wherein the steering column bracket comprises a laterally movable resilient member on each of the bracket walls, each of the laterally movable resilient members being snap-fitted to a respective one of laterally extending recesses of the steering column for attaching the steering column bracket to the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Krstic, Johan Svensson
  • Patent number: 10870443
    Abstract: A steering device, a hanger bracket having a first suspended plate-like portion and a second suspended plate-like portion and fixed firmly to a column pipe, an outer column having an enclosing main body portion enclosing the column pipe and a tightening portion, a fixed bracket supporting the outer column, and a tightening tool that tightens and loosens the outer column and the fixed bracket and has a bolt shaft. Long hole portions that extend in the axial direction and are each formed of a telescopic long hole and a shock absorbing long hole are formed in the first suspended plate-like portion and the second suspended plate-like portion respectively. A telescopic stopper is provided in at least either one of the long hole portions. An inclined region including a plurality of consecutive inclined sides and the vertical size of which gradually becomes narrow is provided in the other long hole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Takahashi, Koji Hirooka
  • Patent number: 10858034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun Gyu Lee
  • Patent number: 10843721
    Abstract: A steering column may include an inner casing tube that rotatably mounts a steering shaft, an outer casing unit in which the inner casing tube is displaceable and fixable in an axial direction, and an energy absorption device operatively disposed between the casing tube and the casing unit. The energy absorption device absorbs at least some energy in a crash event when the casing tube is telescopically displaced relative to the casing unit. The energy absorption device may have at least two deformation strips fastened to the casing tube, and a deformation slide may be disposed on each strip. Each deformation slide may be connected to the casing unit and may encompass and jam external narrow sides of the respective deformation strip so that each deformation slide deforms the respective deformation strip when the deformation slide in a crash event is displaced in the axial direction on the deformation strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Markus Domig
  • Patent number: 10829144
    Abstract: A steering column with an inner casing tube rotatably mounts a steering shaft. An outer casing unit is connected to a vehicle chassis and the inner casing tube is displaceably received therein and configured to be axially fixable. An energy absorption device is operatively disposed between the casing tube and the casing unit and in which part of the energy arising in the event of a crash is absorbed when the casing tube is telescopically displaced in relation to the casing unit. The energy absorption device is configured to adapt the absorbed energy to the circumstances of the crash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Markus Domig
  • Patent number: 10807632
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column (5) that is designed to absorb energy by collapsing is described. The steering column (5) has a jacket body (10) secured to the vehicle and a steering shaft assembly (17) adjustably and slidably positioned in the jacket body (10). An energy absorbing strap (23) has a second end (26) secured to the jacket body (10) and a first end (25) releasably secured to the steering shaft assembly (17). The energy absorbing strap (23) being disposed to deform to absorb energy when the steering shaft assembly (17) is displaced with respect to the jacket body (10). The energy absorbing strap (23) is deformed at a second predetermined energy absorbing rate. A spring plate (41) has its first end (43) secured to the jacket body (10) and a second end (45) releasably engaging the energy absorbing strap (23). At least one elongated slot (47) is positioned adjacent the first end (43) of the spring plate (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLC
    Inventors: Olivier Perichon, Ricky Mains, William F. Scroggin
  • Patent number: 10676125
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, a toothed block that is connected to the clamp bolt and is displaced on rotation of the clamp bolt, and a carrier element that supports the toothed block and is movable in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to in turn move the toothed block between a clamped position and an unclamped position and is free to move from side to side relative to the slot. A frangible pin secures the toothed block to the carrier element, the frangible pin having a first end located in a bore in the toothed block and a second end located in a bore in the carrier element, the toothed block being supported on a shoulder of the frangible pin, and a clearance is provided between the frangible pin and the walls of one of the bores to permit side to side movement of the toothed block relative to the carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Jan Dite
  • Patent number: 10676123
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a support bracket, a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, an energy absorbing mechanism that includes a puller, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion including a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion, the slot defining two opposing walls which each carry a row of teeth, the two rows thereby being spaced apart from one another with the teeth extending towards each other; the puller being positioned adjacent the slot, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, and a toothed block having a row of teeth on each side, the pitch between teeth of each row being equal to, or a whole multiple of, the pitch of the teeth of the corresponding row of the slot. The block is supported by a carrier element that moves in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to move, in turn, the toothed block between a clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Jan Dite
  • Patent number: 10676124
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion including a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud that may be rotated around its long axis by operation of a locking lever, and a toothed block that is connected to the clamp bolt having a row of teeth on each side, the pitch between teeth of each row being equal to, or a whole multiple of, the pitch of the teeth of a corresponding row of the slot. The toothed block is supported by a carrier that moves in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to in turn move the toothed block between a clamped position and an unclamped position and supports the toothed block such that the toothed block is free to move from side to side when in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Jan Dite
  • Patent number: 10661821
    Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided that includes an inner shroud portion and an outer shroud portion, the inner shroud portion extending into the outer shroud portion and including a rail. The rail includes a slot with two opposing sides, each of which has teeth. A toothed block is provided that engages with the teeth of the slot, when a clamping mechanism is actuated. The toothed block is supported by a carrier that allows the toothed block to be free to move from side-to-side when engaged with the slot, and the teeth of the slot and the toothed block are shaped such that the toothed block may engage the teeth of the slot at any position when the clamping mechanism is actuated. The teeth of a first side of the slot prevent the block from moving in a collapse direction of the assembly and the teeth of the second side of the slot permit movement in a collapse direction but apply a thrust towards the teeth of the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Niclas Davies
  • Patent number: 10654516
    Abstract: A steering column may include an inner casing tube in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted, an outer casing unit that retains the inner casing tube, and a clamping device that secures the outer casing unit relative to the inner casing tube in a fixing position and enables adjustment in an enabling position. The clamping device comprises an arresting element supported longitudinally on the outer casing unit and, in the fixing position, is connected in a longitudinally non-displaceable manner to an engagement element connected to the inner casing tube and, in the enabling position, is released from the engagement element and enables movement of the inner casing tube relative to the outer casing unit in a longitudinal direction. A plastically-deformable energy absorption device, which includes at least two energy absorption elements and a coupling means, may couple the inner casing tube and the outer casing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Ciprian Paltinisanu, Hieronymus Schnitzer