Steering Column Or Wheel Movable In Response To Collision Patents (Class 280/777)
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Patent number: 11661097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy W. Jones, Chet A. Hickmott, Kurt D. Dubay, Anthony R. Talhelm
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Patent number: 11623680Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: AISIN CORPORATIONInventor: Toshihiro Muraki
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Patent number: 11613299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2022Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
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Patent number: 11591002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering VendomeInventors: Mickael Sauquet, Eddy Dupont
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Patent number: 11396318Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoya Ishikawa, Satoaki Ikeda
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Patent number: 11345391Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: René Schmidt
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Patent number: 11279396Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Kurt D. Dubay, Leslie E. Edmundson, Anthony R. Talhelm
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Patent number: 11279392Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomonori Sugiura, Kentaro Kikuiri, Yuta Kiguchi, Kota Higuchi
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Patent number: 11242085Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Suehiro, Kaname Yasuda, Kazuya Yamada
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Patent number: 11242083Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Hieronymus Schnitzer, Ciprian Paltinisanu, Matthias Ancelin
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Patent number: 11173946Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Oliver Rietzler, Tassoh Kpekpasse, Benjamin Deeg
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Patent number: 11148705Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshiyasu Ito, Takahiro Baitou
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Patent number: 11148704Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: Markus Domig
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Patent number: 11104370Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Tyler M. Reno, John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker
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Patent number: 11097767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Youhei Nakazato
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Patent number: 11066094Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbHInventors: Andreas Birkheim, Stephan Hänisch
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Patent number: 11061401Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Juergen Koehler, Linh Ngoc Doan
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Patent number: 11052936Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Damian Z. Gosztyla, Matthew J T Vincent, Robert W. Dubay, Robert D. Bueche
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Patent number: 11046352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidekazu Miyai, Osamu Fujimura, Yota Uesaka, Yasuhiro Tanioka, Akio Osuka, Takuya Suzuki
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Patent number: 11046353Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventors: Pawel Ponikiewski, Artur Wojtalik
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Patent number: 11034379Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Joon-Mo Park, Byung-Woo Noh, Ji-Yong Yim, Beom-Soo Kim, Sang-Min Jo, Hyoung-Jun Ahn
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Patent number: 11027766Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Satoshi Abe, Yoshitaka Miyanaga, Norihito Tanaka, Satoshi Matoba
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Patent number: 11001292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Robert C. Derocher, Leslie E. Edmundson
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Patent number: 10989251Abstract: A friction clutch mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLCInventors: Pritish Khale, Oliver Perichon
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Patent number: 10967900Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Christian Pichonnat, Kevin Templin, Bryce Welch, Justin Yoho
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Patent number: 10953910Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Sekiguchi, Taisuke Honma
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Patent number: 10953911Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Sekiguchi, Taisuke Honma
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Patent number: 10946888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Inventor: Niclas Davies
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Patent number: 10946889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Inventors: Michael Appleyard, Niclas Davies
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Patent number: 10919561Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Sekiguchi, Taisuke Honma
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Patent number: 10899379Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman, Simon Read
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Patent number: 10875565Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Daniel Krstic, Johan Svensson
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Patent number: 10870443Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryosuke Takahashi, Koji Hirooka
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Patent number: 10858034Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Jun Gyu Lee
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Patent number: 10843721Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: Markus Domig
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Patent number: 10829144Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: Markus Domig
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Patent number: 10807632Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLCInventors: Olivier Perichon, Ricky Mains, William F. Scroggin
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Patent number: 10676124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: TRW LimitedInventor: Jan Dite
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Patent number: 10676123Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: TRW LimitedInventor: Jan Dite
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Patent number: 10676125Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: TRW LimitedInventor: Jan Dite
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Patent number: 10661821Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: TRW LimitedInventor: Niclas Davies
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Patent number: 10654516Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Ciprian Paltinisanu, Hieronymus Schnitzer
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Patent number: 10633014Abstract: A locking device for a steering column may include an activating lever attached to a clamping bolt, which lever interacts with a pressure plate such that when the activating lever is rotated about an axis of the clamping bolt in a closing direction the steering column is clamped in the locking device, and such that when the activating lever is rotated in the opening direction the steering column can be adjusted. An abutment finger may be radially spaced apart from the clamping bolt and project in a direction of the axis of the clamping bolt. The abutment finger may engage in a window-like slot of the activating lever so that rotation of the activating lever is possible but limited in the opening and closing directions by abutment of the abutment finger against opposite abutment surfaces of the window-like slot, at least one which may comprise a damping cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Hieronymus Schnitzer, Ciprian Paltinisanu
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Patent number: 10611398Abstract: A steering column may include an adjustment unit with a steering spindle mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis in a casing tube, a support unit in which the adjustment unit is mounted so as to be adjustable along the longitudinal axis, and a stop device with a movably mounted stop element positionable in a blocking position and a release position. In the blocking position the stop element limits the adjustment travel of the adjustment unit relative to the support unit. In the release position, the stop element allows adjustability in the direction of the longitudinal axis beyond the adjustment travel limited in the blocking position. The stop device has an actuation body that has an inert mass, is actively connected to the stop element, and is mounted movably relative to the support unit. In a crash event, the mass inertia of the actuation body causes it to interact with the stop element to move the stop element from the blocking position into the release position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Sebastian Huber, Christoph Munding, Sebastian Forte
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Patent number: 10597066Abstract: An energy absorption element for a steering column of a motor vehicle may comprise a deformation element, a first fastening element, and a second fastening element. The deformation element may be connected to the first fastening element and to the second fastening element and is arranged in a force flux with respect to a force that can be exerted on the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element. To achieve improved security against damage due to unauthorized use or inadvertent damage and, in the process, requiring little outlay on manufacturing and installation, a predetermined breaking element may be connected to the first and second fastening elements parallel to the deformation element in the force flux.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Hannes Kurz, Werner Adelmann, Matthias Nicolussi
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Patent number: 10577011Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a shroud, and an energy absorbing device. The energy absorbing device comprises a laminated strap having discrete first and second layers, each formed from a separate elongate strip of material that is free to slide over the other strip along a major portion of its length, a portion of the laminated strap being coiled into a spiral, a free end portion of the laminated strap passing through passing through an opening in the second support bracket or the shroud, the free end of a first one of the strips having an opening through which a fastener passes that secures the laminated strap to the first support bracket, and the free end of a second one of the straps being connected to the first strip in a region distal from the free end of the first strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: TRW LimitedInventors: Harry Kingston-Jones, Niclas Davies
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Patent number: 10532762Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a steering column tube in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis. The steering column tube is fastened to a carrier connected to a vehicle chassis so that in normal operation the steering column tube is retained non-displaceably on the carrier, but is displaceable along the longitudinal axis in a crash event where a force that acts on the steering spindle exceeds a threshold value. An energy-absorption device may comprise a bending element that is connected to the carrier and the steering column tube and may be deformed in a crash event as a result of the longitudinal displacement of the steering column tube, thereby absorbing part of the energy of the steering column tube. The bending element may be at least partially surrounded by an insertion body, which prevents the binding element from contacting adjacent structural elements and deforms together with the bending element in a crash event.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKURPP AGInventors: Hansjörg Sulser, Alexander Weselý, Wolfgang Xander, Markus Bialek
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Patent number: 10526003Abstract: A shroud guidance mechanism for a steering column is provided. The shroud guidance mechanism includes a bracket operatively coupled to an upper jacket. Also included is an interface feature retained to the bracket in a first condition of the steering column. Further included is a shroud operatively coupled to the interface feature and to the upper jacket, the interface feature, the upper jacket and the shroud moveable with each other to decouple the interface feature from the bracket in a second condition of the steering column.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Nicholas M. Messing, Benjamin D. Reichard, Joel T. Cerva
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Patent number: 10486731Abstract: A stopper bracket (40) is fixed to an inner pipe (13) at a location between the pair of clamp parts (23 and 23). The hanger bracket (50) is assembled with the stopper bracket (40), and a pair of side plates (51 and 51) of the hanger bracket (50) are interposed between the pair of clamp parts (23 and 23) and the pair of outer column support parts (11a and 11a). The guide mechanism (60) guides the hanger bracket (50) so that the hanger bracket (50) is restricted from displacing relative to the stopper bracket (40) in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and is capable of displacing relative to the stopper bracket (40) in a vehicle width direction. A support mechanism (70) supports the hanger bracket (50) relative to the stopper bracket (40).Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoya Ishikawa, Katsutoshi Tsuji
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Patent number: 10457312Abstract: A steering column having: an adjustable body intended to be mounted so as to be free to slide on a support and comprising two walls, a tube fixed to the adjustable body, a wedge inside the adjustable body and mobile between an unlocked position and a locking position inside the adjustable body between and at a distance from the walls, driving means and guiding means for the wedge, arranged with the wedge so as to be able to drive the wedge in a simple translation movement so that the wedge can come to bear against the adjustable body to immobilize the adjustable body relative to the wedge.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering VendômeInventors: Eric Bouvier, Sylvain Lubineau, Loïc Villaume