Adjustable Patents (Class 74/493)
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Patent number: 12145647Abstract: A telescope mechanism for a steering column includes a jacket. The telescope mechanism also includes a telescope actuator housing mounted to the jacket. The telescope mechanism further includes a capture bracket positioned on the telescope actuator housing and mechanically fastened to the jacket on a first side of the telescope actuator housing and on a second side of the telescope actuator housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Justin M. Pegley, Benjamin D. Reichard, Jason L. Myers, Greg D. Brzezinski
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Patent number: 12128945Abstract: In a steering device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a lock mechanism includes a rod, a drive cam, and a driven cam. The lock mechanism causes paired side plate portions to approach each other in a right-left direction with a drive base and a driven base being separated from each other in the right-left direction as a cam portion slides on a cam follower portion toward a first side in a circumferential direction and causes the paired side plate portions to be separated from each other in the right-left direction with the drive base and the driven base approaching from each other in the right-left direction as the cam portion slides on the cam follower portion toward a second side in the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
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Patent number: 12122445Abstract: A locking cam for an axially adjustable steering column, the locking cam including: a hub; a leg extending from the hub in a first direction, the leg defining a set of teeth; and an arm extending from the hub to define a space between the arm and the leg. The arm includes an interface surface facing the leg, the interface surface interfacing with a mechanism of the adjustable steering column to pivot the locking cam. Each of the hub, the arm, and the leg are formed of a single, monolithic one-piece structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2023Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Floyd E. Eschenbacher, Kirk D. Potts
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Patent number: 12030548Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that extends in a longitudinal direction. The casing unit has at least two telescopically guided casing tubes that are adjustable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, an intermediate element that is movable in the longitudinal direction and is arranged between the casing tubes, and a positioning device for positioning the intermediate element in the longitudinal direction relative to the casing tubes. The positioning device may have elongate guide tracks that are arranged on the casing tubes and the intermediate element and interact with one another such that they position the casing tubes and the intermediate element relative to one another in a defined manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Tim Bayer, Simon Blaettler, Daniel Kreutz, Sebastian Huber
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Patent number: 12017698Abstract: A steering device includes a restricting bracket assembled with an inner pipe. The restricting bracket includes a single restricting plate, a pair of downwardly extended plates, and a pair of side plate portions. The restricting plate overlaps an outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe, and is provided with an elongated hole along the lengthwise direction of the inner pipe. A coupling bolt passing through the elongated hole tightens the restricting plate to the outer circumferential surface. Each side plate portion extends from a tip of each downwardly extended plate along the external surface of each clamping portion, and is held between each clamping portion and each outer column supporting portion. Each downwardly extended plate and each side plate portions are provided with respective telescopic adjustment elongated holes through which a clamping bolt passes. The coupling bolt moves forward in the elongated hole when a secondary collision occurs.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Hirooka, Peng Jiushuang
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Patent number: 11999407Abstract: A column for a handwheel actuator of a steer by wire system may include a column casting, a steering jacket operably coupled to the column casting such that the steering jacket moves telescopically within the column casting for extending the handwheel and retracting the handwheel, and a tunable stroke limiter operably coupled to the steering jacket to limit stroke length of the steering jacket responsive to a barrier event.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2023Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erik William Soderlind, Taras Andrew Palczynski, Steve Bryan Amburgy
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Patent number: 11970202Abstract: A steering column sleeve includes two elements made up of an outer tube and an inner tube, and a system for adjusting a resistive force against a relative translational movement between the elements. A friction pad is supported by a first of the elements, and a clamping surface is rigidly connected to a second of the elements, wherein the friction pad is configured to contact and bear on the clamping surface, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes a cam bearing on a support member to generate a variation in pressure of the friction pad on the clamping surface parallel to a reference axis that is fixed relative to the first element, between a use position and an adjustment position. The adjustment mechanism of the adjustment system is configured to generate a relative rotational movement between the cam and the support member about the reference axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering VendômeInventors: Laurent Fevre, Eddy Dupont
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Patent number: 11958526Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly also includes a first jacket operatively coupled to the telescope drive bracket. The steering column assembly further includes a second jacket, wherein the first jacket is telescopingly moveable relative to the second jacket. The steering column yet further includes a collapse limiting feature having a cam portion and a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion defines a first range of travel of the first jacket in a first position, wherein contact between the telescope drive bracket and the cam portion biases the blocking portion out of a first jacket path to allow a second, greater range of travel for the first jacket.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Jacob A. Caverly, James E. Rouleau, Randy W. Jones
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Patent number: 11958525Abstract: A telescoping steering column having a lower jacket extending along a central axis between a lower jacket lower end and a lower jacket upper end and an upper jacket extending along the central axis between an upper jacket lower end and an upper jacket upper end, with an actuator configured to impart a pressure between the lower jacket and the upper jacket to move the upper jacket from an extended operating position to a retracted stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Lee M. Tinnin
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Patent number: 11919564Abstract: A steering column sleeve includes (i) a translationally movable outer tube and inner tube, and (ii) an adjusting system for adjusting the relative position of the tubes. The adjusting system includes a screw for adjusting the axial position of the two elements. The adjusting system further includes an adjusting device for adjusting a resistance force opposing the relative movement between the tubes. The adjusting device has a friction pad and a clamping surface against which the friction pad moves between operating and adjustment positions. The adjusting system also includes a kinematic chain so that, beyond a threshold resistance torque transmitted by the screw to a single motor that it drives, its torque is transmitted to the adjusting device so as to move the friction pad from its operating position to its adjustment position.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering VendomeInventors: Laurent Fevre, Eddy Dupont
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Patent number: 11912333Abstract: A steering device includes a steering shaft, a steering column, a bracket, and a fastening mechanism. An upper column includes a clamp, a cylindrical part, a pair of protrusions, and contact ribs. The clamp includes a continuous clamp and a spaced clamp. The protrusions include a continuous protrusion and a spaced protrusion. The contact ribs include first contact ribs disposed each of which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the clamp, second contact ribs each of which is disposed on a side surface of the protrusion and disposed opposite to the first contact rib with respect to a long groove, and at least one third contact rib disposed on a side surface of the spaced protrusion and between the first contact rib and the long groove. The third contact rib has a protrusion amount greater than those of the first contact rib and the second contact rib.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Tomohiro Ikuta, Yoshiyuki Sato, Suguru Sugishita, Hirotaka Shimizu
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Patent number: 11891109Abstract: According to the present embodiments, locking and unlocking can be smoothly performed even when gears for fixing a steering column during a telescoping operation of the steering column are not properly engaged, a collapse motion for absorbing impact can be smoothly performed even when a vehicle collision occurs in a state in which the gears are not properly engaged, impact is absorbed at the minimum and maximum of strokes so as to enable the prevention of noise generation during the telescoping operation, and the number of components can be reduced and assembly process can be simplified.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: HL MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Sunghun Park
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Patent number: 11891111Abstract: A locking mechanism for an axially adjustable steering column having an adjustment lever, the locking mechanism includes: a locking cam including a hub, an upper arm, and a leg defining a set of teeth, the upper arm and the leg extend from the hub in a same direction to define a space therebetween, the upper arm includes an interface surface facing the leg that interfaces with the adjustment lever to move the locking cam between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a pin extending through the locking cam to allow the locking cam to pivot about the pin between the locked position and the unlocked position. In the locked position, the set of teeth of the leg engage with a set of teeth of the axially adjustable steering column. In the unlocked position, the set of teeth of the leg are spaced apart from the set of teeth of the axially adjustable steering column.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Floyd E. Eschenbacher
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Patent number: 11891113Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. And a lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a column mounting bracket, wherein the lower jacket is operatively coupled to the column mounting bracket and translates relative to the column mounting bracket, wherein the column mounting bracket defines a first set of tapered rail slots, each of the first set of tapered rail slots disposed on opposite sides of the column mounting bracket and extending longitudinally along the column mounting bracket, wherein the lower jacket defines a second set of tapered rail slots, each of the second set of tapered rail slots disposed on opposite sides of the lower jacket and extending longitudinally along the lower jacket. The steering column assembly yet further includes a first pair of sliding wedge bushings disposed within the first set of tapered rail slots.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Jacob A. Caverly, Randy W. Jones, Scott A. Stinebring
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Patent number: 11873021Abstract: A steering column may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction, and casing tubes that are adjustable telescopically relative to one another in the longitudinal direction. A roller guide with at least one bearing support can be displaced radially on a first of the casing tubes, and in which at least one roller is mounted rotatably about a roller axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The roller can roll via its outer circumference in the longitudinal direction on a second of the casing tubes. A pretensioning device interacts with the bearing support to pretension the roller against the second casing tube. The bearing support may be guided on the first casing tube with an oblique inclination relative to the longitudinal axis, and the pretensioning device may apply an axial force to the bearing support.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2023Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventor: Thomas Raich
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Patent number: 11827267Abstract: A steering device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a column unit, a front bracket, a rear bracket, and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a rod supported by the column unit so as to be movable in a vertical direction in tilt guide holes in an unlocked state, and an operation portion that is fixed to a first side end portion of a rod in a right-left direction and that is used to operate of the rod. The first through-hole includes a first straight portion and a first tapered portion. The second through-hole includes a second straight portion and a second tapered portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2023Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Akaishi, Yasushi Yokokura, Daichi Okumura
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Patent number: 11807294Abstract: The disclosure relates to an energy absorption device for arrangement between a fastening device and a holder, wherein the holder is movable relative to the fastening device when a predetermined impact force is exceeded. The energy absorption device includes a deformable strand for absorbing energy, and a guide device for guiding the strand during the deformation. In order to be able to implement the assembly and/or the production more cost-effectively, the strand and the guide device are formed in one piece.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbHInventors: Richard Büker, Stephan Haenisch
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Patent number: 11767051Abstract: According to various example embodiments, there is provided a steering column for an automotive vehicle including, an inner tube 100 surrounding a steering shaft 120, an outer tube 110 into which the inner tube 100 is inserted, a nut screw 230 mounted on the outside of the outer tube 110 and fixed to the inner tube 100, and a first lead screw 210 which is inserted into the nut screw 230 and screwed therein and is rotated by a motor. In the steering column for the automotive vehicle, the nut screw 230 and the inner tube 100 are transferred together by translational motion by rotation of the first lead screw 210.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: HL MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Jong Han Kim, Sang Hyun Park
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Patent number: 11613294Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a casing unit, in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis and which has at least two casing tubes which are guided adjustably relative to one another by an adjustment distance in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In order to permit easier adjustment, the casing tubes can be brought along the adjustment distance relative to one another into at least one comfort region and at least one transition region, wherein a transition adjustment force for the relative adjustment of the casing tubes in the transition region is smaller than a comfort adjustment force for the relative adjustment of the casing tubes in the comfort region.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Tim Bayer, Daniel Kreutz
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Patent number: 11554804Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket, an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket, and a telescope actuator assembly. The telescope actuator assembly includes a jackscrew nut translatable along a lead screw. The telescope actuator assembly includes a telescope drive bracket having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion, the pair of arms each defining a slot with a respective slot surface, wherein the jackscrew nut is disposed within the slots. The telescope actuator assembly includes a first nut capture plug coupled to one of the pair of arms, the first nut capture plug having at least one tooth disposed within a cavity on a first side of the jackscrew nut to prevent relative rotation between the jackscrew nut and the telescope drive bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Robert D. Maida, Timothy D. Beach
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Patent number: 11524713Abstract: A steering column includes an adjusting unit that is fixedly clampable releasably to a supporting unit and in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis, a clamping device with a release position and a fixing position for locking the adjusting unit to the supporting unit, a clamping bolt arranged along a clamping axis and guided transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis through an elongated hole in the supporting unit extending in an adjustment direction and in which the clamping bolt in the release position is movable. A fixing element on the clamping bolt can be braced by the clamping device in the direction of the clamping axis against the supporting unit. A guide device may have guide elements on the fixing element and on the supporting unit that are spaced apart from the elongated hole, the fixing element being guided in the guide elements in a translational manner relative to the supporting unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Adrian Vincent Geiger, Manoel Machinek, Balint Kalman Nagy
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Patent number: 11465681Abstract: A position identification assembly for a steering column is provided. The assembly may include a mount bracket, a steering column, a sensor, and a controller. The mount bracket may define an opening to the cavity. The steering column may be mounted to the mount bracket for translation at least partially in to and out of the cavity and the steering column may define one or more physical features therealong. The sensor may be secured to the mount bracket to detect the physical features. Each of the one or more physical features may be arranged upon the steering column such that the sensor detects the one or more physical features when the steering column translates between positions and may send a signal to the controller reflecting the same. The controller is programmed to identify a steering column position based on the received signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Blake J. Riley, Robert C. Derocher, Keith A. Kidder, Paul M. Fisher
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Patent number: 11465666Abstract: A steering system includes: a variable mechanism that reversibly changes a configuration of an operating member between a configuration for automated driving and a configuration for manual driving, the configuration including at least one of a position, an orientation, and a shape; a variable drive source; a receiver that receives an operation of a driver; and a controller that controls the variable drive source to cause the variable mechanism to return the configuration of the operating member to the configuration for manual driving, when the receiver receives the operation of the driver in a period when the configuration of the operating member is being changed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Norihiro Ochi, Yousuke Nishimura, Yasuyuki Nozawa, Kei Kitahara, Takeshi Watanabe
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Patent number: 11440579Abstract: A steering column device has an inner column; an outer column combined with the inner column and having a slit extending in the axial direction, the inner column and the outer column configuring a telescopic steering column; a release bracket arranged inside the slit of the outer column and supported by and fixed to the inner column; a support bracket joined to the release bracket so as to be able to detach due to an impact load that is applied to the inner column during a secondary collision; and a telescopic friction plate having a function to increase a holding force for holding the steering column with respect to a vehicle-body-side bracket and supported by the support bracket.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Kakita, Kazuki Hara
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Patent number: 11420669Abstract: An adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly also includes a component positioned proximate the adjustment lever, the component rotating at a speed less than a rotational speed of the adjustment lever during adjustment between the locked position to the unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly further includes an adjustment lever decelerator integrally formed with the adjustment lever, the adjustment lever decelerator positioned on the adjustment lever to contact the component during rotation of the adjustment lever toward the unlocked position, wherein the adjustment lever deflects and absorbs energy upon contact with the component.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Robert W. Dubay, Damian Z. Gosztyla, Robert D. Bueche
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Patent number: 11414121Abstract: A steering column may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis and which is connectable via a height adjustment lever to a vehicle. The height adjustment lever has two opposing sidewalls between which the casing unit is received pivotably about a joint axis. The casing unit may have guide grooves that extend in a direction of the longitudinal axis. A sliding body may be disposed between each sidewall and the casing unit. Each sliding body may be displaceable in a sliding manner in a guide groove in the direction of the longitudinal axis and is supported on the respective sidewall. A supporting element may be arranged between each sliding body and the respective sidewall, which supporting element is supported from the inside against the respective sidewall and pushes the respective sliding body from the outside into the respective guide groove.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Sascha Rist, Helmut Kirmsze
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Patent number: 11400968Abstract: A method for setting an actuating force for securing a motor vehicle adjustable steering column. The actuating force is to be exerted on an actuating element for actuating a locking device of the steering column to switch the locking device between release and securing positions. The locking device has an adjustable adjustment element for setting the actuating force. The method includes: positioning the steering column within reach of a robot manipulator, controlled in an automated manner, in a pre-assembled state of the adjustment element, actuating the locking device by means of the robot manipulator, measuring the exerted actuating force, and comparing the measured actuating force to a specified reference value. If the measured actuating force corresponds to the reference value ending the method, and if the measured actuating force deviates from the reference value adjusting the adjustment element via the robot manipulator and returning to the actuating step.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Andreas Muenster, Sebastian Schaedler
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Patent number: 11383753Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a steering handle is attached, the steering shaft being adjustable in tilt angle and length, a tilt lock to lock the steering shaft at an adjusted tilt angle, a telescopic lock to lock the steering shaft at an adjusted length, and an operator including an operation area to allow locking of both of the tilt lock and the telescopic lock to be released.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventor: Yusuke Kita
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Patent number: 11358626Abstract: A steering column assembly including a steering column that extends between a first end and a second end and includes a hand wheel location on the first end and a rotation output on the second end. The steering column comprising an upper jacket, a lower jacket, and a sliding bracket, wherein the upper jacket is telescopically connected to the lower jacket and the lower jacket is slidably connected to the sliding bracket. A telescopic actuator extends between the sliding bracket and the upper jacket and facilitates relative telescopic movement between the upper jacket and the lower jacket and slidable movement between the lower jacket and the sling bracket. The lower jacket including a shaft connected to the rotation output via a splined inner bore that permits axial play. The movement of the lower jacket resulting in translational movement of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Patrik M. Ryne, George E. Arlt
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Patent number: 11358627Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket. The assembly also includes a plurality of cylindrical lead screws threadably coupled to each other, the plurality of lead screws rotatable relative to each other and translatable relative to each other. The assembly further includes a nut threadably coupled to one of the plurality of lead screws and operatively coupled to the jacket to axially move the jacket.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Patrik Ryne, George E. Arlt
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Patent number: 11318982Abstract: A steering column device includes a metal outer-side cylindrical member, a metal inner-side cylindrical member, and a resin intermediate cylindrical member that is disposed between the outer-side cylindrical member and the inner-side cylindrical member. The intermediate cylindrical member has an oil feed orifice through which the semisolid lubricating oil is guided from an outer circumferential face side to an inner circumferential face side when inserting the intermediate cylindrical member into the outer-side cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2021Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hidenori Kakinuma, Yasunori Kamitani, Soma Iwai, Keiji Kishimoto
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Patent number: 11312407Abstract: Provided is a vehicle steering column. A lower column has an open area, an axial slot provided in a central portion of the open area, a connecting portion connecting portions of the lower column located on both sides of the open area, a cut portion corresponding to the slot and provided on one side of the connecting portion, and a pair of protruding opposite end portions. A hinge pin is fitted into the opposite end portions of the lower column. An upper column is fitted into the lower column. A telescopic fixing plate of the upper column is provided in a location corresponding to the slot, and has a plurality of catch recesses spaced apart from each other. A telescopic catch member is located in the cut portion between the opposite end portions to be rotatably supported by the hinge pin, and has a catch protrusion engaging with the catch recesses.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: HyunBi Kwon, Sang Hyun Park
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Patent number: 11292415Abstract: An airbag device includes: an airbag body that is configured to deploy toward a front side of a driver; and a control unit that is configured to deploy the airbag body using a first deployment method when a central axis of a rim portion of a steering member of a vehicle is in a first state and a deployment condition is satisfied and deploy the airbag body using a second deployment method in a second state when an inclination angle of the central axis in relation to the central axis in the first state exceeds a threshold and the deployment condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshitaka Mimura, Masahiko Asakura, Hironori Takano, Junichi Maruyama
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Patent number: 11235798Abstract: An adjusting drive for a motor-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, includes a motorized drive unit and an external threaded spindle which has an external thread and a coaxial internal thread into which an internal threaded spindle engages. The external threaded spindle and the internal threaded spindle can be driven in rotation relative to one another about an axis by the drive unit. In order to provide an adjusting drive which requires a reduced drive torque and delivers an optimized free adjustment path, the external threaded spindle engages with its external thread in a drive nut, wherein the drive nut or the internal threaded spindle is able to be driven in rotation by the drive unit and is supported relative to the drive unit in the direction of the axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Sebastian Huber, Jean-Pierre Specht
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Patent number: 11230316Abstract: A rake adjustment assembly for a steering column system includes a rake lever that is rotatable. The rake adjustment assembly also includes a rake bolt operative coupled to the rake lever and positioned to selectively exert a clamping force to lock and unlock the rake position of the steering column system. The rake adjustment assembly further includes a cam assembly comprising an outer cam formed of stamped steel and press fit within a pocket defined by an outer face of the lever. The outer cam includes a main body. The outer cam also includes a plurality of legs extending from the main body.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Peter A. Gembrowski, Randy W. Jones, Ethan S. Jacobs, Tyler M. Reno
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Patent number: 11214294Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a central hub configured to connect to a steering column, at least one retractable hand grip attached to the central hub, one or more control cables disposed internal of each retractable hand grip, and a drive mechanism connected to the control cables. The drive mechanism is located either at or in the central hub or remotely relative to the steering wheel assembly. The drive mechanism when activated can selectively move one or more of the control cables to move the retractable grips to a retracted position or a non-retracted position. Optionally, the hand grips can be connected directly to the central hub and/or to one or more spokes extending form the central hub. Each of the retractable hand grips has at least one and up to four control cables.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS ACQUISITION LLCInventor: Makoto Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 11208139Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a clamp mechanism having a first rack of teeth and a second rack of teeth. A blocking device includes at least one gearwheel. At least one tooth of the blocking device is carried by the gearwheel and is engaged with the first rack of teeth when the clamp mechanism is in both the clamped position and the released position. The blocking device is disengaged from the second rack when in the released position thereby allowing the gearwheel of the blocking device to roll along the first rack of teeth during adjustment of the steering column assembly. At least one tooth of the blocking device engages the second rack of teeth when the clamp mechanism is in the clamped position. The at least one gearwheel of the blocking device in this condition is prevented from rolling along the first rack of teeth.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: ZF Steering Systems Poland Sp. z.o.o.Inventors: Artur Wojtalik, Pawel Ponikiewski
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Patent number: 11203375Abstract: The present application relates to an adjustment bushing, a steering column and a vehicle. The adjustment bushing comprises: a frame provided with a linear track that allows an adjusting bolt to slide left and right; and damping structures respectively disposed near both ends of the linear track and including convex hulls extending from upper and lower inner sides of the frame into the linear track, wherein, when the adjusting bolt slides to both ends of the linear track to extreme positions of the linear track, the convex hulls are squeezed between the adjusting bolt and the frame to play a damping role. The adjustment bushing can rebound after the endurance adjustment, has excellent noise reduction and energy absorption effect, and improves the durability and service life of the adjustment bushing.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignees: MANDO CORPORATION, MANDO CHINA HOLDINGS LTD.Inventor: Zhuo Liu
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Patent number: 11203373Abstract: A vehicle steering column includes a support unit and by which an actuator unit is held in which a steering spindle is mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis. An adjustment drive is disposed between the support unit and the actuator unit and by which the actuator unit is adjustable. The adjustment drive has a threaded spindle which engages in a spindle nut and has a spindle axis. The spindle nut and the spindle are drivable by a servomotor to rotate in a mutually relative manner. The servomotor has a motor shaft which is coupled to a drive gear which is rotatable about a drive axis and which operatively engages with an output gear which is rotatable about the spindle axis and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the spindle nut or the threaded spindle. The drive axis and the spindle axis are disposed mutually parallel.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Jean-Pierre Specht, Sebastian Huber
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Patent number: 11186308Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steering column for a vehicle including an upper column on which a bracket is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the upper column, a lower column having an inner peripheral surface supported on the outer peripheral surface of the upper column and having a telescopic driving device fixed to a side corresponding to the bracket, a connecting member coupled to the telescopic driving device so as to be movable in the axial direction during a telescopic operation, and a bending plate fixed to the bracket and having one end being bent and spaced apart from a portion fixed to the bracket and coupled to the connecting member, thereby it is possible to perform the smooth collapse operation and to reduce the number of components, assembling process and cost of the steering column of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: HyunBi Kwon, Sang Hyun Park
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Patent number: 11148703Abstract: Construction for reinforcing the strength of a pair of support plate sections is achieved. Upper end edges of the pair of support plate sections are fastened to a bottom surface of a bridge plate section of an installation plate section via lug sections for welding. A reinforcing member comprising a protrusion which is convex on the outside in the width direction and concave on the inside in the width direction is provided from the upper end section to the lower end section of the front-end section of each one of the pair of support plate sections.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Suguru Sugishita, Naoki Kabe
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Patent number: 11110953Abstract: A locking device is presented for an adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuating element and a damping device. The damping device has a first damping element and a second damping element, wherein the first damping element is attached to the actuating element and the second damping element is attached to a frame part, wherein the first and/or second damping element relative to the other damping element are rotatably mounted. The first and the second damping element each have a coupling section, wherein the coupling sections are engaged at least over a partial section of a movement of the actuating element, and wherein a relative rotation between the two damping elements is damped by deformation of the first and/or second damping element and/or by friction, at least over a partial section of a movement of the actuating element.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbHInventors: Markus Lingemann, Marcus Zimpel
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Patent number: 11052935Abstract: A motor-adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes a supporting unit attachable to a vehicle body and by which there is held an adjusting unit in which a steering spindle is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis. An adjustment drive is connected to the supporting unit and to the adjusting unit and is adjustable relative to the supporting unit. The adjustment drive includes a drive unit and a threaded spindle which engages in a spindle nut and which has a threaded spindle axis. The threaded spindle and the spindle nut can be driven to rotate relative to one another about the threaded spindle axis by the drive unit. To prevent slipping or spinning of the spindle drive in a crash situation the adjustment drive includes a blocking device which can be brought into a blocking position for blocking the threaded spindle relative to the spindle nut.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Arne Schacht, Jean-Pierre Specht, Sebastian Huber
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Patent number: 11034375Abstract: An industrial truck comprising a driver's cab including a steering unit, a steering bracket having a base plate and a profile structure for receiving the steering unit, a fastener disposed in combination with the driver's cab and configured to secure the steering bracket to the driver's cab, and an adapter unit mounting the steering bracket to the driver's cab while allowing variations in the vertical position of the steering unit. More specifically, the steering unit defines a longitudinal cavity for receiving the outwardly projecting profile structure of the steering bracket. Additionally, the adapter plate defines at least two apertures, at least one of the apertures mounting to one of the at least two height differentiating positions of the fastener. As such, the vertical height of the steering unit may be varied relative to a fixed vertical height or position within the driver's cab.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Jungheinrich AktiengesellschaftInventor: Sebastian Heusinger
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Patent number: 11034378Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a telescopic steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, the telescopic steering shaft comprising a first shaft having a hollow end and a second shaft that has an end that is located within the hollow end of the first shaft. A plurality of radially-adjustable pins and a resilient contact member are axially separated along a longitudinal axis of the steering column assembly, each being adjustable for the elimination of free play between the first shaft and the second shaft. The pins transmit torque by rotationally interlocking the first shaft and the second shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: ZF Steering Systems Poland Z.o.o.Inventors: Pawel Ponikiewski, Artur Wojtalik
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Patent number: 11014599Abstract: An adjustable steering column includes an actuating unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft, a carrying unit in which the actuating unit is mounted so as to be axially displaceable via a motorized longitudinal adjustment drive, a transmission device coupled to the actuating unit and to the longitudinal adjustment drive, an energy absorption apparatus for absorbing energy when the actuating unit moves relative to the transmission device, and a coupling device connected to the actuating unit and to the transmission device. The coupling device may be disconnected from the actuating unit and/or the transmission device in a crash event, allowing movement between the actuating unit and the transmission device. The coupling device may have a pin-shaped holding element that protrudes into a slot. A blocking element may block movement of the holding element in the slot, and in a crash event permit movement of the holding element in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignees: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AGInventor: Helmut Kirmsze
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Patent number: 11014597Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a shroud; a steering shaft, which is supported by the shroud; a support bracket, a clamp, and a clamp mechanism. The support bracket is configured to be secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud. The clamp pin extends through an opening in each of the arms of the support bracket and in a slot in the shroud. The clamp mechanism is movable between an unclamped position in which the shroud can move relative to the support bracket and a clamped position in which the shroud is fixed relative to the support bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: ZF Steering Systems Poland Sp. Z.o.o.Inventors: Pawel Ponikiewski, Artur Wojtalik
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Patent number: 11001291Abstract: A rake adjustment mechanism for an electronically adjustable steering col disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering LLCInventors: Murali Atluru, Venkateswaran Subramanian, Oliver Perichon
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Patent number: 10981592Abstract: A power steering assembly has a housing and a ball nut assembly supported on the housing. The ball nut assembly has a ball nut axis. The housing has a first surface between the housing and the ball nut assembly. The ball nut assembly also has a second surface. The second surface rotates on the first surface such that the ball nut assembly rotates relative to the housing on a rotation axis that is transverse to the ball nut axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: ZF Active Safety and Electronics US LLCInventors: Brian A. Urbach, John F. Santori
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Patent number: 10974755Abstract: A steering wheel includes a handle, a first movement unit, and a second movement unit. The handle is held by an occupant and configured to steer a vehicle by the occupant, and is divided into at least a first division and a second division. The first movement unit is configured to allow the first division to move. The second movement unit configured to allow the second division to move. After the first division is separated from the second division, the second movement unit moves the second division forward, and the first movement unit moves the first division to a region in which the second division was initially disposed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Isamu Nagasawa