Abstract: The steering column module for a motor vehicle comprises a steering column and a device for the longitudinal and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column. This device for adjustment comprises a control circuit and is equipped with at least one electric motor of the device for adjustment. The steering column module furthermore comprises a clamping device, which is connected to the control circuit and equipped with an electric motor of the clamping device for the actuation of the clamping device between a normally provided clamping position and a release position. In the method, the clamping device is first actuated until it is in the release position and is held in the release position; only then follows an adjustment of the adjustment device until the desired longitudinal and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column has been reached. Thereafter the clamping device is allowed to go back to the clamping position.

Abstract: A telescopable steering spindle arrangement is provided that includes, but is not limited to a steering spindle near the steering wheel, an intermediate spindle mounted rotationally fixedly and telescopably therein. The steering spindle near the steering wheel and the intermediate spindle are connected axially frictionally to one another, as well as a steering spindle near the steering gear. The intermediate spindle is mounted rotationally fixedly and telescopably in the steering spindle near the steering gear, and the intermediate spindle and the steering spindle near the steering gear are connected axially positively to one another.

Abstract: A scooter features a top tube attached to the top portion of a steering column and handlebars having handgrips and stems, with the stems sized to be received within the open ends of the top tube when in a use configuration. A handlebar holder housing covers a top portion of the steering column and a portion of the top tube and includes holding bores sized to receive the handlebar stems when the handlebars are in a storage configuration. The handlebar stems are provided with spring pins that engage use apertures and storage apertures formed in the top tube and housing, respectively, when in the handlebars are in the use and storage configurations. A cord passes through the top tube and is fastened to the handlebars. The handlebar holder housing includes cord slots in communication with the holding bores and receive the cord when the first and second handlebars are in the storage configuration.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle is adjustable at least in its longitudinal direction. The steering column includes a support unit chassis of the motor vehicle, a setting unit and a clamping mechanism which comprises a clamp bolt and at least one arrest element cooperating with at least one securement element. At least one arrest element during the closing of the clamping mechanism is displaced in the axial direction of the clamp bolt with respect to the support unit and clamped with a securement element connected with the setting unit, and at least one securement element is connected with the setting unit so that in normal operation it is held nondisplaceably in the longitudinal direction of the steering column with respect to the setting unit and in the event of a crash is displaceable with respect to the setting unit under energy absorption. The support unit includes on both sides of the setting unit side jaws, through which penetrates the clamp bolt through openings.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to markedly increase the tilt holding force of a tilt telescopic column. A tilt telescopic steering device includes: a fixed bracket 1 fixed to a vehicle; a movable bracket 2 capable of moving relative to the fixed bracket 1; an intermediate bracket 3 which movably supports the movable bracket 2 in an axial direction, is rotatably pivoted on the fixed bracket 1 and is provided with a bearing 301 for rotatably supporting a steering shaft 101; a lock shaft 4 for tiltably and telescopicably fixing the fixed bracket 1 and the movable bracket 2 at a predetermined position; and a connecting shaft 5 for telescopicably fixing the movable bracket 2 and the intermediate bracket 3.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A bracket is coupled to the column jacket with at least one pivot shaft coupled to the bracket along a pivot axis. A lever is mounted to the pivot shaft and rotates between a set position for preventing movement of the column jacket and an adjustable position for allowing movement of the column jacket. A locking device engages the lever and moves between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of the lever between the set and adjustable positions, respectively. A restrictor encircles the bracket, the column jacket, the lever and the locking device for resisting against an outwardly radial force produced by the locking device when in the locked position.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.

Abstract: By a steering column for a vehicle, it is possible to maintain operating force of a control lever and supporting force of an outer tube and an inner tube in a uniform manner when tightening and releasing the control lever for tilt or telescopic operation and to increase the strength of the steering column as a whole, to thereby prevent deformation and breakage of the steering column at the time of the driver's operation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column assembly for transmitting steering movement from a steering wheel of a vehicle steering system. The assembly includes an integrated shaft bearing that connects to the steering wheel at one end, a tube assembly interconnected with the integrated shaft bearing at its other end, a yoke assembly having a shaft and being adapted to be interconnected with a lower steering component of the steering system, and a bearing assembly disposed within the tube assembly and around the shaft to support the shaft in axial sliding movement within the tube assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a steering shaft that is mounted in such a manner as to be able to rotate about its axis in an adjusting part, a holding clamp attached to the vehicle for holding the steering column, a holding part, and a fixing device that is opened and closed to allow the adjustment or fixing of the position of steering shaft. The holding clamp includes side cheeks which can be drawn together by closing the fixing device and as a consequence the holding part can be clamped. The holding clamp is formed as a once-piece component and the holding part is swivel mounted on a swivel pin in the holding clamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis. A first clamping member and a second clamping member are disposed along the longitudinal axis about the column jacket. A lever is coupled to one of the first and second clamping members and rotatable between a set and adjustable positions. The lever includes a first arm and a second arm flanking the column jacket and coupled to at least one of the first and second clamping members with a portion of the locking device disposed about at least one of the first and second clamping members and engaging both of the first and second arms such that rotation of the lever moves the portion of the locking device for minimizing rotation of the lever between the set and adjustable positions when the locking device moves between a locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicular collision energy absorbable steering column coupled to a steering shaft. The steering column comprises shaped wires deformable to absorb a collision load in a vehicle collision, a cylindrical hollow outer tube, a cylindrical hollow inner tube having on its interior circumferential surface mounting grooves to secure the wires, and a distance bracket that is formed of a hollow tubular member having an outer tube joint at one end and an inner tube joint at the opposite end and has a pair of fastening flanges shaped into two spaced opposing plates formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the tubular member for receiving the wires so that the distance bracket may collapse in the axial direction in the event of a vehicle collision through deforming the wires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering column having an outer tube, an adjustment lever, a tilt bolt and a steering shaft. According to the present invention, force for supporting the outer tube is increased and strengthened at the time of tightening the adjustment lever, and the tilt bolt is coupled on the central axis of the steering shaft so that no bending is caused and the adjustment lever does not hit a driver on the knee when a vehicle collision occurs, whereby the collision safety of the vehicle can be improved, and the number of parts and steps for assembling the parts can be reduced.

Abstract: A vehicular operating device includes a lever movably attachable at one end to a housing such as a steering column such that the lever is pivotable relative to the housing between different positions. A connector connectable to the housing is adjacent to the first end of the lever and is in communication with the hollow body of the lever. A catch line having first and second ends runs through the hollow body of the lever with the first end of the catch line being connected to the connector and the second end of the catch line being connected to the second end of the lever. Upon the lever breaking, the catch line secures the lever to the connector as the catch line is connected to both of the second end of the lever and the connector to thereby prevent the lever from breaking away from the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides for a collapsible steering column assembly and method for applying a varying resultant force to resist the collapse of the steering column assembly during an emergency condition. The steering column assembly includes a column jacket adapted to be releasably coupled to the frame for movement along the longitudinal axis L in the emergency condition. The column jacket includes an anvil and is supported by a support bracket. An absorbing strap secured to the supporting bracket is routed around the anvil. The absorbing strap is plastically deformed as the column jacket moves along axis L and an actuator supported by the support bracket applies a force against the absorbing strap. The actuator selectively varies the applied for as the absorbing strap is drawn over the anvil in the emergency condition to optimize the resultant force for the emergency condition.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a fixed rack secured to a first portion and a moving rack secured to a second portion, which are releasably engaged by a clamp mechanism to permit relative movement therebetween. The fixed rack comprises two rows of teeth spaced apart from one another and extending towards. The moving rack also comprises two rows of teeth which extend away from each other. A clamp engaging means moves the moving rack into and out of engagement with the fixed rack. The teeth on the two racks are offset relative to one another. The mechanism is further arranged so that when if a tooth on tooth event occurs the fixed rack interacts with the moving rack to cause the moving rack to move sideways to permit the teeth to become inter-engaged when the mechanism finally reaches the locked position.

Abstract: A steering column includes a telescopic mechanism and an impact absorbing mechanism. The steering column includes an inner tube (6) that accommodates a steering shaft (8) and an outer tube (3) that is held by a housing (1) and that is coupled with the inner tube (6). A projecting portion (3a) is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a base end portion of the outer tube (3) and then the projecting portion (3a) is brought into contact with a tensioner bushing (4a) to thereby restrict movement of the outer tube (3) in a direction indicated by an arrow (a1), thus preventing the outer tube (3) from slipping off from the housing (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a telescoping-tilting device of a steering column for a vehicle, the telescoping-tilting device including a distance member which has an elongated hole formed at each side of the distance member in parallel to a steering shaft and a guide groove formed on each inner surface of the both sides of the distance member in parallel to each elongated hole, and a supporting block positioned within the distance member, the supporting block having a through hole shaped to be engaged with a bolt and a wing which can be inserted into each guide groove and extends out from both sides of the supporting block in each side direction. When impact is applied, the distance member does not move respective to the mounting bracket. Therefore, there is an advantage in that collision energy is generated as planned and a desired impact absorption mechanism can be achieved.

Abstract: A structure is realized that is capable of preventing interference of respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) with other members existing therearound or with the body of a driver, and furthermore that facilitates, when assembling, insertion of a tension rod (17a) through a circular hole (47) and longitudinal elongated holes (18a, 18b) formed in the respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b). The respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) are arranged between both of the side faces of a displacement bracket section (36) and the inner face of supporting plate sections (22a) that constitute a fixed side bracket (15a). Moreover, the end edges of the respective friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) symmetrically present in pairs are connected by connecting sections (45, 46a, 46b), to thereby integrate the left and right friction plates (39, 40a, 40b) so that the respective holes (45, 18a, 18b), through which the tension rod (17a) is to be inserted, can be easily aligned.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly including a column jacket moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a raking direction is disclosed. First and second gears are coupled to a rake bracket and mesh with each other with the first gear rotatable about a first pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal axis and the second gear rotatable about a second pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and spaced above the first pivot axis such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation of the second gear. A cam mechanism is coupled to the rake bracket and to each of the first and second gears with the cam mechanism movable along the first and second pivot axes during rotation of the first and second gears for selectively engaging the rake bracket to prevent movement of the column jacket in at least one of the telescoping and raking directions.

Abstract: When a column 4 reaches a tilting ascent end, the lower end 732 of a nut 73 abuts on the buffering segment 83 of a buffer 82. Thus, while the buffering segment 83 of the buffer 82 is elastically deformed, the nut 73 stops with no impact. Accordingly, the inertia when the nut 73 stops is restrained and the tightening torque of the nut 73 when the nut 73 stops is also restrained. For this reason, when an electric motor 61 is rotationally driven in a reverse direction, a feeding screw shaft 71 rotates in the reverse direction with the normal rotation torque of the electric motor 61. Thus, the nut 73 is caused to ascend in the axial direction along the screw segment of the feeding screw shaft 71 so that the column 4 can be tiltingly moved downward.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly with a steering shaft extending through a jacket member. An elongate locking member extends through two opposed sidewalls and a compression member positioned between the sidewalls. One of either the sidewalls or the compression member is fixed relative to the jacket member while the other is fixed relative to the vehicle structure. Spacers are located on opposite sides of the compression member between the compression member and the two sidewalls. First and second abutment surfaces are engaged with outward facing surfaces of the sidewalls and are coupled to the elongate locking member. An actuator assembly moves the locking assembly between unlocked and locked positions. In the locked position, the abutment surfaces bias the sidewalls inwardly to firmly engage the compression member between the spacers.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel that is interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor cleaning machine, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism having a static plate and a dynamic plate rotatable about a transverse axis relative to the static plate is disclosed. The static plate defines a plurality of static lifting ramps, and the dynamic plate defines a plurality of dynamic lifting ramps opposing the static lifting ramps. A roller is disposed between each opposing pair of the static lifting ramps and dynamic lifting ramps. The rollers move between a raised position and a recessed position in response to rotation of the dynamic plate relative to the static plate between a lock position and a release position. The lifting ramps are arranged in a spiral configuration relative to each other, with the dynamic lifting ramps substantially transverse to the static lifting ramps to force radial movement of the rollers relative to the transverse axis during rotational movement of the dynamic plate relative to the static plate.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket and a rake bracket for mounting the column jacket to a vehicle. A bearing rotatably supports an output shaft within an interior of the column jacket and is in sliding engagement with the column jacket during telescopic adjustment of the column jacket along a longitudinal axis. The column jacket defines a telescope slot near a lower end of the column jacket. A fastener is coupled to the rake bracket and extends through the telescope slot into engagement with the bearing to define tilt axis for pivotal movement of the column jacket relative to the rake bracket.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle can increase the entire strength of the steering column while maintaining a supporting force between an outer tube and an inner tube at the time of tightening or releasing an adjusting lever for a tilting or telescopic operation, thereby preventing deformation and breakage of the steering column when a driver operates a steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel adjusting mechanism (2) for motor vehicles (4) comprising a pivotally to the vehicle (4) attached supporting arm (8), and a pivotally to the supporting arm (8) attached steering shaft housing unit (12), where at least one locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to both the vehicle (4) and the steering shaft housing unit (12), which locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is compressible with clamping means (18) in order to lock the steering shaft housing unit (12) relative to the vehicle (4). Optionally, the supporting arm (8) is pivotally attached to a to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening part (20). Optionally, the locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening unit (22). Optionally, the fastening part (20) and the fastening unit (22) are integrated with each other to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable steering wheel adjusting bracket (24).

Abstract: A steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A first bracket defines a telescoping slot having a first tooth rack extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second bracket defines a tilting slot having a second tooth rack extending transverse to the telescoping slot. A first locking member and a second locking member are moveable along a pivot axis transverse the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking members have a first locking surface parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second locking surface transverse to the longitudinal and pivot axes. The locking surfaces are disposed in the telescoping and tilting slots, respectively when in the locked position such that the locking surfaces engage the first and second tooth racks, respectively for preventing movement of the column jacket.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus, includes a steering member for rotational operation, a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame, and that regulates an attitude of the steering member located between the housing position and the projection position, and a movable frame that moves together with the steering member, and that constitutes a part of the instrument panel by covering an opening formed in the fixed frame of the instrument panel when the steering member is housed at the housing position.

Abstract: Disclosed are a steering column for a vehicle and a steering apparatus for a vehicle having the same. According to the present invention, since a coupling position of a tilt bolt is positioned on the central axis of a steering shaft, bending is not caused and an adjustment lever does not hit a driver on the knee at the time of vehicle collision, and the nut opposite to the adjustment lever can be prevented from being loosened at the time of manipulating the adjustment lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an at least height-adjustable steering column. The device includes a clamping device provided with a clamping element having an open position in which the height adjustment is released. When the clamping element passes from the opening position thereof to the closed position thereof, toothings engage with each other. A blocking element has a blocking position in which it blocks the lifting of the counter-fixing part from the fixing part, maintaining the engagement of the toothings, and a release position in which the counter-fixing part can be lifted from the fixing part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket (1) which carries an upper jacket unit (3) and a lower jacket unit (5), wherein the jacket units (3, 5) surround a steering shaft (8) rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units (3, 5) comprise an inner jacket tube (10) and an outer jacket tube (11) which surrounds the inner jacket tube (10) at least in some sections, said jacket tubes being mounted such that they can be displaced one inside the other in their axial direction by means of a plastic sleeve (6) made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve (6) is inserted into the outer jacket tube (11) with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube (11) has at least one opening (12), in the region of which the plastic sleeve (6) is pressed against the inner jacket tube (10) by deformation.

Abstract: In an adjustable steering column adjustable, a steering shaft is mounted in a body tube arranged in an intermediate carrier mounted on a fixed support member. The body tube is immobilized onto the fixed support member by a clamping system. The position-keeping device includes teeth that, in the event of an impact, are mutually engageable by means of a press system mounted in the intermediate carrier and under the action of the clamping system. The teeth belong to of the press system and are on the body tube. The teeth have characteristics defined such that in the event of an impact, the breaking force of the teeth has a predetermined value.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a bracket, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface; a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within an inner surface of the outer jacket, an outer surface of the outer jacket located within the inner surface of the spaced arms; and a locking device that passes through and is coupled to the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket by respective application or release of a predetermined clamping force to the outer surface of the arm, outer bracket and inner bracket.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a vehicle, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface. The assembly also includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within the outer jacket between the spaced arms. The assembly further includes a locking device that passes through the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket. Still further, the assembly includes an energy absorbing device comprising an energy absorbing strap that is fixed to the inner jacket at a first portion thereof and slidably disposed within the outer jacket.

Abstract: To realize a practical structure capable of increasing the number of frictional engagement sections between members that are relatively displaced in response to adjustment of a front-rear position of a steering wheel, in a portion of a front end section of an outer column 11b that opposes to an intermediate section of an adjustment bolt 17a, there is formed a slit 33 that is long in the axial direction of this outer column 11b, and in a portion of the intermediate section of the adjustment bolt 17a that opposes to this outer column 11b, there is provided a pressing member 37, this pressing member 37 pressing the outer circumferential surface of the outer column 11b radially inward, with the rotation of the adjustment bolt 17a, and when fixing the front-rear position, with the rotation of the adjustment bolt 17a, a pair of supporting plate sections 23, which constitute a nipping (fixed) bracket 22a, nipping a nipped (movable) bracket 24a, and at the same time, the pressing member 37 bringing the inner circumfe

Abstract: A foldable steering column of vehicle including a steering member with a steering fork. The foldable steering column includes a base coupleable to the steering fork; a steering tube pivotally coupled to the base between at least a first position aligned with the base and second position not aligned with the base; and a sleeve operably associated with the base and the steering tube for positioning between a first position where the steering tube is secured to and aligned with the base and a second position where the steering tube is free to pivot relative to the base.

Abstract: A tilt steering column assembly having a first housing defining at least one orifice disposed along a central axis and a second housing defining at least one hole disposed along the central axis is disclosed. A pin includes a body having a first end and a second end facing the first end to define a seam. A first tab extends outwardly from a segment of the first end and a second tab extends outwardly from a segment of the second end. The first tab abuts the second tab to define a portion of the seam with a remainder of the first and second ends being spaced from each other to define a gap and a remaining portion of the seam for providing a proper fit of the pin within the orifice and the hole by compensating for varying dimensions of at least one of the orifice and the hole.

Abstract: A steering column (SC) includes a lower tube (22) connected to a portion of a vehicle body through a housing (41) of a power steering actuator (40), and an upper tube (21) which is connected to the lower tube (22) to be slidable in a column axis direction, which is telescopic, and which is connected to the portion of the vehicle body through a bracket. The housing (41) is tiltable upward/downward with respect to the portion of the vehicle body. A rear end portion (41a) of the housing (41) is integrated with a lower end portion of the lower tube (22). The upper tube (21) is moved toward a front side of a vehicle with respect to the portion of the vehicle body, when a load equal to or above a predetermined value is applied to the upper tube (21). A reinforcement portion (51) is provided only in a bottom portion of an area where the rear end portion (41a) is integrated with the lower end portion.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle, which is at least adjustable in its longitudinal direction, includes a support unit connectable with the chassis of the motor vehicle, a setting unit disposed between side jaws of the support unit, and a clamping mechanism in the opened state of which the setting unit is displaceable with respect to the support unit at least in the longitudinal direction of the steering column and, in the closed state of which, the set position of the setting unit is secured in position with respect to the support unit and which comprises a clamp bolt which penetrates openings in the side jaws of the support unit and during the opening and closing of the clamping mechanism is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column assembly also includes a locking bracket adjacent to the steering column and moveable along a path for collapsing movement. The steering column assembly also includes a locking member supported in two-way movement by the locking bracket between a first position and a second position spaced from one another. In the first position, the locking member locks the locking bracket and the steering column member together. When the locking member is in the second position, the steering column member is moveable relative to the locking bracket. The steering column assembly also includes at least one quick release bolt engaged with the locking bracket to selectively fix the locking bracket with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp assembly secures a fixed portion of a steering column assembly to a movable portion of a steering column. It comprises a rack of teeth carried by the moving portion and a rack of teeth carried by the fixed portion and an inner hollow toothed block nested inside an outer hollow toothed block, each carrying at least one rack of teeth with the rack of teeth on the inner block facing the rack of teeth on the moving portion and the rack of teeth on the outer block facing the rack of teeth on the fixed portion. A retaining clip provides a lost motion coupling between the retaining clip and the inner toothed block and an independent lost motion coupling between the retaining clip and the inner toothed block and an independent motion coupling between the retaining clip and the outer toothed block. First, second and third springs bias the teeth of the blocks into and out of engagement with the racks when locked and unlocked.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having an outer jacket, an inner jacket, and a tilt housing. A longitudinal locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket. A tilt locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing tilting movement of the tilt housing relative to the inner jacket. A control lever is coupled to both of the longitudinal locking device and the tilt locking device for simultaneously moving the devices between the released and engaged positions. The longitudinal locking device has first and second members each having interengaging chamfers. The first member has an engagement surface abutting an abutment surface of the inner jacket when in the engaged position to prevent the longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column structure includes a movable steering column portion, a tilting mechanism and a telescoping mechanism. The tilting mechanism is configured to selectively adjust an angle of inclination of a tilting part. The telescoping mechanism adjusts the telescopic position of a telescoping part. The telescoping mechanism includes a hand operated release member, an actuation member and a biasing member. The hand operated release member has an actuating end pivotal about first pivot axis between a locking orientation and a releasing orientation. The actuation member has a contact section. The biasing member urges the actuation member to apply an approximately constant return force from the contact section to the actuating end biasing the hand operated release member to return to the locking orientation regardless of the tilt angle of the tilting mechanism.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket extending along a longitudinal axis. A mounting bracket is coupled to the column jacket and includes a first plate disposed adjacent the column jacket and a second plate disposed opposite the column jacket from the first plate. A first clamp shaft is coupled to and extends through the first plate along a first transverse axis. A second clamp shaft is coupled to and extends through the second plate along a second transverse axis. The first and second transverse axes intersect the column jacket. A cam mechanism is coupled to the first clamp shaft for moving the first clamp shaft axially along the first transverse axis. A bridge includes a generally U-shaped cross section partially encircling the column jacket to interconnect the first clamp shaft and the second clamp shaft for moving the second clamp shaft concurrently with the first clamp shaft.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprising an intermediate assembly which is slideably disposed within a lower assembly so that the intermediate assembly may be moved between an extended and a retracted position. Further, the steering column assembly contains an upper assembly which is pivotally coupled to one end of the intermediate assembly so as to permit the upper assembly to move about a pivot point. The upper assembly further contains a locking assembly which is interconnected between the lower assembly, the intermediate assembly and the upper assembly so that the lower, intermediate and upper assemblies may be locked relative to each other in a selected position when the locking assembly is placed and retained in a first position and permitted to move when said locking assembly is placed and retained in a second position.

Abstract: A steering device for adjusting a wheel steering angle of a wheel of a motor vehicle is disclosed, which steering device has just one central wheel guide member for changing the wheel steering angle of the wheel and not a plurality of wheel guide members. The length of the wheel guide member can be adjusted, wherein a change in length of the central wheel guide member brings about a change in the wheel steering angle of the wheel.

Abstract: There is provided a steering column supporting apparatus in which tilt pins are locked on a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body and engaged with tilt plates welded to respective both sides of a steering column, and slotted holes extended in the axial direction of the steering column are formed in the tilt plates. A bulging part is formed on a lower surface of the steering column, and is designed to be larger in size than a gap between the lower surface of the steering column and the tilt bracket and increased in height as it goes rearward in the direction of the length of a vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce impact load applied to the steering column in the event of head-on vehicle crash.

Abstract: When a telescopic gear base 6 and a telescopic gear member 8 are relatively brought close to each other, although their centers shift from each other, even when a tooth tip of a tooth (first tooth) 6a on one surface and a tooth tip of a tooth (second tooth) 8a on one surface contact with each other (at C-point in FIG. 5(b)), the telescopic gear base 6 and the telescopic gear member 8 can continue the relative movement in direction of an arrow (FIG. 5(b)) from such the state, because they contact with each other and intermeshed so that each angle with their tooth continuing directions is set larger than 0° and smaller than 90°. Therefore, since the telescopic gear base 6 and the telescopic gear member 8 intermesh gradually to slide, the tooth 6a and the tooth 8s readily intermesh during slide (at D-point in FIG. 5(c)).

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering member for rotational operation, and a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame. The steering member includes a main body supported by the support mechanism, a pair of grip sections which are movable between the housing position and the projection position together with the main body, and which are supported so as to be movable between a nonoperating position and an operating position by the main body, and a grip section drive actuator which is supported by the main body, and drives the pair of grip sections to the nonoperating position and the operating position.