Abstract: A tilt adjust nut is inserted in a first recess formed in a tube guide bracket, and is coupled to a column body around an axis perpendicular to a tilt plane thereof. When the column body tilts with respect to an upper bracket due to tilt operation and the tilt angle of the column body with respect to the upper bracket changes due to this tilting of the column body, the tilt adjust nut rotates in the first recess in accordance with the tilting of the column body and thereby allows changes in the tilt angle.

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.

Abstract: In a tilt and/or telescopic type steering column apparatus for a vehicle, in which a column sided bracket attached to a steering column is so provided as to be swingable and/or slidable on a car body sided bracket attached to a car body, a fastening bolt is inserted through a tilt adjustment hole formed in the car body sided bracket and through a telescopic adjustment hole formed in the column sided bracket, the two brackets are pressure-contacted to each other by fastening the fastening bolt and thus fastened in a tilt and/or telescopic adjustment position, while a tilt and/or telescopic adjustment can be made by releasing the two brackets from being pressure-contacted by slackening the fastening bolt, and each of the tilt adjustment hole and the telescopic adjustment hole has a slight gap with respect to the fastening bolt, a steering column apparatus for a vehicle is constructed such that an annular or cylindrical elastic member for preventing a backlash of the fastening bolt from being caused correspondin

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a steering column with an outer jacket moveable along an axis. An instrument panel is coupled to the outer jacket. An instrument panel hood is connected to the instrument panel and the outer jacket. A support bracket includes a pair of support arms including flanges, with a first mounting component and a second mounting component connected to the flanges. The outer jacket is slideably coupled to the first mounting component and the instrument panel is slideably coupled to the second mounting component. The support bracket is pivotable about a pivot axis between an upper limit and a lower limit. A spring is attached to the support bracket for biasing the support bracket toward the upper limit. Coordinated movement between the instrument panel and the outer jacket is possible and the load from the instrument panel is diverted from the outer jacket to the support bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling relative adjustment of two parts has, on the first part, a chamber filled with balls. The second part engages between the balls, by which it is held fast to the first part. For adjustment of the two portions, the chamber volume can be increased in size in such a way that the second portion can be moved with rearrangement of the balls.

Abstract: A method for the production of a steering spindle part is provided. The method includes forming a section of a steering spindle for a motor vehicle and which is implemented in the form of a hollow shaft and includes at least a connection section adjoining one of its ends. The connection section has at least over a portion of its length a wall thickness (D) which, compared to a section of the steering spindle part adjoining the connection section, is increased, for the production of the steering spindle part as the starting produce is utilized an initially hollow-cylindrical tube, which is at least section-wise reshaped. For the formation of the connection section, a sleeve is set into an end section of the tube and the end section of the tube and of sleeve are subsequently jointly reshaped.

Abstract: A steering wheel position adjustment device includes a movable bracket having adjusting long holes on both sides in a width direction of the movable bracket, a fixed bracket, a lock shaft penetrating through both of the adjusting long holes to support the movable bracket to the fixed bracket, a collar member which is rotatably supported within the movable bracket by the lock shaft and is capable of moving along, with the lock shaft, in a longitudinal direction and stopper shock-absorbing materials, which are attached to both side sections in the longitudinal direction of the adjusting long holes within the movable bracket, and each of which is formed thereon with an abutment surface against which the collar member abuts.

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: Some embodiments of the invention include a vehicle having a chassis and an engine supported by the chassis, the engine coupled to a drive train useful for propelling the vehicle. The vehicle may include a steering indexing assembly useful for positioning a steering control between a first steering position having the steering control positioned generally along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second steering position having the steering control positioned laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having lower and upper steering column members that are slidingly interengaged. The upper column member is attached to a structural part of the motor vehicle by a ride down mechanism that allows the upper steering column to move in the event of a collision. A load transfer means is provided to bypass the ride down mechanism when an adjustment lever is moved to a position allowing the position of the upper steering column member to be adjusted thereby preventing accidental damage occurring to the ride down mechanism due to operator abuse.

Abstract: A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a steering column swingably supported by a tilt pivot shaft and rotatably supporting a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached, and a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body member and tiltably holding the steering column Stress cushioning member is disposed between the steering column and the tilt bracket.

Abstract: The invention includes a steering column assembly positionable in a vehicle. The invention also includes a connecting device releaseably attachable to the vehicle. The connecting device is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively lock the steering column assembly with respect to the vehicle. The invention also includes a first energy absorber disposed between the connecting device and the steering column assembly. The first energy absorber is selectively engageable to dissipate energy. For example, the first energy absorber is engaged to dissipate energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the locked configuration. The first energy absorber is disengaged with respect to dissipating energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: The invention refers to improvements to the intermediate shaft in the claims of the main patent to adjust the depth of the steering wheel to match the driver's measurements, to absorb vibrations which may be generated by the wheels and suspension up to the steering wheel, as well as acting as a safety measure to collapse in the event of an accident which may also be by using the corresponding screw/nut mechanisms comprising a nut rigidly connected to the intermediate shaft on one of the flat surfaces of the female shaft and a screw which turns on it tightening the male shaft via the adjustment spring, so that it gently slides (with a predetermined load deemed to be suitable for facilitating sliding it by hand).

Abstract: A vehicle steering telescopic shaft having a male shaft and a female shaft so fitted to each other as not to be rotatable but to be slidable. First torque transmitting members are disposed between the male shaft and the female shaft, and roll when the male shaft and the female shaft make relative movements in axial directions. Elastic members are disposed adjacent in a radial direction to the first torque transmitting members and restrict them when rotated and apply a pre-load to the male shaft and the female shaft through the first torque transmitting members when not rotated. Second torque transmitting members are provided between the male shaft and the female shaft, and slide when the male shaft and the female shaft make the relative movements in the axial directions, and transmit a torque when rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilting device for a steering column comprising: a steering column inclinedly arranged in a rear direction of a vehicle; a shroud covering the steering column to shield the steering column from an outside; a bracket located between the steering column and the shroud to guide the steering column for tilting; and a tilting locking means slidably arranged substantially near to an upper surface of the steering column to enable the steering column to be tilted or not to be tilted.

Abstract: The present invention provides push-pull type tilt lever assembly for a steering system of a vehicle. According to tie push-pull type tilt lever assembly for a steering system of a vehicle, a tilt lever assembly is disposed at the upper portion of a side of a steering column to perform locking and unlocking in tilt and telescopic functions in the steering system and achieves tilt locking and tilt unlocking by pushing or pulling a tilt lever. Further, since tilt lever is disposed at the upper portion of a side of steering column, it does not contact with the driver's knees in a car crash, such that it is possible to reduce driver's knees injury rate and remove cause of demerit for the knees injury rate in accordance with EURO NCAP that is a European car safety performance assessment programme.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises: a rotationally mounted steering spindle (2); a jacket unit (3), which rotationally mounts a section of the steering spindle (2); a supporting unit (4), which can be connected to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and in relation thereto the jacket unit (3) can be displaced in at least one direction of displacement, and; a tightening mechanism (6) that, when closed, the position of the steering column is fixed and the jacket unit (3) is braced with the supporting unit (4), the tensioning mechanism comprising a draw bolt (9) that, via openings (10, 11), passes through the jacket unit (3) and the supporting unit (4) transversal to the axis of the steering spindle (2), and; first and second tensioning elements (16, 17) between which roll bodies (27) are arranged for reducing friction during mutual twisting. The first tensioning element (16) is forced into its closed position by a tension spring (21).

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a setting unit (11) displaceable in at least one setting direction (3, 18), a holding unit (5) nondisplaceable in this setting direction (3, 18), and a securement device (12), in the opened state of which the setting unit (11) is displaceable with respect to the holding unit (5) for setting the position of the steering column and, in the closed state of which, the setting unit (11) is secured with respect to the holding unit (5) by the securement device, and which comprises a clamp bolt (19) penetrating openings in the setting unit (11) and holding unit (5), at least one tooth plate (1) penetrated by the clamp bolt (19), which tooth plate comprises at least one toothing (2) with teeth directed away from the clamp bolt (19), and at least one toothing (7), facing the clamp bolt (19), of the holding unit (5) for the cooperation with the at least one toothing (2) of the tooth plate (1) in the closed state of the securement device.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a steering spindle, a jacket unit bearing the steering spindle, a bracket unit, mountable on the chassis of the motor vehicle, with at least one side jaw, which extends laterally of the jacket unit and bears the jacket unit (3), an openable and closable securement device which includes a clamp bolt penetrating elongated holes in the jacket unit and in the at least one side jaw, as well as at least one bracing part penetrated by the clamp bolt. The at least one bracing part is implemented in the form of a substantially planar plate.

Abstract: A steering column (10) according to the invention includes a steering column jacket (12) having an engaging surface (14). The steering column jacket (12) is operable to at least partially encircle a steering shaft (16) in a vehicle. The steering column (10) also includes a tilt housing (18) engaged with the steering column jacket (12) for tilting movement about a tilt axis (20) between a plurality of tilt positions. The steering column (10) also includes a locking member (22) pivotally supported at a pivot end (24) by the tilt housing (18). The locking member (22) extends to a distal locking end (26) moveable outwardly from the tilt axis (20) along a first arcuate path (28) to a locked position contacting the engaging surface (14) and inwardly towards the tilt axis (20) along the first arcuate path (28) to an unlocked position spaced from the engaging surface (14).

Abstract: The invention proposes an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle with a setting part displaceable in at least one setting direction for setting the position of the steering column, a holding part nondisplaceable in this setting direction and a securement device, in the opened state of which the setting part is displaceable with respect to the holding part for setting the position of the steering column, and in the closed state of which the setting part is secured in place by the securement device.

Abstract: A steering column device for a vehicle which includes: a steering column jacket; a detachable bracket detachably attached to an attachment bracket for supporting the steering column jacket; a tearable first energy absorbing member having one end fixed to the attachment bracket and the other end fixed to the detachable bracket; a tearable second energy absorbing member having one end fixed to the detachable bracket and the other end engageable with the attachment bracket; and an engaging device for engagement between the second energy absorbing member and the attachment bracket. The engaging device leaves the second energy absorbing member unengaged with the attachment bracket under a low-impact load condition, and has the second energy absorbing member engaged with the attachment bracket under a high-impact load condition.

Abstract: A clamping device for the positional fixing of a vehicle steering column which can be adjusted in its length and/or inclination has a clamping disc and a plurality of rolling bodies, with clamping ramps for the rolling bodies being formed on the surface of the clamping disc, wherein the rolling bodies each make contact with one of a plurality of separate contact elements arranged in a common plane.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable column member supporting a steering wheel at a rear end of the movable column member and rotatably supported about a column swinging point provided at a front part of the movable column member relative to a vehicle body, a fixing bracket supported at an upper portion of the fixing bracket to the vehicle body and including first and second retaining portions that face each other and support the movable column member therebetween, first and second pressing mechanisms facing each other so as to press and support the movable column in a slidable manner, a first pivot axis disposed at a lower side of the fixing bracket, a second pivot axis disposed at a lower side of the movable column member, and a drive mechanism driven so as to adjust a distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snap-on lower bracket (14, 14a) and bearing support for supporting a collapsible steering shaft in a vehicle. The invention includes a lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) defining a depression and a bracket (14, 14a) defining a tab that cooperates with the depression. For example, when the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) and the support bracket (14, 14a) are engaged with respect to one another, the tab engages the depression in a snap-fit relationship. The snap-fit relationship provides sufficient strength to maintain the position of the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) relative to the vehicle during normal vehicle handling. In the event of an impact situation, the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) can move in response to the driver impacting the steering wheel and urge the tab out of engagement with the depression.

Abstract: A steering wheel position adjustment device in a steering device includes a tilt telescopic adjustment mechanism. A column housing, through which a column pipe passes and is fixed thereto, is fitted to a fixed bracket so that the column housing can either freely move or be fixed in the axial direction. The column pipe is inserted slidably in an insertion hole of a pivot housing that is fitted to be able to swing freely and be fixed to the front of the column housing in the axial direction. An upper shaft is provided, within the column pipe, that moves together with the column pipe in the axial direction. A lower shaft is provided in the pivot housing. The upper shaft transmits rotation to the lower shaft, and the upper shaft and the lower shaft are connected to be able to slide freely relative to each other.

Abstract: A motor driven steering column system of a vehicle capable of interchanging tilt/telescopic modes using a single motor generating driving force by switching power transfer routes of the single motor using a small-sized motor in tilt/telescopic operations. The motor driven steering column system includes a driving motor generating rotational force for tilt/telescopic operations by receiving battery power according to a control signal of a mode control switch, an ECU selectively transferring the rotational force of the driving motor by determining the tilt/telescopic modes according to the control signal of the mode control switch, and a power switching unit controlled by the ECU for operating the motor driven steering column system in a selected mode.

Abstract: A safety steering column which is adjustable in its axial direction whereby pyrotechnically driven steering column retraction is provided for a positioning of a safety steering column in its axial direction, to move it away from the driver in case of an accident. Furthermore, a safety system incorporating such a safety steering column and a motor vehicle so equipped that can distinguish between different drivers regarding weight, size and belted condition; the system providing alternative safety measures depending on the driver's needs for protection.

Abstract: A tilting arrangement for a vehicle steering wheel unit is disclosed. The tilting arrangement incorporates a mount (2) to mount the tilting arrangement on the vehicle. A support element (11) is provided, and the steering wheel unit is pivotally connected (13) to the support element (11) to effect tilting pivotal movement about a pivot axis (13). The support element (11) is moveable relative to the mount (2) so as to move the pivotal axis (13) with a movement which has a substantial upward component.

Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus comprises a tilt adjusting mechanism in which a tilt lock release is established only when an oscillation-free end of an operating arm portion of a tilt operating lever is positioned toward a steering wheel side. Even when the tilt operating lever is oscillated to the steering wheel side, the tilt operating lever is prevented from returning under its own weight, thereby preventing it from being difficult to operate. The tilt steering apparatus is configured from an oscillation latch portion formed on the circumference of an oscillation center portion of an oscillation base portion of the tilt operating lever to move reciprocally in the circumferential direction, a hook portion formed in the movable bracket, and a spring that extends between the oscillation latch portion and the hook portion elastically urged in the direction of contraction. The centerline of the spring is able to pass through the oscillation center portion of the tilt operating lever as appropriate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for a clamping mechanism of an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle, by way of which actuator a clamping apparatus can be moved between a release position for adjusting the steering column and a clamping position for fixing the steering column in position, the actuator comprising a gear mechanism having a plurality of gear elements which are in engagement with one another. In order to provide an actuator which can be transferred considerably more quickly into its release position, an actuating device (26) is provided according to the invention, by means of which at least two of the gear elements (18, 20) of the actuator can be moved out of mutual engagement.

Abstract: An impact absorption type steering column apparatus for a vehicle is constructed such that a steering column is moved forwardly of the vehicle with respect to a car body sided member when a secondary collision happens. An outer peripheral surface of the steering column is fitted with a metallic ring that engages with the car body sided member to absorb impact energy while frictionally sliding on the steering column moving forwardly of the vehicle, when the secondary collision happens.

Abstract: An electrically-driven steering column apparatus includes a steering column rotatably holding a steering shaft and capable of adjusting a position of the steering wheel, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting to the steering column a rotational driving force of an electric motor as a position adjusting motion driving force, wherein the power transmission mechanism has a joint constructed of a spherical joint element and a cylindrical joint element in which the spherical joint element is slidably fitted, on within a driving force transmission route.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device.

Abstract: An automotive steering column apparatus has an inner column rotatably supporting a steering shaft, an outer column holding the inner column while rotatably embracing the inner column, a vehicle body side bracket having a vehicle body mount portion which can be mounted on a vehicle body and a pair of left and right facing flat plate portions which extend substantially vertically and disposed in such a manner as to surround the outer column, a clamping mechanism for changing a width of the pair of facing flat plate portions and changing a width of an inner circumferential surface of the outer column in connection with a change in the width of the pair of facing flat portions, and a shear ring mounted on at least either the inner circumferential surface of the outer column or an outer circumferential surface of the inner column. A shear permissive projection is provided on the shear ring.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a setting unit displaceable in at least one displacement direction for setting the position of the steering column, a holding unit nondisplaceable into this displacement direction, a securement device, in the opened state of which the setting unit (4) is displaceable with respect to the holding unit for setting the position of the steering column and in the closed state of which the setting unit (4) is secured in position by the securement device, and a crash blocking device, which is displaceable between a passive state and an active state. The blocking device raises an additional holding force against a displacement of the setting unit with respect to the holding unit into at least one displacement direction.

Abstract: A steering column device (1), comprising a column body (2) having a swelled shell part (23) in deformed section swelled in the side direction of a steering shaft (3) beyond the portion of thereof where an upper bearing (31) is installed and having opposed walls parallel with each other, wherein a lower body mounting part (22) and an upper body mounting part (21) are formed in the swelled shell part (23), whereby a distance bracket and a lower bracket must not be prepared and fixedly positioned on the column body.

Abstract: A steering column adjustable height and inclination of steering wheel has a singularity of control lever for controlling clamping/unclamping of a telescopic mechanism and a tilting mechanism for the adjustment. An energizing direction inverting mechanism inverts direction of biasing force applied to the lever by an energizing member from clamping direction to unclamping direction halfway through operation of the lever by a driver.

Abstract: A steering column set includes a first steering column, a second steering column, an extending device and a tilting device. The first steering column is connected to a steering wheel. The second steering column is telescopically connected to the first steering column. The extending unit is used to move the first steering column with respect to the second steering column. The tilting unit is used to tilt the first and second steering columns.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a selectively collapsible structure that enables said column to collapse in the event of an impact force resulting from a vehicle crash. An adaptive energy absorbing device is associated with said column and operates in a first condition to absorb a first level of energy of the collapsing column and in a second condition to absorb a second level of energy of the collapsing column. The assembly includes a telltale detection device that is associated with the adaptive energy absorbing device and is responsive to a change in condition of the energy absorbing device prior to a collapse event to provide a signal to a user of the condition of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a support bracket and a column jacket coupled to the support bracket. A compression bracket is mounted to the column jacket. A clamping device is disposed on the support bracket and has a rake bolt extending through the support bracket and the compression bracket for applying a frictional force on the support bracket to prevent telescoping and tilting movement of the column jacket and the compression bracket relative to the support bracket. An actuation mechanism is coupled to the support bracket. The actuation mechanism rotates the rake bolt in a first direction to prevent telescoping and tilting movement of the column jacket. Likewise, the actuation mechanism rotates the rake bolt in a second direction to permit telescoping movement of the column jacket and the compression bracket relative to the actuation mechanism and the support bracket and tilting movement.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column structure includes a fixed steering column portion, a movable steering column portion movably coupled to the fixed steering column portion and a steering column positioning mechanism. The steering column positioning mechanism is operably coupled between the fixed and movable steering column portions for adjusting a relative position therebetween. The steering column positioning mechanism includes a release member and a biasing member. The biasing member biases the release member to a locking orientation such that the biasing force of the biasing member applied to the release member changes with corresponding movement of the release member along a first movement portion of a prescribed movement range and the biasing force of the biasing member is generally constant with movement of the release member along a second movement portion of the prescribed movement range.

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: An energy absorbing steering apparatus S of the invention includes: a lever 48 which interconnects steering-side outer segments 46, 47 sandwiching therebetween steering-side inner fixed segments 42, 43 disposed upwardly of a steering column C thereby to be relatively moved together with fixed portions 42b, 43b of the steering-side inner fixed segments 42, 43 and to relatively move fixed portions 46b, 47b of the steering-side outer segments 46, 47 when the steering column C is moved relative to a vehicle body; and an actuator 50 disposed laterally of the steering column C and operative to release the lever 48 from the connection with the steering-side outer segment 47.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle having an outerjacket and an inner jacket slideably disposed within the outer jacket along a longitudinal axis for telescoping movement. A pivot pin is coupled to the outerjacket and defines a pin axis. A pawl is disposed about the pivot pin and is rotatable about the pin axis between and engaged position engaging the innerjacket for preventing the telescoping movement and a disengaged position disengaging the inner jacket for allowing the telescoping movement. An actuator is mounted to the pivot pin for concurrent rotation with the pivot pin about the pin axis and is coupled to the pawl for moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions in an opposing rotational direction from the concurrent rotation of the pivot pin and the actuator.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft for steering of a vehicle is assembled in a steering shaft and includes a male shaft and a female shaft that are so fitted as not to be rotatable but to be slidable. Rolling members are fitted through an elastic body for pre-load between at least a pair of axially-extending grooves formed in an outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in an inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. A slide member is fitted in between at least another pair of axially-extending grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. When a steering toque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, the elastic body for the pre-load exhibits a low rigidity characteristic as the elastic body performs pre-load action. When the steering torque is equal to or larger than the predetermined level, the slide member exhibits a high rigidity characteristic as the slide member engages with the pair of axially extending grooves.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has an actuator preferably having an outer member supported operably by a guide feature carried between the outer member and the bracket for movement along a first centerline traverse to the steering shaft. The bracket also supports a lever of the actuator for movement along a second centerline that intersects the first centerline. At least one roller is located in a raceway defined between the outer member and the lever. Because the raceway is angled with respect to both the first and second centerlines, motion of the lever along the second centerline is converted to motion of the second member along the traversing first centerline.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.

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: A steering column assembly of a vehicle has a releasable push/pull lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has a toggle apparatus having a push/pull lever that may extend substantially parallel to a rotating axis of the steering shaft and move in a first direction along its length and between locked and unlocked positions. A carrier of the device connects to the toggle apparatus and moves along its length in a second direction that may be perpendicular to the first direction and as the lever moves between the locked and unlocked positions. Preferably, an indexing apparatus is generally carried between the carrier and at least one of the housing and the bracket for selecting adjustment of the steering column assembly when the device is in the unlocked position.