Abstract: A spindle drive for the height adjustment of an electrically adjustable steering column and the steering includes an adjustment spindle rotatably mounted in two bearings. The adjustment spindle includes two clamping elements, which have a centering cone on their sides facing one another, and the adjustment spindle is arranged in a tensioned manner on the two bearings by means of the clamping element, in that the clamping elements abut on the outer sides of the centering cones facing away from one other. The outer sides of the bearings are formed having a counter contour to the respectively abutting centering cone.

Abstract: Construction is achieved wherein upward displacement of a steering column 6c during a secondary collision is prevented, and the distance D between the steering column 6c and the tip end section of an adjustment lever 18b is kept the same regardless of the up/down position of the steering wheel 1. The position of the adjustment lever 18b after rotation is maintained by the tip end section of a locking arm 40 that is provided on the base end section of the adjustment arm 18b engaging with a locking groove 42 of a locking piece 41 that is provided on a support plate section 23a. The direction of formation of the locking groove 42 is such that when the up/down position of the steering wheel 1 is in an upward position, the top end section of the locking groove 42 engages with the tip end section of the locking arm 40, and when the up/down position of the steering wheel 1 is in a downward position, the bottom end section of the locking groove 42 engages with the tip end section of the locking arm 40.

Abstract: A tilting mechanism is provided with a movable column member for pivotally supporting a steering column to be swung about a swinging center provided at a front part of a vehicle body, and a movable bracket holding it. A lift-up mechanism is provided with a fixing bracket fixed to the vehicle body, and a link member with one end thereof being supported rotatably on the movable bracket, and the other one end thereof being disposed to be engaged with and removed from the fixing bracket. A lift-up biasing portion (spring member) biases the movable bracket in a direction to be lifted up from the fixing bracket. A lift-up manipulating lever selectively provides a hold state for engaging the link member with the fixing bracket to hold the movable bracket at an initial position or a lift-up position, and a release state for releasing its engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, wherein the locking device has a cam bracket having at least one cam arranged in a fixed manner thereon and at least one mating cam bracket having at least one mating cam arranged in a fixed manner thereon and at least one stop. The cam bracket and the mating cam bracket are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other around an axis of rotation, and the cam of the first cam bracket interacts with the mating cam of the mating cam bracket upon rotation of the cam bracket and mating cam bracket relative to each other around the axis of rotation in order to generate a stroke in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a tilt lever, an expandable mechanism having a driving cam rotated by the tilt lever and a driven cam engaged with the driving cam, and a telescopic damper arranged to apply resistance against the rotation of the tilt lever in a direction allowing a position of a steering wheel to be adjusted. The telescopic damper is provided between a lever-side engaging portion which rotates together with the tilt lever and a cam-side engaging part of the driven cam.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a vehicle comprises a first portion rotatably supported by a second portion. The steering column arrangement further comprises a first electrical motor that is adapted to be operably connected to a vehicle control system. The steering column is arranged to be moved laterally and/or axially by the first electric motor. The steering column arrangement further comprises locking means arranged to lock the steering column thereby preventing rotation of the steering column. The locking means comprise a first locking member attached to the steering column and a second locking member arranged to be attached to the vehicle chassis, where the first electric motor is arranged to move the steering column to a locked position in which the first locking member and the second locking member are arranged to engage, thereby preventing rotation of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle provided with a steering wheel includes a main housing, a movable column member, a fixing bracket fixing the main housing to a vehicle body, a link mechanism, and a drive mechanism connected to the link mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor, a threaded shaft, and a nut member moving in an axial direction of the threaded shaft, the nut member includes a female threaded portion threadedly engaged with the threaded shaft and a pivot shaft portion including a rotational axis orthogonal to an axis of the female threaded portion and including two flat surface portions being parallel to the rotational axis and facing each other while leaving a predetermined distance therebetween, and the link mechanism includes a bearing portion including a bearing hole and a cut-out portion including two flat surfaces configured to be parallel to the two flat surface portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric locking system (1) for locking the position of a steering column of a vehicle relative to the dashboard of said vehicle, the steering column including a tube-body movably mounted in a supporting assembly for enabling the manual adjustment of said steering column. The locking system includes means (2) for locking the tube-body on the supporting assembly, an electric motor (4) coupled to the locking means (2) for driving the latter and placing the steering column in an unlocked state or a locked state, motor control means providing motor actuation instructions for placing the steering column in the locked state and/or in the unlocked state, and means for detecting the state of the steering column and for generating an electric signal representative of the state of the column.

Abstract: A unique motor type motor driven column apparatus may include a motor attached to a telescoping tube that slidably receives a column tube therein, wherein the telescoping tube may be pivotally coupled with a vehicle body by a tilt bracket, an actuating rod rotating by the motor, a tilt mechanism including a tilt clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by a motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the tilt mechanism to make a tilt motion of the column tube, and a telescoping mechanism including a telescoping clutch receiving the actuating rod therethrough and selectively engaged therebetween by the motor controller such that a rotation force of the actuating rod may be converted into a linear movement of the telescoping mechanism so as to make a telescoping motion of the column tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle including a clamping device, in the opened state of which the steering column is adjustable and in the closed state of which the set position of the steering column is fixed and which has an operating lever and a clamping pin having a longitudinal axis. A clamping part, which can be rotated by the operating lever about the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin in order to open and close the clamping device, is arranged on the clamping pin or is integrated with the clamping pin as one piece. The clamping pin and/or the clamping part includes a toothing, which surrounds the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin and the teeth of which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin.

Abstract: A supporting unit of a telescopic adjustment mechanism is placed within an opening hole formed at one end side of an outer jacket and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of an inner jacket. A tip of a screw axle which is movable in an axial direction of a jacket is linked to the supporting unit. The inner jacket placed at an inside of an outer jacket is pressed on an inner peripheral surface of outer jacket by means of a biasing mechanism placed at an opposite side of the opening hole. Thus, positions of the supporting unit and the biasing mechanism along the axial direction of the jacket are substantially coincident with each other and the supporting unit is placed within the outer jacket in the axial direction of the jacket. Consequently, a steering column apparatus can be small-sized in the axial direction of the jacket.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a shroud which surrounds a steering column shaft, a mounting bracket secured to or integral with a fixed part of the vehicle, a support bracket secured to the mounting bracket through one or more frangible connectors, a clamp mechanism which releasably secures the shroud to the support bracket, and a blocking part which is fixed in position relative to the mounting and at least in an unclamped condition of the clamp mechanism provides an additional force path between the clamp mechanism and the mounting bracket that does not pass through the support bracket. In the event that an axial load is applied to the steering assembly when the clamp mechanism is unlocked and has reached the end of its allowable travel at least some of the load is carried through the clamp mechanism and the blocking part to the mounting bracket along the additional force path.

Abstract: A steering device includes: an inner column; an outer column that includes a left-right pair of outer column half bodies having holding surface portions formed on respective inner surface sides thereof, the two holding surface portions together constituting a holding inner peripheral surface for holding an outer peripheral surface of the inner column; a pivot bracket in which hanging side portions are formed on either width direction side of a pivot upper portion; a fixing bracket provided with fixing side portions on either width direction side; and a clamping tool. Respective width direction outside surfaces of the two outer column half bodies are sandwiched between the two hanging side portions of the pivot bracket, and the two fixing side portions of the fixing bracket are connected such that the two width direction outside surfaces of the two outer column half bodies can be clamped and released by the clamping tool.

Abstract: A tilt-up mechanism for tilting up an upper column of a steering column from a drive position to a tilt-up position is configured independently from a tilt angle adjusting mechanism and a column length adjusting mechanism. When an operator who is to get on/off an operator's seat steps on and operates a pedal of the tilt-up mechanism, an engaged state of a lock pin with respect to a tilt-up member is disengaged. The tilt-up member is rotated around a support shaft, by a spring force of a tilt-up spring, whereby the upper column is tilted up together with a steering wheel in a direction (A) away from the operator's seat. At this time, the tilt angle and the column length can be held at positions adjusted in advance.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle that includes an inner column tube, a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner column tube and having a longitudinal axis, a top bracket adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, and a telescoping motor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft in a fore or aft direction. A telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is coupled during normal operation to a column housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted to detach from the column housing in the event of an impact exceeding a predetermined first impact load.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle has at least two components and at least one locking device. The components can be adjusted in the position thereof relative to each other along an adjustment path in an open position of the locking device and are locked in the position thereof relative to each other in a closed position of the locking device. A stop element is arranged at least a first of the components such that the stop element limits the adjustment path and can be detached from the first of the components when a force value is exceeded. The adjustable steering column has a tool which can be inserted between the stop element and the first of the components in order to detach the stop element.

Abstract: A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a tilt lever, an expandable mechanism having a driving cam rotated by the tilt lever and a driven cam engaged with the driving cam, and a telescopic damper arranged to apply resistance against the rotation of the tilt lever in a direction allowing a position of a steering wheel to be adjusted. The telescopic damper is provided between a lever-side engaging portion which rotates together with the tilt lever and a cam-side engaging part of the driven cam.

Abstract: A steering column apparatus has a fixed bracket fixed to a vehicle body and having a pair of long holes extending parallel to each other along a backward-and-forward direction; a movable bracket arranged movably in the backward-and-forward direction; a pair of bolts and a pair of nuts for fixing the movable bracket to a rear portion of the fixed bracket so that the movable bracket can move in the backward-and-forward direction with respect to the fixed bracket; a spring plate having pressing portions for holding the movable bracket at the rear portion of the fixed bracket by pressing the fixed bracket against the movable bracket; a shear pin connecting the fixed bracket and the movable bracket at the rear portion of the fixed bracket; and first and second low friction elements. Upon a secondary collision, the movable bracket smoothly moves toward a vehicle front side together with the spring plate.

Abstract: A position lock for a steering column comprises a rake lock bracket, a tooth lock, a driver, and a spring. The rake lock bracket is fixed to the vehicle has a rake lock tooth wall that bounds a control slot and that defines a plurality of rake lock teeth. The tooth lock is coupled to the steering column for movement in a raking direction and supported for rotation about a tooth lock rotation axis. The driver, supported for translation with the tooth lock and for rotation about a driver rotation axis, is configured for contacting an actuation feature of the tooth lock so as to cause the tooth lock to rotate with the driver as the driver rotates within the active range of rotation of the driver. The spring is configured and arranged to apply a biasing moment to cause the tooth lock to rotate in a locking direction.

Abstract: A stationary tooth row is provided in a restricted member that is not displaced together with a steering wheel during tilt adjustment of a steering system. A movable tooth row is provided in a movable member that is displaced in a tilt direction) together with the steering wheel during tilt adjustment. The movable tooth row includes a first movable tooth and second movable teeth. A first curvature radius of a tooth tip of the first movable tooth is made smaller than a second curvature radius of a tooth tip of each of the second movable teeth to make a tooth depth of the first movable tooth greater than a tooth depth of each of the second movable teeth.

Abstract: When adjusting the forward-backward position of a steering wheel, together with reducing any uncomfortable feeling experienced by the driver, a support bracket is prevented from breaking away toward the front due to an extremely large force applied during the adjustment operation. Elastic sleeves 35 are mounted inside the long holes 25a in the forward-backward direction, and an adjustment rod 19a is inserted through the inside of the elastic sleeves 35. Gaps 36 located between the outer circumferential surface of both end portions in the forward-backward direction of the elastic sleeves 35 and the inner circumferential surface of the both end portions in the forward-backward direction of the long holes 25a in the forward-backward direction.

Abstract: A steering column includes a steering spindle mounted rotatably about the steering-spindle longitudinal axis thereof, and a bracket unit fixed to the motor vehicle. The casing unit is held on the bracket unit so as to be displaceable in at least one direction parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis and can be locked in differing positions by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has at least one locking element which is mounted moveably, preferably rotatably. In at least one locking position of the locking element, the casing unit is locked in the position thereof in the bracket unit and, in at least one release position of the locking element, the casing unit can be displaced relative to the bracket unit in at least one of the directions parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth.

Abstract: Construction is achieved in which a held bracket section 30 is integrally formed with the end section of an outer column by a hydroforming method, so as to be able to substantially ensure the strength and rigidity of the held bracket section 30. A spacer 37 that is made of a material that is softer than the metal plate of the outer column 20a is assembled in the inside of the held bracket section 30 and between a pair of left and right held plate sections 31. Holes for inserting a rod for fastening the position of the steering wheel are provided in portions of the spacer 37 and held plate sections 31 that are aligned with each other.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first cam carrier and at least one other cam carrier for a securing device for an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle. Each of the cam carriers has at least one cam, and the carriers are located opposite one another so that they can rotate against one another about a rotational axis. When the first cam carrier rotates against the other cam carrier through a rotational angle about the rotational axis, the cam of the first cam carrier rests on and glides along the cam of the other cam carrier on a contact path. The contact path runs at a radial distance from the rotational axis, and the distance altering depends on the rotational angle.

Abstract: A steering system configured so that the possibility of occurrence of half-lock is significantly reduced is provided. A fastening mechanism has a pair of fastening members that fasten a pair of stationary side plates of a stationary bracket fixed to a vehicle body and a pair of movable side plates of a column bracket fixed to an upper jacket. A stationary tooth row is provided at only one location, that is, a first edge portion located on a steering member side of a tilt slot in a left stationary side plate. A second cam that serves as the fastening member has a first fastening portion that fastens the first edge portion adjacent to the tilt slot. A movable tooth row having teeth that are engaged with teeth of the stationary tooth row is provided in the first fastening portion.

Abstract: A fixing device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a first cam carrier having one or more cams fixedly attached thereto, and at least one further cam carrier having one or more cams fixedly attached thereto. The cam carriers are arranged such as to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis. Upon rotation of the cam carriers relative to each other about the rotational axis, the cam or cams of the first cam carrier interact with the cam or cams of the further cam carrier such as to slide exclusively along each other. The fixing device includes at least one energy-consuming damping device which damps the rotation of the cam carrier in at least one direction of rotation about the rotational axis.

Abstract: In a steering device having a steering lock device, the stress applied to around a through hole formed in a column to which the steering block device is attached is reduced. Since there is a slight clearance formed, in the vehicle height direction, between the outer periphery of the lock pin and the through hole and also between the guide groove and the engaging convex part, the clamping force is born by the flange section and first ribs and also by the flange section and second ribs without any force applied to the through hole. The engaging convex part is not fitted in the through hole, so that the through hole is only required to be large enough to allow the lock pin whose cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the engaging convex part to come in and out. This makes it possible to reduce the cross-sectional area of the through hole and thereby increase the strength of the outer column.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a fixed bracket, a fastener, a primary cam that rotates with a rotation operation of the fastener, and a secondary cam that is non-rotatably attached to a fixed side portion and is in contact with the primary cam. Cam operating portions each including an inclined surface portion, a high level surface, and a contact protrusion are formed at regular intervals along a circumferential direction on a base flat surface of each of the primary cam and the secondary cam, and the inclined surface portion is constituted by a low gradually inclined surface, a middle sharply inclined surface, and a high gradually inclined surface arranged in this order from the base flat surface toward the high level surface.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component and an adjustable steering column are provided. A compression bracket is configured to support the steering column, a rake bracket is configured to support the compression bracket and an actuating lever is slidingly coupled to the compression bracket and slidable along a linear travel path. A linkage assembly is connected to the compression bracket and is coupled to one end of the actuating lever and a clamping assembly is coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to release a clamping force from the component upon movement of the actuating lever from a first position to a second position, and apply a clamping force to the component upon movement of the actuating lever from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steering column, including: an inner tube; an outer tube formed in a hollow shape into which the inner tube is inserted and including a pair of telescope guides protruding to an outer circumferential surface thereof, a first slit cut in an axial direction between the pair of telescope guides, and a second slit cut toward both sides of a circumferential direction at one end of the first slit; and a control lever installed on the telescope guides, wherein the telescope guides have a taper that is formed obliquely along a lengthwise direction, and the operating force of the lever is uniformly maintained according to the position of the control lever in the lengthwise direction by means of the taper.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, the mounting bracket having a first leg extending therefrom, a lower jacket having an axial opening extending along its length along a first axis, and an upper jacket extending along the first axis telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. A rake bolt extends along a second axis through the first leg from a first side to a second side of the first leg. The second axis intersects the upper jacket and at least a portion of the rake bolt is received within the lower jacket. A clamping mechanism is positioned on the rake bolt and is configured to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the upper jacket against telescope movement.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a releasable clamp assembly that clamps a shroud of the assembly in position relative to a support bracket, the clamp assembly including an elongate clamp bolt onto which are stacked: at least a part of an adjustable shroud of the steering assembly, and a cam mechanism comprising a fixed cam part and a moving cam part, the two parts each having a bore through which the clamp bolt passes, a thrust bearing, and a locking nut which includes an internal thread that engages a complimentary thread on the clamp bolt and which is locked down so as to apply an axial load to the thrust bearing. The assembly also includes a tapered compliant bush which is pressed into a space defined between the clamp bolt and the bore of the moving cam part of the cam mechanism with the relatively thick end of the bush nearest the thrust bearing and with the thrust bearing applying an axial load to the bush.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes: a telescopic mechanism that can move a steering column in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a tilt mechanism that can tilt the steering column in a vertical direction of the vehicle; a driving mechanism that adjusts and transmits an output torque of a driving motor to a telescopic screw shaft that drives the telescopic mechanism and to a tilt screw shaft that drives the tilt mechanism provided in parallel with the telescopic screw shaft; and a switching mechanism that has a first clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the tilt screw shaft, a second clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the telescopic screw shaft, and a switching motor that switches a clutch mechanism between the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An exemplary adjustable steering column comprises a gear positioned and configured to cause a shaft to rotate about its central axis as the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more telescoping friction plates arranged and configured so as to rotate with the shaft when the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more raking friction plates, each raking friction plate being positioned in frictional contact with at least one of the one or more telescoping friction plates and configured to exhibit a different rotation than the one or more telescoping friction plates when the steering column telescopes. The shaft imposes a compressive load between the one or more telescoping friction plates and the one or more raking friction plates so as to induce friction between the telescoping friction plates and the raking friction plates and thereby resist their relative movement.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering column rotating integrally with a steering wheel, a bracket supporting the steering column via a bearing in such a manner that the steering column is rotatable, and a fixation piece fixed to a vehicle body, where the bracket includes a locking hole, and during a normal state, the fixation piece is locked on a lower surface of an edge portion enclosing the locking hole thereby locking the bracket to the fixation piece, the bracket includes a pair of guided portions extending from opposing side portions of the locking hole toward the steering wheel, and during a secondary collision, the bracket moves forward to detach the fixation piece from the locking hole, and then, the fixation piece is locked on lower surfaces of the pair of guided portions, while guiding the pair of guided portions in the axial direction.

Abstract: A telescopic device of a steering column for a vehicle includes an internal tube (200) connected to a vehicle body and formed in a lengthwise direction, a telescopic bush (250) provided around the internal tube (200) and having a fixing hole (252), through which a tilt bolt (300) of a tilt device enabling a steering column to have a tilt motion passes, so as to fix the tilt bolt (300), and an external tube (100) provided to enclose an outer side of the internal tube (200) and to move in a telescopic motion in the lengthwise direction of the internal tube (200) and having a guide hole (120) formed in the lengthwise direction so that the telescopic bush (250) is inserted therein and protrudes.

Abstract: A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, the mounting bracket having a first leg extending therefrom, a lower jacket having an axial opening extending along its length along a first axis, and an upper jacket extending along the first axis telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. A rake bolt extends along a second axis through the first leg from a first side to a second side of the first leg. The second axis intersects the upper jacket and at least a portion of the rake bolt is received within the lower jacket. A clamping mechanism is positioned on the rake bolt and is configured to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the upper jacket against telescope movement.

Abstract: A stowing steering column is provided that is capable of a high range of travel at a high rate of speed. The stowing steering column includes a roof bracket for attachment to the instrument panel, a sleeve attached to the bracket, a steering column shaft attached to the sleeve, and a steering wheel fitted to the shaft. The powered steering shaft preferably has a stowing travel range of between about +90 mm and +110 mm from mid-line and a travel speed of between about 20 mm/sec and 40 mm/sec. The stowing range of travel between about +90 and +110 mm is in addition to the functional vehicle-inward movement of +25 mm. This wide range of travel and high speed movement allows for quick positioning and re-positioning of the steering wheel. Optionally the instrument panel includes a steering-wheel receiving pocket into which the steering wheel will nest when in its retracted position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a collar assembly, a position lock bracket, and a guide clamp. A guide shaft extends from a guide end of the collar assembly, and a cam shaft extends from a cam end of the collar assembly. The guide shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket, and the cam shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket. A guide clamp is disposed along the guide shaft between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, and a guide retainer is fixed to the guide shaft such that, when the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the guide clamp is placed in compression between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, which is placed in compression between the guide clamp and the guide retainer.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, a compression bracket movably positioned relative to the mounting bracket, and a column jacket extending along a first axis and having an upper jacket and a lower jacket telescopically coupled to one another. The adjustable steering column further includes a locking mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position configured to selectively restrict adjustment of the upper jacket in a telescope direction, and at least one release mechanism configured to allow telescoping movement of the upper jacket with the locking mechanism in the locked position in response to an excessive axial force applied to the column jacket. At least one energy absorbing mechanism is configured to absorb energy during telescoping movement of the upper jacket with the locking mechanism in the locked position.

Abstract: A rake lock assembly for a steering column assembly includes a component operatively associated with a rake bracket, the component including a trigger element, and a locking cam configured to be disposed within the rake bracket and to rotate about a rotational axis. The locking cam includes a first contact surface configured to interact with the trigger element, and a second contact surface having a plurality of teeth configured to interact with rake teeth. When an impact force acts on the steering column assembly and a rake bolt is shuttled in a first direction, the trigger element is configured to contact the first contact surface and rotate the locking cam about the rotational axis such that the second contact surface plurality of teeth and the rake teeth are disposed in interlocking meshing engagement to facilitate preventing a vehicle steering column from raking movement in a second direction.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a friction plate assembly is provided. The assembly includes a locking member having a toothed portion, a bolt extending through the locking member, and a friction plate configured for frictional engagement with the locking member. The friction plate receives the bolt therethrough and includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the bolt and the locking member in a first direction. When a predetermined force acts on the at least one biasing member, the friction plate is configured to force the locking member toothed portion into engagement with an object to facilitate preventing movement of the bolt in a second direction.

Abstract: Construction of a steering column apparatus used in a tilt steering apparatus is achieved that is capable of reducing impact applied to the driver's body even when an adjustment rod is forcibly pressed against the front edges of long holes in the up-down direction during a secondary collision. Through holes that are continuous along the long holes in the up-down direction from the top end portion to the bottom end portion of the long holes in the up-down direction, and are formed in portions of a pair of left and right support plate portions of the support bracket that are further toward the front side than the long holes in the up-down direction. Bridge portions are provided between the front side edges of the long holes in the up-down direction and the rear side edges of the through holes.

Abstract: A steering apparatus exhibits favorable lever operability and generates a powerful steering column fastening and fixing force during tilt and telescopic adjustment. It has a simple structure includes: a column supporting member; a fixed bracket having, fixed side portions; a lock bolt that penetrates the respective fixed side portions of the fixed bracket together with the column supporting member; a main driving cam; a driven cam; an intermediate cam; and an operating lever. The lock bolt penetrates the main driving cam, the driven cam, and the intermediate cam, the main driving cam is rotated by the operating lever, the driven cam is attached to the fixed side portions to be incapable of rotating, the intermediate cam is disposed between the main driving cam and the driven cam, and the intermediate cam is caused to approach and separate from the main driving cam and the driven cam.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a casing unit that rotatably supports a steering shaft, first and second lateral flanges, which can be fastened to the body and between which the casing unit is arranged, a locking device that comprises a clamping bolt, which penetrates the lateral flanges through openings and which is moved in the axial direction when the locking device is opened and closed, and first and second locking elements, between which the casing unit is arranged. The first locking element interacts with a first mating locking element in the closed state of the locking device, and the second locking element interacts with a second mating locking element in the closed state of the locking device. A stop element is arranged on or against the clamping bolt in the area between the two lateral flanges, said stop element being at a distance from a counter-stop in the closed state of the locking device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element including at least one spring tongue for spring-loading a separate locking part of a steering column of a motor vehicle and at least one fastening part for fastening the spring element to a pin of the steering column. The spring element also has at least one carrier arm, preferably at least two carrier arms, arranged opposite each other for carrying along the locking part when the spring element moves.