US20010029802A1 - Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns - Google Patents
Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010029802A1 US20010029802A1 US09/843,978 US84397801A US2001029802A1 US 20010029802 A1 US20010029802 A1 US 20010029802A1 US 84397801 A US84397801 A US 84397801A US 2001029802 A1 US2001029802 A1 US 2001029802A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lever
- bracket
- assembly
- lever arm
- pin
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/184—Mechanisms for locking columns at selected positions
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20576—Elements
- Y10T74/20636—Detents
- Y10T74/2066—Friction
Definitions
- the lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms is retained within a passage and urged in an extending position by a biasing member such as a spring.
- a biasing member such as a spring.
- the upper end of the lever pin is tapered or rounded to provide a bearing surface against the lever arm.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Abstract
An lever assembly for an adjustable steering column, comprising a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, the bracket having a first and a second bracket arms, a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between the first and second bracket arms such that opposite ends of the lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions; and a lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with the lever arm when one of the ends is in said first position. An adjustment member is provided adjacent the biasing member for adjusting the biasing force of the lever pin against the lever arm.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The instant invention relates generally to actuator levers, particularly mechanisms for adjusting vehicle steering columns, and more particularly to a mechanism which temporarily maintains a lever in a first or open position so an operator can use two hands to complete adjustment of a tilting and/or telescoping steering column.
- 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
- Traditionally, actuator levers used to adjust steering columns were biased by a spring mechanism such that the operator pulled or pushed on the lever to change the relative position of the steering column and then released the lever to lock the position of the column. A problem sometimes associated with biased lever assemblies is the operator may require the use of both hands in positioning the column. In the case of the biased levers, when the lever was released, the column was fixed in position and the operator was unable to complete the repositioning without maintaining one hand on the lever and the other hand on the steering column or wheel. A major disadvantage with the prior positioning systems is that adjustment of the steering column position was not possible when the hand was removed from the lever as they were all spring biased to lock when the pressure was released. It is an object of this invention to provide a lever assembly which is temporarily held in position to enable two handed movement of the steering column.
- It is the purpose of the instant invention to provide an adjustable lever assembly which permits the operator to use both hands to reconfigure the position of the column before locking the column in position.
- Accordingly to one embodiment of the invention, a lever assembly for an adjustable steering column is provided which is comprised of a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, the bracket having a first and a second bracket arms. A lever arm is also provided having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between the first and the second bracket arms such that opposite ends of the lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions. The lever arm is temporarily retained in the first position by a lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with the lever arm such that the operator can utilize two hands in placing the steering column in the desired position. In a preferred embodiment, the lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms is retained within a passage and urged in an extending position by a biasing member such as a spring. To facilitate easy engagement between the lever arm and the lever pin, the upper end of the lever pin is tapered or rounded to provide a bearing surface against the lever arm.
- The instant invention helps the operator position the steering column by allowing the operator to use two hands in the operation. Prior devices always required the operator to keep one hand on the lever to keep the lever open, while other hand was used to position the column. Where dexterity or strength of the operator makes it difficult to carry out such an operation using a singular hand, the instant invention permits the operator to get good grip on the steering column and place it in the most appropriate position. When positioning is accomplished, the operator need only tap the lever arm to release it from the first position and lock the position of the steering column.
- These and other advantages of the steering column will become readily apparent once the reader refers to the detailed description of the invention below when taken in reference to the appended drawing figures.
- FIG. 1 is a fragmentary oblique view of an adjustable steering column illustrating an adjustment lever in a locked position;
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary oblique view of an adjustable steering column illustrating the adjusting lever in the open position; and
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross section view of a portion of the adjusting lever.
- For purposes of the following description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivatives of such terms shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It should also to be understood the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, an
adjustable steering column 10 is shown, including anupper housing 12 pivotally coupled to alower housing 14 betweenflanges 16. In the embodiment shown,bolts 18 pass throughflanges 16 into theupper housing 12 and provide a substantially horizontal pivot axis about which theupper column 12 tilts. In addition,flanges 16 may be coupled to a shuttle (not shown) slidably disposed within thelower housing 14 to permit telescopic movement of asteering column assembly 10. - Although not shown in detail in FIGS. 1 through 3, the tilt of
upper housing 12 and the telescopic movement of the shuttle with respect to thelower housing 14 may be controlled by a locking mechanism which is opened and closed by a lever such aslever assembly 20 pivotally coupledproximate end 22 to a bracket assembly extending from theflange 16. Thelever arm 24 may assume one of a variety of shapes so long as thelever arm 24 extends generally perpendicularly away from thesteering column assembly 10. The shorter portion of the arm 25 of the lever 24 (to the left of the pivot shown in FIG. 1) includes a transverse passage 27 which receives acable 28 held in place by atermination 30. Thelever arm 24 is pivotally coupled to the bracket assembly defined by anupper bracket 32 and alower bracket 34, both extending from the exterior surface offlange 16. Thelower bracket 34 is slightly larger thanbracket 32 and includes an portion 33 which is positioned proximate the bend of thelever arm 24. Extending vertically through the extension portion 33 of thelower bracket 34 is apassage 36 adapted to receive alever pin 38 such that thelever pin 38 extends through the upper portion of thepassage 36. Located at the lower end of thelever pin 38 is aspring 40 adapted to engage the lower end of thepin 38, and at an opposite end to engage aset screw 42 which is threadably received within thepassage 36. To keep thepin 38 within thepassage 36, thepassage 36 may have a shoulder adapted to engage a shoulder on the lever pin to limit the upward travel. In this configuration, theupper end 44 of thepin 38 may be radiused and adapted to engage the lower surface of thelever arm 24 and frictionally engage thelever arm 24 to hold it in position when thelever arm 24 is pulled toward the operator. The force of thespring 40 on the lower end of thelever pin 38 urges theradius end 44 against the lower surface of thelever arm 24 with sufficient frictional force to retain thelever arm 24 in position. This permits the operator to remove their hand from thelever arm 24 and use both hands to adjust the position of the steering column. Once the steering column is in the desired position, the operator simply pushes thelever arm 24 in the opposite direction to overcome the frictional engagement between theradius end 44 and thelever arm 24. - Although drawing FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate the lower bracket or
block 34 as a single unit, it is contemplated the pivot for thelever arm 24 may be achieved by brackets, separate and apart, from the block used to retain thelever pin 38. Additionally, it is contemplated the actual shape of thelever pin 38 may vary in terms of diameter and compression distance in order to achieve the particular frictional contact with the lower surface of thelever arm 24. Furthermore, it is contemplated the frictional engagement between thepin 38 andlever arm 24 may occur on the upper surface of thelever arm 24, rather than the lower surface to fix thelever arm 24 in position until adjustment of the steering column is complete. - The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiment only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiment shown in these drawings and described herein are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims in this or any subsequent or related application, and interpreted according to the principals of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (14)
1. A tilt lever assembly for an adjustable steering column having an upper housing movable relative to an interconnected lower housing, comprising in combination:
a lever arm pivotally coupled proximate one end to a bracket assembly extending from one of the upper housing and the lower housing and adapted to move between a first and second positions; and
a lever pin extending from said bracket assembly and adapted to frictionally engage a portion of said lever arm and retain said lever arm when said lever arm is in said first position.
2. The tilt lever assembly as defined in , further comprising a member for biasing said lever pin into frictional engagement with said lever arm.
claim 1
3. The tilt lever assembly as defined in , wherein said member for biasing said lever pin is adjustable.
claim 2
4. The tilt lever assembly as defined in , wherein said lever pin includes a shoulder for retaining said lever pin within said bracket assembly.
claim 3
5. The tilt lever assembly as defined in , wherein an end of said lever pin adapted to frictionally engage a portion of said lever arm includes a taper.
claim 4
6. A lever assembly, comprising in combination:
a bracket;
a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled to said bracket such that said lever arm is movable between a first and second positions; and
a member extending from said bracket and adapted to frictionally engage a portion of said lever arm when said lever arm is in said first position and hold said lever arm in said first position.
7. The lever assembly as defined in , further comprising a biasing member disposed between said bracket and said member for urging said member into frictional engagement with said lever arm.
claim 6
8. The lever assembly as defined in , further comprising a passage defined within said bracket for retaining said member therein.
claim 7
9. The lever assembly as defined in , further comprising an adjustment screw engaging said biasing member for adjusting a force exerted by said biasing member against said member
claim 8
10. The lever assembly as defined in , further wherein said member retained within said passage and extending from said bracket includes a pin having a tapered first end, and a shoulder at a second end for retaining said pin within said passage.
claim 9
11. An lever assembly for an adjustable steering column, comprising in combination:
a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, said bracket having a first and a second bracket arms;
a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between said first and second bracket arms such that opposite ends of said lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions; and
a lever pin extending from one of said first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with said lever arm when one of said ends is in said first position.
12. The lever assembly as defined in , further comprising a member for adjusting a biasing force of said lever pin into engagement with said lever arm.
claim 12
13. The lever assembly as defined in , wherein said lever pin extends from a passage defined in sone of said first and second bracket arms.
claim 12
14. The lever assembly as defined in , wherein said lever pin includes a taper at a first end, and a shoulder at a second end for retaining said lever pin within said passage.
claim 13
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/843,978 US6382047B2 (en) | 2000-04-27 | 2001-04-27 | Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US20018200P | 2000-04-27 | 2000-04-27 | |
US09/843,978 US6382047B2 (en) | 2000-04-27 | 2001-04-27 | Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010029802A1 true US20010029802A1 (en) | 2001-10-18 |
US6382047B2 US6382047B2 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
Family
ID=22740664
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/843,978 Expired - Fee Related US6382047B2 (en) | 2000-04-27 | 2001-04-27 | Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6382047B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001259199A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001081150A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090120145A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-05-14 | Donghan Lee | Locking structure of tilting and telescopic steering column |
CN103702891A (en) * | 2011-06-17 | 2014-04-02 | Trw有限公司 | A clamp assembly for a steering column assembly |
US20150202961A1 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2015-07-23 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Rake lever actuated shift mechanism clamp |
US9937790B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2018-04-10 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Mounting assembly for vehicle shift mechanism |
US9969260B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2018-05-15 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Steering column mounted telescoping transmission shifter |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050183897A1 (en) * | 2004-02-24 | 2005-08-25 | Lear Corporation | Two-shot co-injected automotive interior trim assembly and method |
US7422238B2 (en) * | 2005-01-11 | 2008-09-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Rake design for steering column rake adjustment |
US20070245845A1 (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-10-25 | Ridgway Jason R | Steering column assembly for a vehicle |
US20130174684A1 (en) * | 2012-01-11 | 2013-07-11 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Steering column adjustment |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3487712A (en) * | 1967-09-25 | 1970-01-06 | Brunswick Corp | Steering control means for watercraft |
GB2092967A (en) * | 1981-02-13 | 1982-08-25 | Ford Motor Co | Steering column assembly |
-
2001
- 2001-04-27 US US09/843,978 patent/US6382047B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-04-27 WO PCT/US2001/013621 patent/WO2001081150A1/en active Application Filing
- 2001-04-27 AU AU2001259199A patent/AU2001259199A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090120145A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-05-14 | Donghan Lee | Locking structure of tilting and telescopic steering column |
US7611166B2 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-11-03 | Hyundai Motor Company | Locking structure of tilting and telescopic steering column |
CN103702891A (en) * | 2011-06-17 | 2014-04-02 | Trw有限公司 | A clamp assembly for a steering column assembly |
US20150202961A1 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2015-07-23 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Rake lever actuated shift mechanism clamp |
US9649932B2 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2017-05-16 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Rake lever actuated shift mechanism clamp |
US9969260B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2018-05-15 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Steering column mounted telescoping transmission shifter |
US9937790B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2018-04-10 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Mounting assembly for vehicle shift mechanism |
US10675973B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2020-06-09 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Mounting assembly for vehicle shift mechanism and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2001259199A1 (en) | 2001-11-07 |
US6382047B2 (en) | 2002-05-07 |
WO2001081150A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20100507 |