US20160221598A1 - Steering column clamp mechanism - Google Patents
Steering column clamp mechanism Download PDFInfo
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- US20160221598A1 US20160221598A1 US14/608,316 US201514608316A US2016221598A1 US 20160221598 A1 US20160221598 A1 US 20160221598A1 US 201514608316 A US201514608316 A US 201514608316A US 2016221598 A1 US2016221598 A1 US 2016221598A1
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- cam
- steering column
- outboard
- clamping mechanism
- stop
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 53
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
- B62D1/187—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable with tilt adjustment; with tilt and axial adjustment
- B62D1/189—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable with tilt adjustment; with tilt and axial adjustment the entire column being tiltable as a unit
Definitions
- the following description relates to steering columns for motor vehicles and, more specifically, to a clamping mechanism lock for a steering column.
- Some known steering columns for motor vehicles are provided with mechanisms for adjusting the steering column position by an operator of the motor vehicle.
- Available adjustments typically include a telescoping adjustment in which the steering column is extended toward the operator or retracted away from the operator, and a tilt or rake adjustment in which an angular position of the steering column is changed relative to the operator.
- rake is adjusted by releasing an adjustment lever from a secured position, which then allows for rotation of the steering column about a pivot, typically located at an end of the steering column opposite that of the of the steering wheel. Returning the adjustment lever to the secured position retains the steering column in a desired set position about the pivot.
- some traditional locks for steering columns may provide inadequate load handling capabilities for preventing steering column displacements in the event of a vehicle collision.
- some known systems may allow unlocking direction motion of a steering column clamp mechanism during or after a crash event.
- Various conditions may cause or allow rotation of the clamp mechanism such as contact with moving and/or deformed components (e.g., shrouds and closeouts), reduced clamp tension in post-crash positions, inertial loading, and post-crash settling of components.
- a clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.
- a steering column assembly in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, includes a steering column, a rake bracket coupled to the steering column, and a clamping mechanism configured to selectively enable raking movement of the steering column relative to the rake bracket.
- the clamping mechanism includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary steering column assembly
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the steering column assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is another exploded view of a portion of the steering column assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a clamping mechanism of the steering column assembly shown in FIG. 1 in an unlocked position
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the clamping mechanism shown in FIG. 4 in a locked position
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamping mechanism shown in FIG. 4 in a post-impact event position
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another clamping mechanism in an unlocked position
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism shown in FIG. 7 in a locked position.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism shown in FIG. 7 in a post-impact event position.
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary steering column assembly 10 .
- an exemplary steering column assembly 10 of a vehicle generally includes a steering column 12 , a mounting or rake bracket 14 , a locking or clamping mechanism 16 , and a lever or lock arm 18 .
- Steering column lock arm 18 is utilized to selectively resist or facilitate raking movement of a steering column 12 within an adjustment range defined by clamping mechanism 16 .
- steering column lock arm 18 When steering column lock arm 18 is positioned so as to place clamping mechanism 16 in a locking mode ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ), steering column 12 is inhibited from being adjusted. Accordingly, steering column 12 is relatively fixed, positionally, with respect to the vehicle.
- steering column lock arm 18 is positioned so as to place clamping mechanism 16 in an adjustment mode ( FIG. 4 )
- adjustments to the positioning of steering column 12 are facilitated. Accordingly, steering column 12 may be positionally adjusted relative to the vehicle. Once steering column 12 occupies a desirable position, steering column lock arm 18 may be re-positioned so as to return clamping mechanism 16 to the locking mode.
- clamping mechanism 16 generally includes a stack-up beginning at the outermost portion of clamping mechanism 16 from steering column 12 . It includes an outboard cam 20 , one or more pins 22 , an inboard cam 24 , a locking tooth 26 , and a lock tooth bracket 28 . Clamping mechanism 16 is configured for selectively resisting or facilitating raking adjustment of steering column 12 and is operably associated with rake bracket 14 . In an exemplary embodiment, rake bracket 14 is fixed to a structure of the vehicle (not shown) and disposed adjacent to steering column 12 .
- rake bracket 14 includes a rake lock tooth wall 30 that bounds a control slot 32 and that defines a plurality of rake lock teeth 34 .
- the rake lock tooth wall 30 with its plurality of rake lock teeth 34 provides a stationary structure against which a cooperating member (e.g., locking tooth 26 having teeth 36 ) may be engaged so as to lock the cooperating member to the stationary structure.
- a cooperating member e.g., locking tooth 26 having teeth 36
- locking surface features other than teeth e.g., a rough or tacky surface
- assembly 10 may not include rake lock features 26 , 30 , 34 , and/or 36 .
- a rake bolt 38 extends through lock arm 18 , clamping mechanism 16 , and rake bracket 14 and is configured for rotation about an axis 40 .
- Steering column lock arm 18 is coupled to rake bolt 38 through outboard cam 20 such that steering column lock arm 18 facilitates application of a torque upon rake bolt 38 in either a locking direction 42 or an adjustment direction 44 (see FIG. 1 ).
- outboard cam 20 operates in conjunction with the steering column lock arm 18 so as to limit the absolute range of rotation of rake bolt 38 so as to prevent application of excessive loads upon tooth lock 26 or other components of clamping mechanism 16 .
- Inboard cam 24 may be utilized in connection with outboard cam 20 selectively clamp or lock steering column 12 to prevent raking movement.
- one or more pins 22 may be pressed into a ramped slot 46 formed in outboard cam 20 , and pins 22 may then extend through a slot 48 formed in inboard cam 24 .
- pins 22 move along ramped slot 46 to move outboard cam 20 toward or away from inboard cam 24 .
- pins 22 are oriented generally parallel to rotation axis 40 and outboard cam 20 is spaced apart from inboard cam 24 .
- pins 22 are angled relative to rotation axis 40 and outboard cam 20 is pressed or clamped against inboard cam 24 and rake bracket 14 to facilitate preventing raking movement of steering column 12 relative thereto.
- inboard cam 24 may be used along with rake bracket 14 to define the range of translational motion of rake bolt 38 and tooth lock 26 .
- the tooth lock 26 is configured for selectively engaging and disengaging from the rake lock tooth wall 30 and the plurality of rake lock teeth 34 , in response to forward movement or shuttling of rake bolt 38 , so as to selectively resist or enable translation of tooth lock 26 in a raking direction 50 .
- rake bolt 38 is translationally fixed to steering column 12 , inboard cam 24 , and tooth lock 26 such that when steering column 12 undergoes raking movement, rake bolt 38 , inboard cam 24 , and tooth lock 26 also undergo raking movement. Accordingly, when tooth lock 26 is prevented from undergoing raking movement, rake bolt 38 , inboard cam 24 , and steering column 12 are also prevented from undergoing raking movement.
- FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the locking movement of clamping mechanism 16 , which facilitates selective locking of steering column 12 and preventing unlocking motion of lock arm 18 during/after a crash event.
- FIG. 4 illustrates lock arm 18 and clamping mechanism 16 in an unlocked position
- FIG. 5 illustrates lock arm 18 and clamping mechanism 16 in a locked position
- FIG. 6 illustrates lock arm 18 and clamping mechanism 16 in a post-impact locked position.
- outboard cam 20 includes a main body 60 and an insertion portion 62 and a post 64 extending therefrom. Insertion portion 62 is oriented within a receiving aperture 66 ( FIG. 2 ) of lock arm 18 such that rotational movement of lock arm 18 imparts rotational movement on outboard cam 20 .
- Main body 60 and insertion portion 62 include a bolt aperture 68 to receive rake bolt 38 therethrough.
- Post 64 is configured to selectively engage inboard cam 24 , as described herein in more detail.
- inboard cam 24 includes a main body 70 , a translating projection 72 , and a travel limiter portion 74 .
- Main body 70 includes slots 48 and a slotted aperture 76 formed therein. Slotted aperture 76 is configured to receive rake bolt 38 therethrough and enables forward shuttling movement of rake bolt 38 during a crash or impact event due to the elongated shape of slotted aperture 76 .
- Translating projection 72 is oriented within a channel or slot 78 ( FIG. 3 ) formed in rake bracket 14 , which enables inboard cam 24 to move in the raking direction 50 , but prevents forward/aft movement of inboard cam 24 .
- Travel limiter portion 74 includes an upper stop 80 , a lower stop 82 , and an intermediate stop or shoulder 84 disposed therebetween.
- cam post 64 In the unlocked position ( FIG. 4 ), cam post 64 is adjacent to lower stop 82 and prevented from further movement toward stop 82 . In this position, cam post 64 is disposed radially outward of shoulder 84 . As such, shoulder 84 prevents forward movement of outboard cam 20 (and other connected components) to facilitate preventing damage to shearable retaining features that hold clamp mechanism 16 in place during normal adjustment of steering column assembly 10 .
- cam post 64 travels along travel limiter 74 to contact upper stop 80 , where post 64 is prevented from further movement toward stop 80 . In this position, cam post 64 is also disposed radially outward of shoulder 84 . Thus, during normal operation between the locked and unlocked positions, cam post 64 is rotated between stops 80 and 82 radially outward of shoulder 84 .
- steering column assembly 10 transitions from the locked position ( FIG. 5 ) to the post-impact locked position ( FIG. 6 ).
- steering column 12 collapses forward, which causes forward shuttling in the direction of arrow 100 , of rake bolt 38 , lock arm 18 , outboard cam 20 , and locking tooth 26 .
- the forward shuttling causes teeth 36 of locking tooth 26 to engage teeth 34 of rake lock tooth wall 30 .
- cam post 64 is shifted or shuttled toward inboard cam slotted aperture 76 such that cam post 64 is now disposed between upper stop 80 and shoulder 84 .
- shoulder 84 prevents downward movement of cam post 64 toward lower stop 82 , which facilitates preventing movement of lock arm 18 to the unlocked position.
- FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternate clamping mechanism 116 that may be used with steering column assembly 10 when inboard cam 24 does not include an integral intermediate stop or shoulder 84 to prevent downward movement of cam post 64 after a crash or impact event.
- clamping mechanism 116 includes a plate member 120 generally having a bolt slot 122 , a pin aperture 124 , and an intermediate stop or shoulder 184 .
- Clamping mechanism 116 is disposed between outboard cam 20 and inboard cam 24 and operates in a manner similar to clamping mechanism 16 , except that plate member shoulder 184 provides structure and function similar to shoulder 84 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates clamping mechanism 116 and plate member 120 in an unlocked position.
- cam post 64 is disposed radially outward of shoulder 184 , which prevents forward movement of outboard cam 20 (and other connected components) to facilitate preventing damage to shearable retaining features that hold clamp mechanism 116 in place during normal adjustment of steering column assembly.
- cam post 64 When lock arm 18 is moved to the locked position ( FIG. 8 ), cam post 64 is disposed radially outward of shoulder 184 . Thus, during normal operation between the locked and unlocked positions, cam post 64 is rotated between stops 80 and 82 (not shown in FIGS. 7-9 ) radially outward of shoulder 184 .
- steering column assembly 10 transitions from the locked position ( FIG. 8 ) to the post-impact locked position ( FIG. 9 ).
- steering column 12 collapses forward, which causes forward shuttling of rake bolt 38 and outboard cam 20 .
- Bolt slot 122 allows shuttling of rake bolt 38 , but pin 22 extending through pin aperture 124 prevents or reduces shuttling movement of plate member 120 .
- cam post 64 is shifted or shuttled toward inboard cam slotted aperture 76 such that cam post 64 is now disposed between upper stop 80 and shoulder 184 . In this position, shoulder 184 prevents downward movement of cam post 64 toward lower stop 82 , which facilitates preventing movement of lock arm 18 to the unlocked position.
- the clamp mechanism includes an outboard cam having a cam post that translates within a travel limiter of an associated inboard cam.
- the travel limiter includes opposed travel stops that enable the cam post to move between a locked and unlocked position.
- a projecting shoulder is disposed in a portion of the space between the travel stops. In normal operation between the locked and unlocked positions, the shoulder does not interfere with movement of the cam post.
- the cam post is shuttled forward into an area between one travel stop and the shoulder, which subsequently prevents movement of the cam post into the unlocked position.
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Abstract
Description
- The following description relates to steering columns for motor vehicles and, more specifically, to a clamping mechanism lock for a steering column.
- Some known steering columns for motor vehicles are provided with mechanisms for adjusting the steering column position by an operator of the motor vehicle. Available adjustments typically include a telescoping adjustment in which the steering column is extended toward the operator or retracted away from the operator, and a tilt or rake adjustment in which an angular position of the steering column is changed relative to the operator.
- In some known systems, rake is adjusted by releasing an adjustment lever from a secured position, which then allows for rotation of the steering column about a pivot, typically located at an end of the steering column opposite that of the of the steering wheel. Returning the adjustment lever to the secured position retains the steering column in a desired set position about the pivot.
- However, some traditional locks for steering columns may provide inadequate load handling capabilities for preventing steering column displacements in the event of a vehicle collision. For example, some known systems may allow unlocking direction motion of a steering column clamp mechanism during or after a crash event. Various conditions may cause or allow rotation of the clamp mechanism such as contact with moving and/or deformed components (e.g., shrouds and closeouts), reduced clamp tension in post-crash positions, inertial loading, and post-crash settling of components.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a steering column clamp mechanism to prevent unlock direction motion during a collapse event and to prevent damage induced by excessive impact loading.
- In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly is provided. The clamping mechanism includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.
- In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column, a rake bracket coupled to the steering column, and a clamping mechanism configured to selectively enable raking movement of the steering column relative to the rake bracket. The clamping mechanism includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.
- These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary steering column assembly; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the steering column assembly shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is another exploded view of a portion of the steering column assembly shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a clamping mechanism of the steering column assembly shown inFIG. 1 in an unlocked position; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the clamping mechanism shown inFIG. 4 in a locked position; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamping mechanism shown inFIG. 4 in a post-impact event position; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another clamping mechanism in an unlocked position; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism shown inFIG. 7 in a locked position; and -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism shown inFIG. 7 in a post-impact event position. - Referring now to the Figures, where the invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments, without limiting same,
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplarysteering column assembly 10. As shown inFIG. 1 , an exemplarysteering column assembly 10 of a vehicle (not shown) generally includes asteering column 12, a mounting orrake bracket 14, a locking orclamping mechanism 16, and a lever orlock arm 18. - Steering
column lock arm 18 is utilized to selectively resist or facilitate raking movement of asteering column 12 within an adjustment range defined byclamping mechanism 16. When steeringcolumn lock arm 18 is positioned so as to placeclamping mechanism 16 in a locking mode (FIGS. 1 and 5 ),steering column 12 is inhibited from being adjusted. Accordingly,steering column 12 is relatively fixed, positionally, with respect to the vehicle. When steeringcolumn lock arm 18 is positioned so as to placeclamping mechanism 16 in an adjustment mode (FIG. 4 ), adjustments to the positioning ofsteering column 12 are facilitated. Accordingly,steering column 12 may be positionally adjusted relative to the vehicle. Oncesteering column 12 occupies a desirable position, steeringcolumn lock arm 18 may be re-positioned so as to returnclamping mechanism 16 to the locking mode. - In an exemplary embodiment,
clamping mechanism 16 generally includes a stack-up beginning at the outermost portion ofclamping mechanism 16 fromsteering column 12. It includes anoutboard cam 20, one ormore pins 22, aninboard cam 24, alocking tooth 26, and alock tooth bracket 28.Clamping mechanism 16 is configured for selectively resisting or facilitating raking adjustment ofsteering column 12 and is operably associated withrake bracket 14. In an exemplary embodiment,rake bracket 14 is fixed to a structure of the vehicle (not shown) and disposed adjacent tosteering column 12. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,rake bracket 14 includes a rakelock tooth wall 30 that bounds acontrol slot 32 and that defines a plurality ofrake lock teeth 34. The rakelock tooth wall 30 with its plurality ofrake lock teeth 34 provides a stationary structure against which a cooperating member (e.g., lockingtooth 26 having teeth 36) may be engaged so as to lock the cooperating member to the stationary structure. It should be appreciated that locking surface features other than teeth (e.g., a rough or tacky surface) may be employed so as to provide a stationary structure against which a cooperating member may be engaged so as to lock the cooperating member to the stationary structure. Alternatively,assembly 10 may not includerake lock features - A
rake bolt 38 extends throughlock arm 18,clamping mechanism 16, andrake bracket 14 and is configured for rotation about anaxis 40. Steeringcolumn lock arm 18 is coupled torake bolt 38 throughoutboard cam 20 such that steeringcolumn lock arm 18 facilitates application of a torque uponrake bolt 38 in either alocking direction 42 or an adjustment direction 44 (seeFIG. 1 ). - In an exemplary embodiment,
outboard cam 20 operates in conjunction with the steeringcolumn lock arm 18 so as to limit the absolute range of rotation ofrake bolt 38 so as to prevent application of excessive loads upontooth lock 26 or other components ofclamping mechanism 16. -
Inboard cam 24 may be utilized in connection withoutboard cam 20 selectively clamp orlock steering column 12 to prevent raking movement. For example, one ormore pins 22 may be pressed into a rampedslot 46 formed inoutboard cam 20, andpins 22 may then extend through aslot 48 formed ininboard cam 24. As illustrated, aslock arm 18 rotates in theadjustment directions pins 22 move along rampedslot 46 to move outboardcam 20 toward or away frominboard cam 24. As such, in the unlocked position,pins 22 are oriented generally parallel torotation axis 40 andoutboard cam 20 is spaced apart frominboard cam 24. Aslock arm 18 is rotated to the locked position,pins 22 are angled relative torotation axis 40 andoutboard cam 20 is pressed or clamped againstinboard cam 24 andrake bracket 14 to facilitate preventing raking movement ofsteering column 12 relative thereto. - In addition,
inboard cam 24 may be used along withrake bracket 14 to define the range of translational motion ofrake bolt 38 andtooth lock 26. Thetooth lock 26 is configured for selectively engaging and disengaging from the rakelock tooth wall 30 and the plurality ofrake lock teeth 34, in response to forward movement or shuttling ofrake bolt 38, so as to selectively resist or enable translation oftooth lock 26 in araking direction 50. - In an exemplary embodiment,
rake bolt 38 is translationally fixed tosteering column 12, inboardcam 24, andtooth lock 26 such that whensteering column 12 undergoes raking movement,rake bolt 38,inboard cam 24, andtooth lock 26 also undergo raking movement. Accordingly, whentooth lock 26 is prevented from undergoing raking movement,rake bolt 38, inboardcam 24, andsteering column 12 are also prevented from undergoing raking movement. -
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the locking movement ofclamping mechanism 16, which facilitates selective locking ofsteering column 12 and preventing unlocking motion oflock arm 18 during/after a crash event. Specifically,FIG. 4 illustrateslock arm 18 andclamping mechanism 16 in an unlocked position,FIG. 5 illustrateslock arm 18 andclamping mechanism 16 in a locked position, andFIG. 6 illustrateslock arm 18 andclamping mechanism 16 in a post-impact locked position. - With further reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,outboard cam 20 includes amain body 60 and aninsertion portion 62 and apost 64 extending therefrom.Insertion portion 62 is oriented within a receiving aperture 66 (FIG. 2 ) oflock arm 18 such that rotational movement oflock arm 18 imparts rotational movement onoutboard cam 20.Main body 60 andinsertion portion 62 include abolt aperture 68 to receiverake bolt 38 therethrough.Post 64 is configured to selectively engageinboard cam 24, as described herein in more detail. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,inboard cam 24 includes amain body 70, a translatingprojection 72, and atravel limiter portion 74.Main body 70 includesslots 48 and a slottedaperture 76 formed therein. Slottedaperture 76 is configured to receiverake bolt 38 therethrough and enables forward shuttling movement ofrake bolt 38 during a crash or impact event due to the elongated shape of slottedaperture 76. Translatingprojection 72 is oriented within a channel or slot 78 (FIG. 3 ) formed inrake bracket 14, which enablesinboard cam 24 to move in the rakingdirection 50, but prevents forward/aft movement ofinboard cam 24.Travel limiter portion 74 includes anupper stop 80, alower stop 82, and an intermediate stop orshoulder 84 disposed therebetween. - In the unlocked position (
FIG. 4 ), cam post 64 is adjacent tolower stop 82 and prevented from further movement towardstop 82. In this position, cam post 64 is disposed radially outward ofshoulder 84. As such,shoulder 84 prevents forward movement of outboard cam 20 (and other connected components) to facilitate preventing damage to shearable retaining features that holdclamp mechanism 16 in place during normal adjustment ofsteering column assembly 10. - When
lock arm 18 is moved to the locked position (FIG. 5 ), cam post 64 travels alongtravel limiter 74 to contactupper stop 80, wherepost 64 is prevented from further movement towardstop 80. In this position, cam post 64 is also disposed radially outward ofshoulder 84. Thus, during normal operation between the locked and unlocked positions, cam post 64 is rotated betweenstops shoulder 84. - In a crash or impact event,
steering column assembly 10 transitions from the locked position (FIG. 5 ) to the post-impact locked position (FIG. 6 ). During the impact event,steering column 12 collapses forward, which causes forward shuttling in the direction ofarrow 100, ofrake bolt 38,lock arm 18,outboard cam 20, and lockingtooth 26. The forward shuttlingcauses teeth 36 of lockingtooth 26 to engageteeth 34 of rakelock tooth wall 30. As shown inFIG. 6 , cam post 64 is shifted or shuttled toward inboard cam slottedaperture 76 such that cam post 64 is now disposed betweenupper stop 80 andshoulder 84. As such,shoulder 84 prevents downward movement of cam post 64 towardlower stop 82, which facilitates preventing movement oflock arm 18 to the unlocked position. -
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternate clamping mechanism 116 that may be used withsteering column assembly 10 when inboardcam 24 does not include an integral intermediate stop orshoulder 84 to prevent downward movement ofcam post 64 after a crash or impact event. In the illustrated embodiment, clamping mechanism 116 includes aplate member 120 generally having abolt slot 122, apin aperture 124, and an intermediate stop orshoulder 184. Clamping mechanism 116 is disposed betweenoutboard cam 20 andinboard cam 24 and operates in a manner similar to clampingmechanism 16, except thatplate member shoulder 184 provides structure and function similar toshoulder 84 in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4-6 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates clamping mechanism 116 andplate member 120 in an unlocked position. In this position, cam post 64 is disposed radially outward ofshoulder 184, which prevents forward movement of outboard cam 20 (and other connected components) to facilitate preventing damage to shearable retaining features that hold clamp mechanism 116 in place during normal adjustment of steering column assembly. - When
lock arm 18 is moved to the locked position (FIG. 8 ), cam post 64 is disposed radially outward ofshoulder 184. Thus, during normal operation between the locked and unlocked positions, cam post 64 is rotated betweenstops 80 and 82 (not shown inFIGS. 7-9 ) radially outward ofshoulder 184. - In a crash or impact event,
steering column assembly 10 transitions from the locked position (FIG. 8 ) to the post-impact locked position (FIG. 9 ). During the impact event,steering column 12 collapses forward, which causes forward shuttling ofrake bolt 38 andoutboard cam 20.Bolt slot 122 allows shuttling ofrake bolt 38, butpin 22 extending throughpin aperture 124 prevents or reduces shuttling movement ofplate member 120. As such, cam post 64 is shifted or shuttled toward inboard cam slottedaperture 76 such that cam post 64 is now disposed betweenupper stop 80 andshoulder 184. In this position,shoulder 184 prevents downward movement of cam post 64 towardlower stop 82, which facilitates preventing movement oflock arm 18 to the unlocked position. - Described herein are systems and methods that facilitate preventing unlocking motion of a clamp mechanism during or after a crash event. The clamp mechanism includes an outboard cam having a cam post that translates within a travel limiter of an associated inboard cam. The travel limiter includes opposed travel stops that enable the cam post to move between a locked and unlocked position. A projecting shoulder is disposed in a portion of the space between the travel stops. In normal operation between the locked and unlocked positions, the shoulder does not interfere with movement of the cam post. However, during a crash event, the cam post is shuttled forward into an area between one travel stop and the shoulder, which subsequently prevents movement of the cam post into the unlocked position.
- While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.
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US14/608,316 US9393986B1 (en) | 2015-01-29 | 2015-01-29 | Steering column clamp mechanism |
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US14/608,316 US9393986B1 (en) | 2015-01-29 | 2015-01-29 | Steering column clamp mechanism |
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KR102155263B1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2020-09-11 | 이래에이엠에스 주식회사 | Adjustable steering column assembly with pin type locking mechanism |
KR102181872B1 (en) * | 2020-07-13 | 2020-11-23 | 이래에이엠에스 주식회사 | Adjustable steering column assembly with pin type locking mechanism |
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BR112016017880A2 (en) * | 2014-02-12 | 2018-05-29 | Nsk Ltd. | Steering device |
DE112015002019T5 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2017-02-23 | Namyang Ind. Co. Ltd: | steering column |
US9764757B2 (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2017-09-19 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Steering column energy absorbing rake lock |
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US8671795B2 (en) * | 2008-03-11 | 2014-03-18 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Locking mechanism for an adjustable steering column having impact teeth |
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US9162701B2 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2015-10-20 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Steering column energy absorbing rake lock |
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2015
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KR102155263B1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2020-09-11 | 이래에이엠에스 주식회사 | Adjustable steering column assembly with pin type locking mechanism |
WO2021206321A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2021-10-14 | 이래에이엠에스 주식회사 | Adjustable steering column assembly having pin-type locking mechanism |
KR102181872B1 (en) * | 2020-07-13 | 2020-11-23 | 이래에이엠에스 주식회사 | Adjustable steering column assembly with pin type locking mechanism |
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