Adjustable automotive steering column with adjustable tilt and top-position lock
US4607540A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1984 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2072
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pivotable steering column is adjustable to any of a number of angular positions defined by the teeth of two elements of a first locking device. A manual lever can be raised to disable the first lock and allow selection of a different steering wheel inclination. The steering wheel can be moved to its uppermost position by lowering the manual lever once. In this case, the first lock maintains engagement of the teeth of the aforementioned two element, and a powerful spring pulls the steering column upward to the uppermost position irrespective of the first lock. A second lock then becomes wedged between the pivotable and stationary parts of the steering column, thus holding the former in the uppermost position. Lowering the manual lever a second time disengages the second lock, allowing the steering column tilt cown from the uppermost position. Thus, the steering column returns to an originally set driving position defined by locking engagement of the first lock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.