Patent · US Active

Tiltable steering column

US7475614B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
32References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 18, 2005
Grant dateJan 13, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 21, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D1/184
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A steering column (10) according to the invention includes a steering column jacket (12) having an engaging surface (14). The steering column jacket (12) is operable to at least partially encircle a steering shaft (16) in a vehicle. The steering column (10) also includes a tilt housing (18) engaged with the steering column jacket (12) for tilting movement about a tilt axis (20) between a plurality of tilt positions. The steering column (10) also includes a locking member (22) pivotally supported at a pivot end (24) by the tilt housing (18). The locking member (22) extends to a distal locking end (26) moveable outwardly from the tilt axis (20) along a first arcuate path (28) to a locked position contacting the engaging surface (14) and inwardly towards the tilt axis (20) along the first arcuate path (28) to an unlocked position spaced from the engaging surface (14). The steering column (10) also includes a lever (30) pivotally supported by the tilt housing (18) for movement along a second arcuate path (32) between a locking position and an adjusting position. The lever (30) and the locking member (22) are disposed in cam-cam follower relationship such that the locking member (22) mo…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.