Position control apparatus for steering column

US7533594B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Delphi Technologies · US

Inventors

• Damir Menjak · Frankenmuth, US
• Allan L. Dickinson · Saginaw, US
• Melvin L. Tinnin · Clio, US
• Troy A. Daenzer · Reese, US
• Richard P. Nash · Frankenmuth, US
• Stephen E. Koehr · Birch Run, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2006
• Grant date: May 19, 2009
• Expiry date: Jul 12, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D1/184
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A position control apparatus for a motor vehicle steering column includes an outer bracket, an inner bracket moveable relative to the outer bracket, and a jacket mounted to the inner bracket for telescoping movement along a longitudinal axis and for tilting movement. A first rack is mounted to the inner bracket and extends along the longitudinal axis. A first pinion is rotatable along the first rack during telescoping movement. A second rack is mounted to the outer bracket and extends angularly relative to the longitudinal axis. A second pinion is rotatable along the second rack during tilting movement. The first pinion has a first locking surface and the second pinion has a second locking surface. The first locking surface and the second locking surface may be engaged with each other to prevent telescoping and tilting movement or may be disengaged from each other to allow telescoping and tilting movement.