Patent Publication Number: US-2018029630-A1

Title: Adjustable steering column assembly having a locking assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Steering column assemblies are commonly provided with an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to enable a steering column assembly to be adjusted telescopically or pitched relative to an operator of the vehicle. The steering column assembly is provided with a lever to lock the telescoping or the rake adjusted position of the steering column assembly. The lever is associated with a locking mechanism that generates a clamp tension to lock the telescoping or rake adjusted position of the steering column assembly. The locking mechanism may include a mini follower or toggling pins. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable steering column assembly is provided. The adjustable steering column assembly includes jacket assembly, and a locking assembly. The jacket assembly is connected to a support bracket. The locking assembly is connected to the support bracket and includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member has a first member first surface that defines a first recess and a second recess and has a first member second surface disposed opposite the first member first surface. The second member is disposed opposite the first member. The second member has a second member first surface that faces towards the first member first surface. The second member first surface defines a third recess and a fourth recess and has a second member second surface disposed opposite the second member first surface. The third member is disposed between the first member and the second member. The third member is movable relative to the first member and the second member between a lock position and an unlock position. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable steering column assembly is provided. The adjustable steering column assembly a locking assembly. The locking assembly is connected to the support bracket and includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member has a first member first surface and a first member second surface that is disposed opposite the first member first surface. The second member is spaced apart from the first member. The second member has a second member first surface that faces towards the first member first surface and a second member second surface that is disposed opposite the second member first surface. The third member is disposed between the first member and the second member. The third member has a third member first surface and a third member second surface disposed opposite the third member first surface. The third member first surface faces towards the first member first surface. The third member first surface has a first cam region and a second cam region. The third member second surface faces towards the second member first surface. The third member second surface has a third cam region and a fourth cam region. 
     These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the present disclosure 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 present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adjustable steering column assembly having a locking assembly in a lock position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the adjustable steering column assembly having the locking assembly in an unlock position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the locking assembly in the lock position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the locking assembly in the unlock position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a third member of the locking assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a carrier of the locking assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of the locking assembly in the lock position; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of the locking assembly in the unlock position; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of a first embodiment of an actuator assembly of the locking assembly; and 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of an actuator assembly of the locking assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the Figures, where the present disclosure will be described with reference to specific embodiments, without limiting same, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative and may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an adjustable steering column assembly  10  is shown in a lock position and an unlock position, respectively. The components of the adjustable steering column assembly  10  that move relative to other components are illustrated with dashed feature lines. The adjustable steering column assembly  10  may be a pivot or pivot and axially adjustable steering column assembly. The adjustable steering column assembly  10  includes a steering shaft  20 , a jacket assembly  22 , an energy absorption assembly  24 , a locking assembly  26 , and an actuator assembly  28 . 
     The steering shaft  20  extends along a steering axis  30 . The steering shaft  20  extends at least partially through the jacket assembly  22  along the steering axis  30 . A steering wheel is configured to attach to an end of the steering shaft  20 . A rotational or other input applied to the steering wheel rotates or pivots the steering shaft  20  about the steering axis  30  to pivot or rotate at least one vehicle wheel via a steering system. 
     The jacket assembly  22  is configured to carry or rotatably support the steering shaft  20 . The jacket assembly  22  is attached to a vehicle structure, such as an instrument panel, by a support bracket  40 . The jacket assembly  22  is extendable or retractable along the steering axis  30  to adjust a position of the steering wheel coupled to the jacket assembly  22  relative to an operator of the vehicle. The jacket assembly  22  is tiltable or pivotable about a pivot axis  42  that is disposed transverse to the steering axis  30  to adjust a position of the steering wheel coupled to the jacket assembly  22  relative to the operator of the vehicle. 
     The energy absorption assembly  24  is disposed on the jacket assembly  22 . The energy absorption assembly  24  is configured to provide a drag load or force opposing stroking or translation of the jacket assembly  22  along the steering axis  30  to decelerate the adjustable steering column assembly  10  during a steering column collapse event. The energy absorption assembly  24  includes an energy absorption strap  50  and a release member  52 . 
     The energy absorption strap  50  includes a plurality of teeth that face towards the release member  52 . The release member  52  is movable between an engaged position and a released position by the locking assembly  26 . The release member  52  includes a plurality of locking teeth. The plurality of locking teeth of the release member  52  meshingly engage with the plurality of teeth of the energy absorption strap  50  when the release member  52  is in the engaged position. The plurality of locking teeth of the release member  52  do not meshingly engage with the plurality of teeth of the energy absorption strap  50  when the release member  52  is rotated to the released position by the locking assembly  26 . The release member  52  is rotated from the engaged position towards the released position by the locking assembly  26  to permit extension/retraction of the jacket assembly  22  of the adjustable steering column assembly  10 . The released position of the locking assembly  26  also permits tilting/pivoting of the jacket assembly  22  of the adjustable steering column assembly  10 . 
     The locking assembly  26  is connected to the jacket assembly  22  and the support bracket  40 . The locking assembly  26  is configured to apply a clamping load to the support bracket  40  and the jacket assembly  22  to inhibit extension/retraction or tilting/pivoting of the jacket assembly  22  of the adjustable steering column assembly  10  while the locking assembly  26  is in a lock position. The locking assembly  26  is configured to release the clamping load applied to the support bracket  40  and the jacket assembly  22  to permit extension/retraction or tilting/pivoting of the jacket assembly  22  of the adjustable steering column assembly  10  while the locking assembly  26  is in an unlock position. The locking assembly  26  is configured as a linear locking mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the locking assembly  26  includes a first member  60 , a second member  62 , a third member  64 , a carrier  66 , and an extension member  68 . The first member  60  is disposed proximate a side of the support bracket  40 . The first member  60  includes a first member body  80 , a first member first arm  82 , and a first member second arm  84 . 
     The first member body  80  has a first member first surface  90 , a first member second surface  92  disposed opposite the first member first surface  90 , and a first member opening  94 . The first member first surface  90  and the first member second surface  92  extend between a first member first end  96  and a first member second end  98 . 
     The first member first surface  90  faces away from the support bracket  40 . The first member first surface  90  defines a first recess  100  and a second recess  102 . The first recess  100  is spaced apart from the second recess  102 . The first recess  100  is disposed between the first member opening  94  and the first member first end  96 . The first recess  100  has a first recess first end  110  and a first recess second end  112 . The first recess  100  has a cam profile that extends from the first recess first end  110  towards the first recess second end  112 . The cam profile is configured as a first ramped surface  114  extending from the first member first surface  90  towards the first member second surface  92 . 
     The second recess  102  is disposed between the first member opening  94  and the first member second end  98 . The second recess  102  has a second recess first end  120  and a second recess second end  122 . The second recess  102  has a cam profile that extends from the second recess first end  120  towards the second recess second end  122 . The cam profile is configured as a second ramped surface  124  extending from the first member first surface  90  towards the first member second surface  92 . The second ramped surface  124  is substantially similar to the first ramped surface  114 . In at least one embodiment, the second ramped surface  124  and the first ramped surface  114  are declined from the first member second end  98  towards the first member first end  96  to cause a de-energized clamp state of the unlocked position. 
     The first member second surface  92  faces towards the support bracket  40 . The first member second surface  92  is substantially planar. 
     The first member first arm  82  extends from the first member first end  96 . The first member first arm  82  is disposed substantially perpendicular to the first member body  80 . The first member first arm  82  extends away from the support bracket  40 . The first member first arm  82  defines a first arm opening  130 . 
     First member second arm  84  extends from the first member second end  98 . The first member second arm  84  is disposed substantially perpendicular to the first member body  80 . The first member second arm  84  extends away from the support bracket  40 . The first member second arm  84  defines a second arm opening  132 . 
     The second member  62  is spaced apart from the first member  60 . The second member  62  is disposed opposite the first member  60 . The second member  62  has a second member first surface  140 , a second member second surface  142  disposed opposite the second member first surface  140 , and a second member opening  144 . The second member first surface  140  and the second member second surface  142  extend between a second member first end  146  and a second member second end  148 . 
     The second member first surface  140  faces towards from the support bracket  40  and faces towards the first member first surface  90 . The second member first surface  140  defines a third recess  150  and a fourth recess  152 . The third recess  150  is spaced apart from the fourth recess  152 . The third recess  150  is proximately aligned with the first recess  100 . 
     The third recess  150  is disposed between the second member opening  144  and the second member first end  146 . The third recess  150  has a third recess first end  160  and a third recess second end  162 . The third recess  150  has a cam profile that extends from the third recess first end  160  towards the third recess second end  162 . The cam profile is configured as a third ramped surface  164  extending from the second member first surface  140  towards the second member second surface  142 . 
     The fourth recess  152  is disposed between the second member opening  144  and the second member second end  148 . The fourth recess  152  is proximately aligned with the second recess  102 . The fourth recess  152  has a fourth recess first end  170  and a fourth recess second end  172 . The fourth recess  152  has a cam profile that extends from the fourth recess first end  170  towards the fourth recess second end  172 . The cam profile is configured as a fourth ramped surface  174  extending from the second member first surface  140  towards the second member second surface  142 . The fourth ramped surface  174  is substantially similar to the third ramped surface  164 . In at least one embodiment, the fourth ramped surface  174  and the third ramped surface  164  declined from the second member second end  148  towards the second member first end  146  to cause a de-energized clamp state of the unlocked position. 
     The third member  64  is disposed between the first member  60  and the second member  62 . The third member  64  is movable relative to the first member  60  and the second member  62 . The third member  64  is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. 
     The third member  64  has a third member body  180  and a third member extension  182 . The third member body has a third member first surface  190 , a third member second surface  192  disposed opposite the third member first surface  190 , and a third member opening  194 . The third member first surface  190  and the third member second surface  192  extend between a third member first end  196  and a third member second end  198 . 
     The third member first surface  190  faces towards the support bracket  40 . The third member first surface  190  faces towards the first member first surface  90 . The third member first surface  190  defines a first cam region  200  and a second cam region  202 . The first cam region  200  is spaced apart from the second cam region  202 . The first cam region  200  is disposed between the third member opening  194  and the third member first end  196 . The first cam region  200  has a first cam region first end  210  and a first cam region second end  212 . The first cam region  200  has a cam profile that extends from the first cam region first end  210  towards the first cam region second end  212 . The cam profile is configured as a first cam surface  214 . The first cam region  200  becomes progressively closer to the first member first surface  90  in a direction that extends from the third member second end  198  towards the third member first end  196 . 
     The second cam region  202  is disposed between the third member opening  194  and the third member second end  198 . The second cam region  202  has a second cam region first end  220  and a second cam region second end  222 . The second cam region  202  has a cam profile that extends from the second cam region first end  220  towards the second cam region second end  222 . The cam profile is configured as a second cam surface  224 . The second cam region  202  becomes progressively closer to the first member first surface  90  in a direction that extends from the third member second end  198  towards the third member first end  196 . 
     The third member second surface  192  faces towards the second member first surface  140 . The third member second surface  192  defines a third cam region  230  and a fourth cam region  232 . The third cam region  230  is spaced apart from the fourth cam region  232 . The third cam region  230  is disposed between the third member opening  194  and the third member first end  196 . The third cam region  230  has a third cam region first end  240  and a third cam region second end  242 . The third cam region  230  has a cam profile that extends from the third cam region first end  240  towards the third cam region second end  242 . The cam profile is configured as a third cam surface  244 . The third cam region  230  becomes progressively closer to the second member first surface  140  in a direction that extends from the third member second end  198  towards the third member first end  196 . 
     The fourth cam region  232  is disposed between the third member opening  194  and the third member second end  198 . The fourth cam region  232  has a fourth cam region first end  250  and a fourth cam region second end  252 . The fourth cam region  232  has a cam profile that extends from the fourth cam region first end  250  towards the fourth cam region second end  252 . The cam profile is configured as a fourth cam surface  254 . The fourth cam region  232  becomes progressively closer to the second member first surface  140  in a direction that extends from the third member second end  198  towards the third member first end  196 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the third member  64  defines a third member first opening  260  and a third member second opening  262 . The third member first opening  260  extends from third member first surface  190  to the third member second surface  192 . The third member first opening  260  is spaced apart from the third member opening  194  and the third member second opening  262 . The third member first opening  260  is configured to receive a rolling element  264 . 
     The third member second opening  262  extends from the third member first surface  190  to the third member second surface  192 . The third member second opening  262  enlarges the third member opening  194 . The third member second opening  262  is configured to receive a rolling element  264 . 
     The third member extension  182  extends from the third member body  180 . The third member extension  182  is disposed substantially perpendicular to the third member body  180 . The third member body  180  is disposed substantially parallel to the first member second arm  84 . The third member extension  182  defines an extension opening  266 . The extension opening  266  is disposed substantially co-linear or co-axial with the second arm opening  132 . 
     In at least one embodiment, a biasing member  268  is provided. The biasing member  268  is disposed between the first member second arm  84  and an engagement member  270  disposed on the support bracket  40 . The biasing member  268  engages the first member second arm  84  and the engagement member  270 . The biasing member  268  is coupled to the first member second arm  84  and the engagement member  270  by a fastener that extends through the extension opening  266  of the third member extension and the second arm opening  132  of the first member second arm  84  and an opening defined by the engagement member  270 . In at least one embodiment, the biasing member  268  is connected to the third member second end  198  and the engagement member  270 . 
     The engagement member  270  moves with the third member  64 , relative to the first member  60 , as the third member  64  moves between the lock position and the unlock position. As the third member  64  moves from the lock position towards the unlock position, the engagement member  270  compresses the biasing member  268  against the first member second arm  84  of the first member  60  or the third member second end  198  such that the biasing member  268  applies a biasing force to at least one of the third member extension  182  of the third member  64  and the engagement member  270  to bias the third member  64  towards the lock position. 
     The carrier  66  is disposed between the first member  60  and the second member  62 . The carrier  66  is at least partially disposed about the third member  64  such that the carrier  66  straddles the third member  64 . The carrier  66  is slidably engaged with the third member  64 . 
     The carrier  66  includes a first sidewall  272 , a second sidewall  274 , and a bridge  276 . The first sidewall  272  is disposed between the first member first surface  90  and the third member first surface  190 . The first sidewall  272  defines a first opening  280  and a second opening  282 . The first opening  280  is configured to receive a first rolling element  284 . The second opening  282  is configured to receive a second rolling element  286 . The second sidewall  274  is disposed between the second member first surface  140  and the third member second surface  192 . The second sidewall  274  defines a third opening  290  and a fourth opening  292 . The third opening  290  is configured to receive a third rolling element  294 . The fourth opening  292  is configured to receive a fourth rolling element  296 . 
     The first rolling element  284  is disposed proximate the first recess first end  110 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The first rolling element  284  is disposed proximate the first cam region first end  210 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The second rolling element  286  is disposed proximate the second recess first end  120 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The second rolling element  286  is disposed proximate the second cam region first end  220 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The third rolling element  294  is disposed proximate the third recess first end  160 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The third rolling element  294  is disposed proximate the third cam region first end  240 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The fourth rolling element  296  is disposed proximate the fourth recess first end  170 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The fourth rolling element  296  is disposed proximate the fourth cam region first end  250 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. 
     The first rolling element  284  is disposed proximate the first recess second end  112 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The first rolling element  284  is disposed proximate the first cam region second end  212 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The second rolling element  286  is disposed proximate the second recess second end  122 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The second rolling element  286  is disposed proximate the second cam region second end  222 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The third rolling element  294  is disposed proximate the third recess second end  162 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The third rolling element  294  is disposed proximate the third cam region second end  242 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The fourth rolling element  296  is disposed proximate the fourth recess second end  172 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position to the fourth rolling element  296  is disposed proximate the fourth cam region second end  252 , while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. 
     The bridge  276  extends between the first sidewall  272  and the second sidewall  274 . The bridge  276  extends over the third member  64 . 
     The extension member  68  extends between the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  and the release member  52  of the energy absorption assembly  24 . The extension member  68  is configured to rotate the release member  52  between the engaged position and the released position. The extension member  68  includes a first extension member end  300  and a second extension member end  302 . 
     The first extension member end  300  is connected to the third member  64 . The first extension member end  300  is connected to the third member first end  196 . The first extension member end  300  is connected to the third member first end  196  by a pin that extends through the third member first end  196 . 
     The second extension member end  302  is connected to the release member  52 . The second extension member end  302  defines an extension member opening  304 . The extension member opening  304  extends about or receives a portion of a clamp bolt  306  that extends through the jacket assembly  22 , the locking assembly  26 , and the support bracket  40 . The clamp bolt  306  extends through the first member opening  94 , the second member opening  144 , and the third member opening  194 . 
     The clamp bolt  306  is disposed proximate a first end  310  of the extension member opening  304  when the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The clamp bolt  306  is disposed proximate a second end  312  of the extension member opening  304  when the locking assembly  26  is in the unlock position. The clamp bolt  306  moves between the first end  310  of the extension member opening  304  and the second end  312  of the extension member opening  304  as the locking assembly  26  moves between the lock position and the unlock position. 
     The actuator assembly  28  is disposed on the jacket assembly  22  and is operatively connected to the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26 . The actuator assembly  28  is configured to move the third member  64  between the lock position and the unlock position. The actuator assembly  28  moves the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  from the lock position towards the unlock position, in response to the actuator assembly  28  being moved from a first position towards a second position while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. The extension member  68  moves the release member  52  of the energy absorption assembly  24  from the engaged position towards the released position, in response to the actuator assembly  28  being moved from the first position towards the second position while the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  is in the lock position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the actuator assembly  28  includes a lever  320 , a mounting plate  322 , a mounting bracket  324 , a mounting base  326  affixed to the jacket assembly  22 , and a cable  328 . The lever  320  is pivotally connected to the jacket assembly  22  through the mounting plate  322  and the mounting bracket  324 . In at least one embodiment, the lever  320  is pivotally connected to the jacket assembly  22 . The lever  320  is pivotally connected to the mounting plate  322 . The lever  320  of the actuator assembly  28  is movable between the first position and the second position. The first position corresponds to the lock position of the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26 . The second position corresponds to the unlock position of the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26 . 
     The cable  328  extends between the lever  320  and the third member first end  196 . The cable  328  may be configured as a push pull cable or the like. An end of the cable  328  extends through the first arm opening  130  to the third member first end  196 . The action of pivoting the lever  320  from the first position towards the second position tensions the cable  328  to move the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  from the lock position towards the unlock position. The releasing of the lever  320  while in the second position, permits the lever  320  to move from the second position towards the first position. The releasing of the lever  320  enables the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  to move from the unlock position towards the lock position due at least in part to the biasing member  268 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an actuator assembly  330  is shown. The actuator assembly  330  is slidably received within a portion of the jacket assembly  22 . The actuator assembly  330  is connected to the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26 . In this embodiment, the locking assembly  26  is positioned internal to the jacket assembly  22 . As an alternate embodiment the locking assembly  26  could also be positioned external to the jacket assembly  22  and the support bracket  40  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The actuator assembly  330  is configured as a straight pull mechanism that moves the third member  64  of the locking assembly  26  between the lock position and the unlock position. The actuator assembly  330  eliminates the need for a cable  328  and may or may not include a biasing member  268 . As an alternative embodiment, the actuator assembly  330  could also be remotely operated using the actuator assembly  28 . 
     The actuator assembly  330  includes a handle  332  and an arm  334 . The arm  334  extends from the handle  332  and extends into a portion of the jacket assembly  22 . The arm  334  is connected to the third member first end  196 . 
     Throughout this specification, the term “attach,” “attachment,” “connected”, “coupled,” “coupling,” “mount,” or “mounting” shall be interpreted to mean that a structural component or element is in some manner connected to or contacts another element, either directly or indirectly through at least one intervening structural element, or is integrally formed with the other structural element. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.