Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-23
2001-06-12
Herrmann, Allan D. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C074S531000, C280S753000, C280S775000, C280S777000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244128
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to steering columns, and in particular to a steering column which automatically positions itself to maximize the airbag's safety efficiency in a collision.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
On heavy duty and medium duty trucks, busses and specialty service vehicles, steering columns are generally oriented more upright than in most passenger vehicles. As a result, airbags mounted in the steering wheel tend to deploy in a more vertical direction than toward the operator. This condition can result in the operator impacting the edge of the steering column in a collision. This is unlike most passenger vehicles and light trucks where the airbag deploys between the operator and the steering wheel and greatly retards the operator's momentum in a collision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A steering column assembly is provided for a vehicle wherein the operator can adjust the tilt angle telescopic position or both of the steering wheel to a comfortable position using a single locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a clutch-like assembly to provide an infinite number adjustment positions in tilt angle, telescopic position or both. An actuator device is provided in the steering column assembly which is interconnected to the locking mechanism for the purpose of tilting the steering wheel downwardly and/or collapsing the steering column in the event of a collision such that the airbag is deployed in a direction to more directly intercept and retard the forward motion of the operator toward the steering wheel.
In one form of the steering column assembly embodying the invention, an upper housing is pivotally connected to a lower housing in a manner to permit the upper housing to tilt with respect to the lower. A Y-shaped bracket including a clutch assembly interconnects another portion of the upper housing to the lower, forming a three-bar linkage. One end of the clutch assembly is interconnected to either the upper or lower housing in friction engagement so the end of the clutch can move with respect to the housing and permit angular adjustment of the first housing relative to the second. The clutch assembly is engaged and disengaged by a linkage, which in turn is actuated by a cable interconnected to a lever on the steering column.
In another form of the steering column assembly embodying the invention, a shuttle or inner housing is provided in telescopic relationship within an outer housing, and has an end pivotally coupled to a second housing of the steering column. In this embodiment the locking mechanism controls the relative tilt angle, and the telescopic position, or both of one housing relative to the other. The same linkage is provided to engage and disengage the locking mechanism fixing the steering column position.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4968058 (1990-11-01), Jones
patent: 5259264 (1993-11-01), Bodin et al.
patent: 5361646 (1994-11-01), Venable
patent: 5507521 (1996-04-01), Steffens, Jr.
patent: 5871233 (1999-02-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 03108594 (1991-04-01), None
patent: 5-105014 (1993-04-01), None
Bowerman Brian C.
Gaukel Patrick D.
Glidden Corbin G.
Spencer Joseph C.
Herrmann Allan D.
Kane Barry C.
Miller, Johnson, Snell & Commiskey, P.L.C.
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