Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140109713 | ON CENTER ACTUATING LEVER WITH CROSS AXIS RAKE AND TELESCOPE LOCK - An adjustable steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg, a steering shaft extending within an upper jacket along a first axis between the first and second legs, a telescope clamp positioned about the upper jacket and a telescope lock connected to the telescope clamp to selectively apply a first clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in a telescope direction. An actuating lever is coupled to a rake bolt, the rake bolt extending along a second axis intersecting the telescope clamp and is rotatable by the actuating lever. A rake lock is positioned on the rake bolt and selectively applies a second clamping force between the rake bracket and telescope clamp to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in the rake direction. A lash adjusting device is coupled to the telescope clamp for adjusting lash. | 04-24-2014 |
20140109714 | CROSS AXIS RAKE AND TELESCOPE LOCK - An adjustable rake and telescope steering column is provided. The steering column includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg, a steering shaft extending within an upper jacket along a first axis between the first and second legs, a telescope clamp positioned about the upper jacket and a telescope lock connected to the telescope clamp and configured to operate the telescope clamp to selectively apply a first clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in a telescope direction. An actuating lever is coupled to a rake bolt, the rake bolt extending along a second axis through the first leg and second leg and spaced from the upper jacket. A rake lock is positioned on the rake bolt and configured to selectively apply a second clamping force in a direction along the second axis to secure the steering shaft against adjustment in the rake direction. | 04-24-2014 |
20140140759 | COUPLING ASSURANCE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CONNECTION IN A STEERING COLUMN - A coupling assurance assembly for an intermediate shaft in a steering column is provided. The assembly includes a shaft having a longitudinal bore extending a first longitudinal axis and a fastening receptacle for receiving a fastener, a yoke having a cross hole for receiving the fastener, and a biasing device configured to urge the shaft and the yoke apart from each other. | 05-22-2014 |
20140216844 | POWER STEERING SYSTEM - A power steering system includes a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to a cross-link member extending in a transverse direction. Also included is a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first linkage arm and configured to rotate the first linkage arm. Further included is a second linkage arm pivotally coupled to the cross-link member with a pivot location. The power steering system yet further includes an electric actuator. Also included is a linkage member extending from the electric actuator and operatively coupled to an assist portion of the second linkage arm to reduce the steering effort required by a driver of the vehicle. | 08-07-2014 |
20150224961 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY LOCKING A STEERING COLUMN - A system for selectively locking a steering column comprises a lock bolt configured for translating along its axis so as to extend, in a first state, a first length from a base and, in a second state, a second length from the base. A motor is supported by a housing and has an output shaft. A driving platform with driving ramps is disposed about the lock bolt and coupled to the output shaft. A driven platform is disposed about the lock bolt, between a shoulder of the lock bolt and the driving platform. The driven platform is configured for interacting with each of the driving ramps to define a separation distance that depends upon a rotational position of the driving platform. The driven platform is also configured to cooperate with the shoulder of the lock bolt such that translation of the driven platform causes the lock bolt to translate. | 08-13-2015 |
20150330456 | UNIVERSAL JOINT - In an embodiment of the invention, a universal joint assembly is provided. The assembly includes a hollow upper shaft having an inner surface, a lower shaft extending at least partially within the upper shaft, and a cage receiving at least a portion of the lower shaft, the cage positioned within the hollow upper shaft. The assembly further includes at least one upper tilt pin extending through the upper shaft and the cage, at least one groove formed in the inner surface of the upper shaft, and a lower tilt pin extending through the cage and the lower shaft. The lower tilt pin extends into the at least one groove. | 11-19-2015 |
20160047423 | CENTERING MECHANISM FOR DOUBLE CARDAN JOINTS - In one aspect, a joint assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first shaft having an end, a second shaft having an end, a first inner ring coupled to the first shaft, and a second inner ring coupled to the second shaft. The assembly further includes a sleeve coupled to the first and second inner rings, the first and second inner rings disposed within the sleeve, and a centering device engaging the ends of the first and second shaft. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second shafts relative to one another, and the centering device is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second shafts. | 02-18-2016 |
20160047424 | CENTERING MECHANISM FOR DOUBLE CARDAN JOINTS - A joint assembly having a first shaft having an end and extending along a first axis and a second shaft having an end and extending along a second axis is provided. A first inner ring coupled to the first shaft, a second inner ring coupled to the second shaft, and a sleeve coupled to the first and second inner rings are also provided. The first and second inner rings are disposed within the sleeve and a centering device engages the ends of the first and second shafts. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second shafts relative to the sleeve. The centering device is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second shafts and the centering device includes a receiving socket defining a socket path, the socket path having a different orientation than the second axis. | 02-18-2016 |