Steering column assembly

{
  "publication_number": "US9260131B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Steering column assembly",
  "abstract": "A steering column assembly comprises an adjustable shroud which at least partially surrounds a steering shaft and a clamp mechanism operable between a clamped position in which the adjustable shroud part is locked in position and an unclamped position in which the adjustable shroud part can be moved to set the reach and/or rake of the steering column assembly, in which the clamp mechanism comprises a clamp pin, a locking handle and a cam mechanism fitted to the clamp pin, in which the cam mechanism comprises first and second cam portions which can be moved relative to each other by operation of the locking handle to vary the overall length of the cam mechanism, the unclamped position of the cam mechanism being defined by contact of a first end stop of the first cam portion with a second end stop of the second cam portion. At least one of the end stops comprises a resilient cushioning element which provides cushioning as the at least one end stop engages the other end stop upon the clamp mechanism reaching the unclamped position.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A steering column assembly comprising an adjustable shroud which at least partially surrounds a steering shaft and a clamp mechanism operable between a clamped position in which the adjustable shroud is locked in position and an unclamped position in which the adjustable shroud can be moved to set at least one of a reach and rake of the steering column assembly, in which the clamp mechanism comprises a clamp pin, a locking handle and a cam mechanism fitted to the clamp pin, in which the cam mechanism comprises a first cam portion and a second cam portion which can be moved relative to each other by operation of the locking handle to vary an overall length of the cam mechanism, the unclamped position of the cam mechanism being defined by contact of a first end stop of the first cam portion with a second end stop of the second cam portion, wherein at least one of the first and second end stops carries a separate resilient cushioning element which provides cushioning to reduce noise as the at least one of the first and second end stops engages the other one of the first and second end stops upon the clamp mechanism reaching the unclamped position.",
    "2. The steering column assembly according to claim 1 in which the resilient cushioning element comprises a rubber element.",
    "3. The steering column assembly according to claim 1 in which the first end stop comprises a protrusion of the first cam portion.",
    "4. The steering column assembly according to claim 3 in which the cushioning element comprises an O-ring which is fitted over the protrusion.",
    "5. The steering column assembly according to claim 4 which includes a groove on the end stop which locates the O-ring.",
    "6. The steering column assembly according to claim 1 in which the second cam portion comprises a moving cam portion which rotates with the clamp pin as the handle is operated and the first cam portion comprises a fixed cam portion which is restrained so that it cannot rotate.",
    "7. The steering column assembly according to claim 1 in which one of the first and second cam portions includes a cam and the other of the first and second cam portions includes a cam follower which moves over the cam as the handle rotates to change the length of the cam mechanism."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This invention relates to improvements in steering column assemblies.\n\nIt is known to provide a steering column assembly. The assembly can be adjusted for reach allowing the steering wheel to be moved towards and away from a driver, or for rake allowing the steering wheel to be moved upwards and downwards relative to the driver. This allows for a comfortable driving position to be achieved and, where provided, for the optimum positioning of a driver airbag attached to the steering wheel relative to the torso of the driver. A steering column that adjusts for reach or rake is known as a single adjust assembly, and one that adjusts for both is known as a double adjust assembly.\n\nIt is important that the assembly is easy to adjust when required and yet fixed rigidly in position when the vehicle is being driven. This is achieved by providing a steering column shroud which surrounds a steering column shaft that supports the steering wheel. The shroud is fixed in position by a releasable clamp assembly. When the clamp assembly is in a clamped condition the shroud, and the wheel, are fixed relative to a part of the vehicle, typically the bulkhead. When it is in an unclamped position the shroud is free to move relative to the bulkhead so that the position of the wheel can be adjusted.\n\nSeveral clamp assemblies are known, but a most common type includes a clamp mechanism which can be released or locked by rotation of a handle attached to a clamp pin or bolt. The handle is fixed to a first part of a cam mechanism which rotates with the handle about the axis of the clamp pin or bolt.",
  "cpc": [
    "B62D 1/187",
    "B62D 1/184",
    "F16B 7/1427"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B62D 1/184",
    "B62D 1/187",
    "F16B 7/14"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "TRW Ltd"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Mark Anthony Wilkes",
    "Niclas Davies"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2012-06-26",
  "publication_date": "2016-02-16",
  "grant_date": "2016-02-16",
  "priority_date": "2011-06-28",
  "application_number": "US-201214129319-A",
  "family_id": "44485262",
  "cited_by_count": 7,
  "citations": [
    "US20060225530A1",
    "EP1747966A2",
    "US20100139438A1",
    "EP1795425A2",
    "JP2008307959A",
    "US8413541B2",
    "US8342574B2",
    "US8590932B2",
    "US20130319163A1",
    "US20140305251A1"
  ]
}