Steering column clamp mechanism

{
  "publication_number": "US9393986B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Steering column clamp mechanism",
  "abstract": "A clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly, the clamping mechanism comprising: an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position; an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position; and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion, at least a portion of the outboard cam being shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.",
    "2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first position is a locked position that facilitates preventing raking movement of the steering column assembly, and the second position is an unlocked position that facilitates raking movement of the steering column assembly.",
    "3. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the outboard cam includes a main body and a post extending therefrom, the post operatively associated with the travel limiter portion to limit the rotation of the outboard cam about the axis.",
    "4. The clamping mechanism of claim 3, wherein the travel limiter portion includes a first travel stop and an opposed second travel stop, the first travel stop configured to engage the post to stop rotation of the outboard cam in the first position, and the second travel stop configured to engage the post to stop rotation of the outboard cam in the second position.",
    "5. The clamping mechanism of claim 4, wherein the intermediate stop is disposed adjacent the second travel stop between the first and second travel stops.",
    "6. The clamping mechanism of claim 5, further comprising a plate member disposed between the inboard cam and the outboard cam, the plate member including the intermediate stop.",
    "7. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a rake bolt extending through the outboard cam and the inboard cam, the rake bolt configured to rotate about the axis.",
    "8. The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein the inboard cam includes a slotted aperture configured to facilitate forward shuttling of the rake bolt during the impact event.",
    "9. The clamping mechanism of claim 8, further comprising a locking tooth, the rake bolt extending through the locking tooth, wherein during the forward shuttling of the rake bolt the locking tooth is forced into engagement with a rake bracket of the steering column assembly to facilitate preventing raking movement of the steering column assembly.",
    "10. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a pin extending between the inboard cam and the outboard cam, a first portion of the pin extending into the inboard cam and an opposite second portion of the pin extending into the outboard cam.",
    "11. A steering column assembly comprising: a steering column; a rake bracket coupled to the steering column; and a clamping mechanism configured to selectively enable raking movement of the steering column relative to the rake bracket, the clamping mechanism comprising: an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position; an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position; and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion, at least a portion of the outboard cam being shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.",
    "12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first position is a locked position that facilitates preventing raking movement of the steering column, and the second position is an unlocked position that facilitates raking movement of the steering column.",
    "13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the outboard cam includes a main body and a post extending therefrom, the post operatively associated with the travel limiter portion to limit the rotation of the outboard cam about the axis.",
    "14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the travel limiter portion includes a first travel stop and an opposed second travel stop, the first travel stop configured to engage the post to stop rotation of the outboard cam in the first position, and the second travel stop configured to engage the post to stop rotation of the outboard cam in the second position.",
    "15. The assembly of claim 14, including a plate member disposed between the inboard cam and the outboard cam, the plate member including the intermediate stop being disposed adjacent the second travel stop between the first and second travel stops.",
    "16. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a lever arm coupled to the outboard cam.",
    "17. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a rake bolt extending through the outboard cam and the inboard cam, the rake bolt configured to rotate about the axis.",
    "18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the inboard cam includes a slotted aperture configured to facilitate forward shuttling of the rake bolt during the impact event.",
    "19. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a locking tooth, the rake bolt extending through the locking tooth, wherein during the forward shuttling of the rake bolt the locking tooth is forced into engagement with the rake bracket to facilitate preventing raking movement of the steering column.",
    "20. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pin extending between the inboard cam and the outboard cam, a first portion of the pin extending into the inboard cam and an opposite second portion of the pin extending into the outboard cam."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The following description relates to steering columns for motor vehicles and, more specifically, to a clamping mechanism lock for a steering column.\n\nSome known steering columns for motor vehicles are provided with mechanisms for adjusting the steering column position by an operator of the motor vehicle. Available adjustments typically include a telescoping adjustment in which the steering column is extended toward the operator or retracted away from the operator, and a tilt or rake adjustment in which an angular position of the steering column is changed relative to the operator.\n\nIn some known systems, rake is adjusted by releasing an adjustment lever from a secured position, which then allows for rotation of the steering column about a pivot, typically located at an end of the steering column opposite that of the of the steering wheel. Returning the adjustment lever to the secured position retains the steering column in a desired set position about the pivot.\n\nHowever, some traditional locks for steering columns may provide inadequate load handling capabilities for preventing steering column displacements in the event of a vehicle collision. For example, some known systems may allow unlocking direction motion of a steering column clamp mechanism during or after a crash event. Various conditions may cause or allow rotation of the clamp mechanism such as contact with moving and/or deformed components (e.g., shrouds and closeouts), reduced clamp tension in post-crash positions, inertial loading, and post-crash settling of components.",
  "cpc": [
    "B62D 1/184",
    "B62D 1/189"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B62D 1/184",
    "B62D 1/189"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Steering Solutions IP Holding Corp"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Michael P. Anspaugh",
    "James C. Russell",
    "Malgorzata R. Szeliga"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-01-29",
  "publication_date": "2016-07-19",
  "grant_date": "2016-07-19",
  "priority_date": "2015-01-29",
  "application_number": "US-201514608316-A",
  "family_id": "56381511",
  "cited_by_count": 27,
  "citations": [
    "US20090229399A1",
    "US8888131B2",
    "US20140260763A1",
    "US20150090068A1"
  ]
}