Steering column release mechanism

• US 20070273130A1
• Filed: 05/25/2006
• Published: 11/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TRW Automotive USLLC (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: TRW Automotive USLLC (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Cartwright, Mark A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,604,255 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/731
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/184 Mechanisms for locking columns at selected positions
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/195 Yieldable supports for the steering column

Abstract

A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel (16) and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A mounting bracket (40) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. A support (30), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (40). The support (30) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (32) of the steering column member and is movable relative to the mounting bracket (40). A locking mechanism (60) applies a force to lock the support (30) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (40). A release mechanism (70) reduces the force applied by the locking mechanism (60) in response to a sensed vehicle condition.

Claims

1. A steering column for a vehicle comprising:

a steering column member connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels;

a mounting bracket which connects said steering column to a vehicle frame;

a support connected with said mounting bracket and through which said steering column member extends, said support supporting said steering column member for rotation about a longitudinal axis of said steering column member and being movable relative to said mounting bracket;

a locking mechanism which applies a force to lock said support in any one of a plurality of positions relative to said mounting bracket; and

a release mechanism that reduces the force applied by said locking mechanism by a first amount in response to a first sensed vehicle condition.

2. A steering column as set forth in claim 1 wherein said release mechanism includes a vehicle sensitive sensor that is responsive to said first sensed vehicle condition.

3. A steering column as set forth in claim 2 wherein said release mechanism includes an inertia member.

4. A steering column as set forth in claim 3 wherein said inertia member is connected with said locking mechanism, said inertia member moving in response to said first sensed vehicle condition to reduce the force applied by said locking mechanism.

5. A steering column as set forth in claim 4 wherein said locking mechanism includes a member rotatable relative to said mounting bracket, said inertia member being connected with said member and rotating said member in response to said first sensed vehicle condition.

6. A steering column as set forth in claim 5 wherein said inertia member includes a mass spaced radially from said rotatable member.

7. A steering column as set forth in claim 1 wherein an inflatable occupant protection device is connected with said steering wheel.

8. A steering column as set forth in claim 7 wherein said support moves relative to said mounting bracket in response to activation of said occupant protection device after said release mechanism reduces the force applied by said locking mechanism by said first amount.

9. A steering column as set forth in claim 1 wherein said release mechanism reduces the force applied by said locking mechanism by a second amount larger than said first amount in response to a second sensed vehicle condition.

10. A steering column as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism prevents movement of said support relative to said mounting bracket after said release mechanism reduces the force applied by said locking mechanism by said first amount, said support being movable relative to said mounting bracket upon application of a predetermined force to said support.

11. A steering column as set forth in claim 1 wherein said release mechanism releases the force applied by said locking mechanism in response to a second sensed vehicle condition.

12. A steering column as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support is pivotally connected with a member, said member being pivotally connected with said mounting bracket, said locking mechanism preventing pivotal movement of said support relative to said member and pivotal movement of said member relative to said mounting bracket.

13. A steering column for a vehicle comprising:

a steering column member connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels;

a mounting bracket which connects said steering column to a vehicle frame;

a support connected with said mounting bracket and through which said steering column member extends, said support supporting said steering column member for rotation about a longitudinal axis of said steering column member and being movable relative to said mounting bracket;

a locking mechanism having a first position in which said support is prevented from moving relative to said mounting bracket and a second position in which said support is movable relative to said mounting bracket; and

a release mechanism that moves said locking mechanism from said first position toward said second position in response to a first sensed vehicle condition.

14. A steering column as set forth in claim 13 wherein said release mechanism includes an inertia member connected with said locking mechanism, said inertia member moving in response to said first sensed vehicle condition to move said locking mechanism from said first position toward said second position.

15. A steering column as set forth in claim 14 wherein said locking mechanism includes a member rotatable relative to said mounting bracket, said inertia member being connected with said member and rotating said member relative to said mounting bracket in response to said first sensed vehicle condition.

16. A steering column as set forth in claim 13 wherein said steering wheel includes an inflatable occupant protection device.

17. A steering column as set forth in claim 16 wherein said support moves relative to said mounting bracket in response to activation of said occupant protection device after said release mechanism moves said locking mechanism from said first position toward said second position.

18. A steering column as set forth in claim 13 wherein said release mechanism moves said locking mechanism from said first position to said second position in response to a second sensed vehicle condition.

19. A steering column as set forth in claim 13 wherein said locking mechanism prevents movement of said support relative to said mounting bracket after said release mechanism moves said locking mechanism from said first position toward said second position, said support being movable relative to said mounting bracket upon application of a predetermined force to said support.

20. A steering column as set forth in claim 13 wherein said support is pivotally connected with a member, said member being pivotally connected with said mounting bracket, said locking mechanism preventing pivotal movement of said support relative to said member and pivotal movement of said member relative to said mounting bracket.