Steering column angle
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A steering device for steering a motor vehicle, the steering device comprising:
- a steering column selectively movable from a first position to a second position;
a front bracket, the steering column pivotally attached to the front bracket;
an impact sensor selectively providing an impact signal indicative of the motor vehicle entering a crash condition;
a locomotive device, the steering column being pivotally connected to the locomotive device; and
a steering column support bracket, the steering column support bracket having a cam surface slidingly engaged with a bearing surface of the locomotive device, the cam surface guiding the bearing surface when the steering column moves from the first position to the second position.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a steering device which has a steering column selectively moveable from a first position to a second position. The first position is a position angled upward conducive to driver use, and the second position is a more horizontal position which is conducive to vehicle crashing. The steering column has a front bracket and a locomotive device. Upon impact, the locomotive device drives the steering column, which rotates about the front bracket, and changes the resulting steering column angle. Thus, when the air bag inflates, it is positioned at a reduced angle and absorbs the impact of the driver more effectively.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A steering device for steering a motor vehicle, the steering device comprising:
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a steering column selectively movable from a first position to a second position; a front bracket, the steering column pivotally attached to the front bracket; an impact sensor selectively providing an impact signal indicative of the motor vehicle entering a crash condition; a locomotive device, the steering column being pivotally connected to the locomotive device; and a steering column support bracket, the steering column support bracket having a cam surface slidingly engaged with a bearing surface of the locomotive device, the cam surface guiding the bearing surface when the steering column moves from the first position to the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A steering column for a motor vehicle having a first position and a second lower position;
the steering column having a support mechanism holding the steering column in the first position and a pyrotechnic device coupled to the support mechanism and to an air bag deployment system for causing the support mechanism to move the steering column to the second position upon actuation of the pyrotechnic device by the air bag deployment system, the pyrotechnic device including a U-shaped bracket pivotally attached to the steering column, a gas driven piston rigidly attached at a first end to the U-shaped bracket; and
a channel fluidly connecting the pyrotechnic device to a second end of the gas driven piston.- View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
Specification