US 7,111,480 B2 · Steering column lock apparatus and method

Abstract

Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some preferred embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to produce smooth and controlled lock bolt camming action with little to no jarring motion. In order to significantly reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost, some or all of the power transmission assembly can be assembled prior to installation in the lock assembly frame. More preferably, some or all of the power transmission assembly is integrally formed. Preferably, part or all of the lock assembly can be assembled without turning, flipping, or otherwise re-orienting the lock assembly during assembly.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method of moving a lock bolt between a locked and engaged position with respect to a steering column and an unlocked and disengaged position with respect to the steering column, the method comprising:

actively driving a cam with a motor, the cam including a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface;
moving the lock bolt from the locked position toward the unlocked position at a first rate of retraction, the first rate of retraction determined by the first surface;
accelerating retraction of the lock bolt from the first rate of retraction to a second rate of retraction as the lock bolt is moved toward the unlocked position, the second rate of retraction determined by the second surface;
and
decelerating retraction of the lock bolt from the second rate of retraction to a third rate of retraction as the lock bolt becomes fully disengaged from the steering column, the third rate of retraction determined by the third surface.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Steering column lock apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Steering column lock apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10