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US 9,428,211 B2Granted
Systems for detecting locked condition of steering column
AssigneeSteering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
InventorsMichael C. Vermeersch, Arthur W. Nellett, Gerald M. McCann, Shawn A. Haring, Frederick J. Berg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column, a mounting bracket, an actuator rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket, the actuator rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a detection assembly configured to detect when the actuator is in the unlocked position.
Claims14
A steering column assembly, comprising:
- a steering column;
- a mounting bracket;
- an actuator rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket, the actuator configured to adjust the steering column between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- a detection assembly configured to detect when the actuator is in the unlocked position, the detection assembly comprises a detection switch having a plunger movable between a first position and a second position;
- a cam assembly having a cam rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the actuator is moved to the unlocked position, the actuator engages the cam and rotates the cam from the first position to the second position such that the cam engages the plunger and moves the plunger from the first position to the second position;
- and
- an energy absorbing roll strap having teeth formed therein, the cam further comprising a plurality of locking teeth configured to meshingly engage the roll strap teeth when the cam is in the first position and to disengage the roll strap teeth when the cam is rotated to the second position.
4 more elements
A steering column assembly, comprising:
- a steering column;
- a mounting bracket;
- an actuator rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket, the actuator configured to adjust the steering column between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- and
- a detection assembly configured to detect when the actuator is in the unlocked position;
- and
- a motor assembly comprising:
- a rod assembly having a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet;
- and
- a motor coupled to the actuator and the rod assembly, the motor configured to linearly translate the rod assembly between a first position and a second position, and to rotate the actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position;
- wherein the detection assembly includes a sensor module configured to sense a magnetic field of the first and second permanent magnets.
8 more elements
A steering column assembly, comprising:
- a steering column;
- a mounting bracket;
- an actuator rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket, the actuator configured to adjust the steering column between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- and
- a detection assembly configured to detect when the actuator is in the unlocked position;
- and
- a motor assembly comprising:
- a gear having a permanent magnet coupled thereto;
- a motor operably associated with the gear, the motor configured to rotate the gear between a first position and a second position, and to rotate the actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position;
- wherein the detection assembly includes a first sensor module and a second sensor module, the first and second sensor modules configured to sense a magnetic field of the permanent magnet.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.