U.S. patent application number 11/328372 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for lock lever on steering column.
Invention is credited to Michael P. Anspaugh, William D. Cymbal, Damir Menjak, Olivier Pugliese.
Application Number | 20070157756 11/328372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37890686 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157756 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cymbal; William D. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2007 |
Lock lever on steering column
Abstract
The invention provides a lever assembly for controlling a lock
of a steering column assembly. The lever assembly includes a first
lever portion pivotable about a locking axis between a locked
position for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a
steering column assembly and an unlocked position spaced from the
locked position. The steering column assembly is moveable in
adjusting movement when the first lever portion is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly also includes a second lever portion
defining a handle portion and operable to rotate about the locking
axis. The lever assembly also includes a lost motion linkage
disposed between the first lever portion and the second lever
portion. The lost motion linkage is operable to transmit rotation
of the second lever portion about the locking axis to pivot the
first lever portion between the locked position and the unlocked
position. The lost motion linkage is also operable to yield in
response to movement of the second lever portion in a direction
parallel to the locking axis.
Inventors: |
Cymbal; William D.;
(Freeland, MI) ; Anspaugh; Michael P.; (Bay City,
MI) ; Menjak; Damir; (Frankenmuth, MI) ;
Pugliese; Olivier; (Clarkston, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
M/C 480-410-202
PO BOX 5052
TROY
MI
48007
US
|
Family ID: |
37890686 |
Appl. No.: |
11/328372 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/519 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 74/20582 20150115;
Y10T 74/20612 20150115; B62D 1/184 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
074/519 |
International
Class: |
G05G 1/04 20060101
G05G001/04 |
Claims
1. A lever assembly for controlling a lock of a steering column
assembly comprising: a first lever portion pivotable about a
locking axis between a locked position for substantially preventing
adjusting movement of a steering column assembly and an unlocked
position spaced from said locked position; a second lever portion
defining a handle portion and operable to rotate about said locking
axis; and a lost motion linkage disposed between said first lever
portion and said second lever portion and operable to transmit
rotation of said second lever portion about said locking axis to
pivot said first lever portion between said locked position and
said unlocked position and operable to yield in response to
movement of said second lever portion in a direction parallel to
said locking axis.
2. The lever assembly of claim 1 said lost motion linkage is
further defined as being breakable in response to movement of said
second lever portion in a direction parallel to said locking
axis.
3. The lever assembly of claim 2 said lost motion linkage is
further defined as including a mechanical fuse.
4. The lever assembly of claim 3 wherein said mechanical fuse is
further defined as a shear pin.
5. The lever assembly of claim 3 wherein said mechanical fuse is
further defined as being integrally formed with one of said first
lever portion and said second lever portion.
6. The lever assembly of claim 3 wherein said mechanical fuse is
further defined as having a height extending in a direction
transverse to said locking axis and having a width extending in a
direction parallel to said locking axis wherein said height is
greater than said width.
7. The lever assembly of claim 6 wherein said height is twice said
width.
8. The lever assembly of claim 1 said lost motion linkage is
further defined as being resiliently deformable in response to
movement of said second lever portion in a direction parallel to
said locking axis.
9. The lever assembly of claim 8 wherein said second lever portion
is further defined as being pivotable relative to said first lever
portion about a pivot axis between a first position and second
position in response to a predetermined level of force acting at
least partially parallel to said locking axis.
10. The lever assembly of claim 9 wherein said lost motion linkage
further comprises: a locking pin spaced from said pivot axis and
integrally formed with respect to one of said first lever portion
and said second lever portion; first and second opposing jaws
integrally formed with respect to the other of said first lever
portion and said second lever portion and receiving said locking
pin wherein said locking pin is operable to separate said first and
second opposing jaws in response to movement of said second lever
portion.
11. The lever assembly of claim 9 wherein said lost motion linkage
is operable to urge said second lever portion to one of said first
position and said second position.
12. The lever assembly of claim 11 wherein said lost motion linkage
is further defined as being operable to yield in response to
movement of said second lever portion in first and second opposite
directions parallel to said locking axis.
13. The lever assembly of claim 11 wherein said lost motion linkage
includes a leaf spring.
14. The lever assembly of claim 11 wherein said lost motion linkage
includes a coil spring extending between a first end and a second
end.
15. The lever assembly of claim 14 wherein said lost motion linkage
further comprises: a first anchor pin connected to said first lever
portion and supporting said first end of said coil spring; a second
anchor pin connected to said second lever portion and supporting
said second end of said coil spring; and a pivot pin disposed
between said first and second anchor pins and defining said pivot
axis.
16. The lever assembly of claim 1 wherein said lost motion linkage
is further defined as engaging one of said first lever portion and
said second lever portion in a snap-fit connection.
17. The lever assembly of claim 16 wherein said lost motion linkage
is further defined as being integrally formed with the other one of
said first lever portion and said second lever portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to steering column assemblies and more
particularly to a lever for moving a steering column between locked
and unlocked positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicles are often equipped with steering columns that
adjust the position of the steering wheel to enhance the comfort
and safety of the driver. For example, the steering column may
telescope to move closer to and away from the driver. Also, the
position of the steering wheel may be tilted or raked relative to
other components of the column. These features cooperate to allow
the driver to adjust the steering wheel to a desired, convenient
position for operating the vehicle, and for enabling the wheel to
be moved out of the way to provide greater access to getting into
and out of the driver's seat of the vehicle. Adjustable steering
columns also include locks for maintaining the steering column in
the desired position. Steering column locks can be mechanical or
electromechanical. It is important to lock the steering column
between adjustments and while the vehicle is moving to enhance the
safe operation of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention provides a lever assembly for controlling a
lock of a steering column assembly. The lever assembly includes a
first lever portion pivotable about a locking axis between a locked
position for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a
steering column assembly and an unlocked position spaced from the
locked position. The steering column assembly is moveable in
adjusting movement when the first lever portion is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly also includes a second lever portion
defining a handle portion and operable to rotate about the locking
axis. The lever assembly also includes a lost motion linkage
disposed between the first lever portion and the second lever
portion. The lost motion linkage is operable to transmit rotation
of the second lever portion about the locking axis to pivot the
first lever portion between the locked position and the unlocked
position. The lost motion linkage is also operable to yield in
response to movement of the second lever portion in a direction
parallel to the locking axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a steering column
assembly with a lock and a lever assembly according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first exemplary lever assembly
having a first lever portion, a second lever portion and a lost
motion linkage wherein the lost motion linkage is disposed to
transmit rotation of the second lever portion about an axis to the
first lever portion;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first exemplary lever assembly
wherein the lost motion linkage has yielded to movement of the
second lever portion in a direction parallel to the axis;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a front view of the first exemplary lever
assembly;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of a second exemplary lever
assembly;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top view of a second lever portion of the second
exemplary lever assembly and part of a lost motion linkage of the
second exemplary lever assembly;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a front view of the second exemplary lever
assembly;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view of a third exemplary lever
assembly;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a front view of the third exemplary lever
assembly;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a front view of a second lever portion and part
of a lost motion linkage of the third exemplary lever assembly;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top view of a fourth exemplary lever
assembly;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a top view of the fourth exemplary lever assembly
wherein a lost motion linkage has yielded to movement of a second
lever portion in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a front view of the second lever portion and part
of the lost motion linkage of the fourth exemplary lever
assembly;
[0018] FIG. 14 is a front view of the fourth exemplary lever
assembly with a portion cut-away;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a top view of a fifth exemplary lever
assembly;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a top view of the fifth exemplary lever assembly
wherein a lost motion linkage has yielded to movement of a second
lever portion in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a front view of the fifth exemplary lever
assembly;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a top view of a sixth exemplary lever
assembly;
[0023] FIG. 19 is a top view of the sixth exemplary lever assembly
wherein a lost motion linkage has yielded to movement of a second
lever portion in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation;
and
[0024] FIG. 20 is a front view of the sixth exemplary lever
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] A plurality of different embodiments of the invention are
shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown
in the various embodiments of the invention. Similar features have
been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been
differentiated by an alphabetic designation. Also, to enhance
consistency, features in any particular drawing share the same
alphabetic designation even if the feature is shown in less than
all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate
similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated
by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular
features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in
another embodiment unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or
this specification.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, in a first exemplary embodiment
of the invention, a lever assembly 10 for controlling a lock 12 of
a steering column assembly 14. The lever assembly 10 includes a
first lever portion 16 pivotable about a locking axis 18 between a
locked position for substantially preventing adjusting movement of
a steering column assembly 14 and an unlocked position spaced from
the locked position. The steering column assembly 14 is moveable in
adjusting movement when the first lever portion 16 is in the
unlocked position. The lever assembly 10 also includes a second
lever portion 20 defining a handle portion 22 and operable to
rotate about the locking axis 18. The lever assembly 10 also
includes a lost motion linkage 24 disposed between the first lever
portion 16 and the second lever portion 20. The lost motion linkage
24 is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion 20
about the locking axis 18 to pivot the first lever portion 16
between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lost
motion linkage 24 is also operable to yield in response to movement
of the second lever portion 20 in a direction parallel to the
locking axis 18.
[0027] Lost motion refers to a difference between the motion of a
driver and that of a follower. A lost motion device or linkage
allows for motion of the follower in response to motion of the
driver over a certain range or in a certain direction. A lost
motion device yields in response to movement of the driver beyond
the predetermined range or in response to direction of the driver
in one or more directions. In the exemplary embodiments of the
invention, the follower is the first lever portion and the driver
is the second lever portion. The lost motion linkages of the
exemplary embodiments of the invention allow for motion of the
various first lever portions in response to rotation of the various
second lever portions about the axis. The lost motion linkages of
the exemplary embodiments of the invention yield in response to
movement of the various second lever portions in a direction
parallel to the axis. A direction parallel to the axis can occur if
the second lever portion rotates relative to the lost motion
linkage.
[0028] In the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
steering column assembly 14 includes a steering column jacket 54
operable to support a steering shaft 56 in a vehicle. A steering
wheel (not shown) can be engaged at one end of the steering shaft
56. A collar 58 presents a surface 60 for guiding movement of the
steering column jacket 54. The collar 58 can guide sliding movement
of the steering column jacket 54, corresponding to telescoping
movement, or can guide raking movement of the steering column
jacket 54 in alternative embodiments of the invention. Also, in
other embodiments of the invention, the collar 58 can be integrally
formed with a first steering column jacket and guide movement of a
second steering column jacket.
[0029] The exemplary lock 12 includes a locking member 62 is
operable to move in a first direction from an unlocked position to
a locked position to increasingly urge the steering column jacket
54 and the surface 60 together to lock relative movement between
the steering column jacket 54 and the collar 60. In the first
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking member 62 is
thread defined on the outer surface of a shaft 64. The thread of
the locking member 62 is engaged with collar 58 at two positions of
the collar 58. The collar 58 is c-shaped and includes first and
second side walls 66, 68 integrally formed with respect to one
another. The first and second side walls 66, 68 define the surface
60. The locking member 62 urges the first and second side walls 66,
68 together.
[0030] The first lever portion 16 is connected to the shaft for
pivoting movement about the locking axis 18. The shaft 64 is
operable to pivot in a first angular direction about the locking
axis 18 to move the locking member 62 in the first direction. FIG.
1 shows the locking member 62 in the unlocked position. The collar
58 defines a gap between the first and second side walls 66, 68 and
the steering column jacket 54 can move relative to the collar 58.
Pivoting movement of the shaft 64 about the axis 18 moves each
individual thread of the locking member 62. Pivoting movement of
the shaft 64 in a first angular direction moves the locking member
62 toward the locked position and pivoting movement of the shaft 64
in a second direction opposite the first angular direction moves
the locking member 62 toward the unlocked position. After the shaft
64 has been pivoted to move the locking member 62 to the locked
position, the gap between first and second side walls 66, 68 closes
in the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. However, in
alternative embodiments of the invention, a gap may still exist
between the side walls 66, 68 of the collar 58 after the locking
member 62 has been moved to the locked position.
[0031] The lock 12 and the steering column assembly 14 are
exemplary. In alternative embodiments of the invention, different
locking structures can be used to practice the invention, such as
wedge locks, positive locks with detents and/or teeth, or
electo-mechanical locks. Also, any configuration of steering column
assembly can be used to practice the invention including
telescoping columns, raking columns, tilting columns, and any
combination of telescoping, raking and tilting columns.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows the lever assembly 10 disposed to transmit
rotation of the second lever portion 20 about the axis 18 to pivot
the first lever portion 16 about the axis 18 and lock or unlock the
lock 12. In operation, the second lever portion 20 may extend
downward, toward a floor of the vehicle when the lock 12 is
unlocked. If a driver of the vehicle were to leave the second lever
portion 20 extending downward and attempt to exit the vehicle, the
driver's knee may contact the second lever portion 20 and urge
movement of the second lever portion 20 in a direction 70 or in a
direction 78. The lost motion linkage 24 allows the second lever
portion 20 to move relative to first lever portion 16 in such an
event, as best shown in FIG. 3.
[0033] The first exemplary lost motion linkage 24 includes
interlocking arms 72, 74, 76. The arms 72, 74 are integrally formed
with the first lever portion 16 and the arm 76 is integrally formed
with the second lever portion 20. A pivot pin 52 extends through
the arms 72, 74, 76 to pivotally connect the first lever portion 16
and the second lever portion 20. Preferably, the second lever
portion 20 is rotated when the arms 72, 74, 76 are aligned and
overlap one another, as best shown in FIG. 1. However, the second
lever portion 20 could be rotated when the arms 72, 74, 76 are not
aligned and overlapping one another, as best shown in FIG. 2, if
the arms 72, 74, 76 are sized appropriately.
[0034] The lost motion linkage 24 is breakable in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20 in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18. The lost motion linkage 24 also includes a
mechanical fuse 26. The mechanical fuse 26 is a shear pin 26. The
shear pin 26 extends through the arms 72, 74, 76 and is spaced from
the pivot pin 52. When the second lever portion 20 rotates about
the pivot pin 52 relative to the first lever portion 16, the shear
pin 26 is broken. Thus, the first exemplary lost motion linkage 24
yields by being broken. The shear pin 26 can be replaced rather
than replacing the entire lever assembly 10.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, in a second exemplary embodiment
of the invention, a lever assembly 10a for controlling a lock of a
steering column assembly, such as lock 12 and steering column
assembly 14 of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The
lever assembly 10a includes a first lever portion 16a pivotable
about a locking axis 18a between a locked position for
substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering column
assembly 14 and an unlocked position spaced from the locked
position. The steering column assembly 14 is moveable in adjusting
movement when the first lever portion 16a is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly 10a also includes a second lever
portion 20a defining a handle portion 22a and operable to rotate
about the locking axis 18a. The lever assembly 10a also includes a
lost motion linkage 24a disposed between the first lever portion
16a and the second lever portion 20a. The lost motion linkage 24a
is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion 20a
about the locking axis 18a to pivot the first lever portion 16a
between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lost
motion linkage 24a is also operable to yield in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20a in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18a.
[0036] The second exemplary lost motion linkage 24a includes a body
80a defining a cantilevered snap arm 82a. The snap arm 82a defines
a snap edge 84a. The body 80a is integrally formed with the second
lever portion 20a and received a cavity (not visible) formed in the
first lever portion 16a. The snap edge 84a of the lost motion
linkage 24a is received in a snap recess 86a formed in the first
lever portion 16a to connect the first lever portion 16a with the
second lever portion 20a.
[0037] The lost motion linkage 24a is breakable in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20a in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18a. The lost motion linkage 24a includes a
mechanical fuse 26a. The mechanical fuse 26a is a narrowed portion
of the body portion 80a. The mechanical fuse 26a includes a height
28a extending in a direction transverse to the locking axis 18a and
a width 30a extending in a direction parallel to the locking axis
18a. The height 28a is greater than the width 30a so that the fuse
26a will not break during normal operation, when the driver engages
the handle portion 22a to lock or unlock the lock of the steering
column assembly. The width 30a is less than the height 28a so that
the fuse 26a will break in response to movement of the second lever
portion 20a in a direction parallel to the locking axis 18a, such
as when a driver of the vehicle contacts the second lever portion
20a during exit or entry of the vehicle. In the second exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the height 28a is twice the width 30a.
Thus, the second exemplary lost motion linkage 24a yields by being
broken. The second lever portion 20a and integrally formed lost
motion linkage 24a can be replaced rather than replacing the entire
lever assembly 10a.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, in a third exemplary embodiment
of the invention, a lever assembly 10b for controlling a lock of a
steering column assembly, such as lock 12 and steering column
assembly 14 of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The
lever assembly 10b includes a first lever portion 16b pivotable
about a locking axis 18b between a locked position for
substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering column
assembly 14 and an unlocked position spaced from the locked
position. The steering column assembly 14 is moveable in adjusting
movement when the first lever portion 16b is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly 10b also includes a second lever
portion 20b defining a handle portion 22b and operable to rotate
about the locking axis 18b. The lever assembly 10b also includes a
lost motion linkage 24b disposed between the first lever portion
16b and the second lever portion 20b. The lost motion linkage 24b
is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion 20b
about the locking axis 18b to pivot the first lever portion 16b
between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lost
motion linkage 24b is also operable to yield in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20b in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18b.
[0039] The third exemplary lost motion linkage 24b is constructed
similarly and operates similarly as the second exemplary lost
motion linkage 24a. The lost motion linkage 24b includes a
mechanical fuse 26b having a height 28b extending in a direction
transverse to the locking axis 18b and a width 30b extending in a
direction parallel to the locking axis 18a. The height 28b is
greater than the width 30b so that the fuse 26b will not break
during normal operation, when the driver engages the handle portion
22b to lock or unlock the lock of the steering column assembly. The
width 30b is less than the height 28b so that the fuse 26b will
break in response to movement of the second lever portion 20b in a
direction parallel to the locking axis 18b, such as when a driver
of the vehicle contacts the second lever portion 20b during exit or
entry of the vehicle. Thus, the second exemplary lost motion
linkage 24b yields by being broken. The second lever portion 20b
and integrally formed lost motion linkage 24b can be replaced
rather than replacing the entire lever assembly 10a. The difference
between the second and third exemplary embodiments of the invention
is that the second lever portion 20b and the lost motion linkage
24b define a more pronounce bend than the second lever portion 20a
and the lost motion linkage 24a.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, in a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a lever assembly 10c for controlling a
lock of a steering column assembly, such as lock 12 and steering
column assembly 14 of the first exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The lever assembly 10c includes a first lever portion
16c pivotable about a locking axis 18c between a locked position
for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering
column assembly 14 and an unlocked position spaced from the locked
position. The steering column assembly 14 is moveable in adjusting
movement when the first lever portion 16c is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly 10c also includes a second lever
portion 20c defining a handle portion 22c and operable to rotate
about the locking axis 18c. The lever assembly 10c also includes a
lost motion linkage 24c disposed between the first lever portion
16c and the second lever portion 20c. The lost motion linkage 24c
is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion 20c
about the locking axis 18c to pivot the first lever portion 16c
between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lost
motion linkage 24c is also operable to yield in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20c in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18c.
[0041] The fourth exemplary lost motion linkage 24c includes an
aperture 88cformed in the first lever portion 16c and a pivot pin
52c extending from the second lever portion 20c and through the
aperture 88cto pivotally connect the first lever portion 16c and
the second lever portion 20c about a pivot axis 32c. The lost
motion linkage 24c also includes a locking pin 34c spaced from the
pivot axis 32c and integrally formed with respect to the second
lever portion 20c. The lost motion linkage 24c also includes first
and second opposing jaws 36c, 38c integrally formed with respect to
the first lever portion 16c. The jaws 36c, 38c receive the locking
pin 34c during normal operation, such as when the driver engages
the handle portion 22c to unlock or unlock the lock of the steering
column assembly.
[0042] The lost motion linkage 24c is resiliently deformable in
response to movement of the second lever portion 20c in a direction
parallel to the locking axis 18c. For example, when a driver of the
vehicle contacts the second lever portion 20c during exit or entry
of the vehicle, the locking pin 34c is operable to separate the
first and second opposing jaws 36c, 38c in response to movement of
the second lever portion 20c. Thus, the jaws 36c, 38c of the lost
motion linkage 24c yield by resiliently deforming in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20c in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18c. The locking pin 34c can be re-engaged between
the jaws 36c, 38c after disengagement to restore the lever assembly
10c rather than being replaced.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, in a fifth exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a lever assembly 10d for controlling a
lock of a steering column assembly, such as lock 12 and steering
column assembly 14 of the first exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The lever assembly 10d includes a first lever portion
16d pivotable about a locking axis 18d between a locked position
for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering
column assembly 14 and an unlocked position spaced from the locked
position. The steering column assembly 14 is moveable in adjusting
movement when the first lever portion 16d is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly 10d also includes a second lever
portion 20d defining a handle portion 22d and operable to rotate
about the locking axis 18d. The lever assembly 10d also includes a
lost motion linkage 24d disposed between the first lever portion
16d and the second lever portion 20d. The lost motion linkage 24d
is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion 20d
about the locking axis 18d to pivot the first lever portion 16d
between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lost
motion linkage 24d is also operable to yield in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20d in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18d.
[0044] The fifth exemplary lost motion linkage 24d includes a leaf
spring 40d. The leaf spring 40d is fixedy connected at one end to
the first lever portion 16d and at a second end to the second lever
portion 20d. The lost motion linkage 24d is resiliently deformable
in response to movement of the second lever portion 20d in a
direction parallel to the locking axis 18d. For example, when a
driver of the vehicle contacts the second lever portion 20d during
exit or entry of the vehicle, the second lever portion 20d can be
moved from a first position corresponding to a preferred rotating
position to a second position. The preferred rotating position is
the position at which, during normal vehicle handling, the driver
engages the handle portion 22d to unlock or unlock the lock of the
steering column assembly. The second position can be any position
spaced from the first position. Two alternative second positions
are shown in FIG. 16, the leaf spring 40d being bendable in first
and second opposite directions parallel to the locking axis 18d.
During movement of the second lever portion 20d from the first
position to the second position, the leaf spring 40d bends around a
pivot axis 32d. Thus, the leaf spring 40d of the lost motion
linkage 24d yields by resiliently deforming in response to movement
of the second lever portion 20d in a direction parallel to the
locking axis 18d. The leaf spring 40d can urge the second lever
portion 20d back to the first position.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, in a sixth exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a lever assembly 10e for controlling a
lock of a steering column assembly, such as lock 12 and steering
column assembly 14 of the first exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The lever assembly 10e includes a first lever portion
16e pivotable about a locking axis 18e between a locked position
for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering
column assembly 14 and an unlocked position spaced from the locked
position. The steering column assembly 14 is moveable in adjusting
movement when the first lever portion 16e is in the unlocked
position. The lever assembly 10e also includes a second lever
portion 20e defining a handle portion 22e and operable to rotate
about the locking axis 18e. The lever assembly 10e also includes a
lost motion linkage 24e disposed between the first lever portion
16e and the second lever portion 20e. The lost motion linkage 24e
is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion 20e
about the locking axis 18e to pivot the first lever portion 16e
between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lost
motion linkage 24e is also operable to yield in response to
movement of the second lever portion 20e in a direction parallel to
the locking axis 18e.
[0046] The sixth exemplary lost motion linkage 24e includes a coil
spring 42e extending between a first end 44e and a second end 46e.
The lost motion linkage 24e also includes a first anchor pin 48e
connected to the first lever portion 16e and supporting the first
end 44e of the coil spring 42e. The lost motion linkage 24e also
includes a second anchor pin 50e connected to the second lever
portion 20e and supporting the second end 46e of the coil spring
42e. The lost motion linkage 24e also includes a pivot pin 52e
disposed between the first and second anchor pins 48e, 50e and
defining the pivot axis 32e.
[0047] The lost motion linkage 24e is resiliently deformable in
response to movement of the second lever portion 20e in a direction
parallel to the locking axis 18e. For example, when a driver of the
vehicle contacts the second lever portion 20e during exit or entry
of the vehicle, the second lever portion 20e can be moved from a
first position corresponding to a preferred rotating position to a
second position. The preferred rotating position is the position at
which, during normal vehicle handling, the driver engages the
handle portion 22e to unlock or unlock the lock of the steering
column assembly. The second position can be any position spaced
from the first position. Two alternative second positions are shown
in FIG. 19, the second lever portion 20e being pivotable in first
and second opposite directions relative to the pivot axis 32e.
During movement of the second lever portion 20e from the first
position to the second position, the coil spring 42e is stretched.
Thus, the coil spring 42e of the lost motion linkage 24e yields by
resiliently deforming in response to movement of the second lever
portion 20e in a direction parallel to the locking axis 18e. The
coil spring 42e can urge the second lever portion 20e back to the
first position.
[0048] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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