Retractable steering column assembly and method

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10676121-B2
Application number	US-201916458908-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 1, 2019
Priority date	Jun 16, 2015
Publication date	Jun 9, 2020
Grant date	Jun 9, 2020

Abstract

A selectively autonomous steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Yet further included is at least one signal indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position. When steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control is automated, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.

First claim

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:

1. A selectively autonomous steering column assembly comprising:
a steering column shaft;
a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft;
a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and
at least one signal generating sensor mounted on the steering column shaft, the at least one signal generating sensor indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position;
directional control being automated when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.

2. The steering column assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one of driver compartment conditions, a driver's condition, a vehicle environment, and a vehicle control system.

3. A selectively autonomous vehicle comprising:
a steering column shaft;
a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft;
a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position; and
at least one signal generating sensor located adjacent the steering column shaft to detect a position of the steering column shaft, the at least one signal generating sensor indicating when the steering column shaft is in the driving position;
directional control being automated when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, direction control via the steering input device is enabled.

4. The vehicle of claim 3 , further comprising an autonomous driving assisted steering system having a controller, the controller configured to receive the at least one signal.

5. The vehicle of claim 3 , further comprising an instrument panel including at least one receiving compartment configured to receive at least a portion of the steering column assembly when the steering column assembly is in the retracted position.

Assignees

• Steering Solutions Ip Holding

Inventors

• Lubischer Frank P
• Riefe Richard K
• Bodtker Joen C
• Faist Bryan L

Classifications

• B60N3/00

  Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for (of radio sets, television sets, telephones, {stowing or holding appliances} , safety belts or the like B60R) · CPC title

• B62D1/105

  Non-rotatable hubs, e.g. the central part of the steering wheel not rotating · CPC title

• B62D1/183 Primary

  adjustable between in-use and out-of-use positions, e.g. to improve access · CPC title

• B60N3/005

  mounted on the steering wheel · CPC title

• B62D1/181 Primary

  with power actuated adjustment, e.g. with position memory · CPC title