US 11,884,316 B2
Axially adjustable steering column assembly
Melvin Tinnin, Clio, MI (US); Zachery Schultz, Munger, MI (US); and Joen Bodtker, Gaines, MI (US)
Assigned to Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed by Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Saginaw, MI (US)
Filed on Oct. 6, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/961,088.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/272,371, filed on Oct. 27, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0126450 A1, Apr. 27, 2023
Int. Cl. B62D 1/181 (2006.01); B62D 1/185 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 1/181 (2013.01) [B62D 1/185 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A steering column assembly comprising:
a steering column extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end;
the steering column including an outer jacket located at the first end, a middle jacket telescopically connected to the outer jacket and extending towards the second end, and an inner jacket telescopically connected to the middle jacket and extending further towards the second end;
at least one axial adjustment actuator that telescopically moves the middle jacket with respect to the outer jacket; and
wherein the at least one axial adjustment actuator includes a first gear rack fixed to the outer jacket and a second gear rack fixed to the inner jacket, at least one gear located between, and in tooth meshed engagement with, the first gear rack and the second gear rack and driven to translate the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket, wherein the axial adjustment actuator further comprises:
a motor;
a lead screw rotatably drive by the motor;
a nut axially driven along the lead screw during rotation of the lead screw; and
wherein the at least one gear is operatively coupled to the nut, wherein the nut includes a pair of pins extending from opposite sides of the nut, each of the pair of pins connected to the middle jacket.