BACKGROUND

The embodiments described herein relate to steering columns and, more particularly to an adjustment lever deceleration assembly for steering columns.

Rake and/or telescope adjust steering columns commonly use either a linear or rotary actuation of a lever to lock a steering column's rake and/or telescoping adjustment position. The actuation motion, in the locking direction, is typically used to generate clamp tension to maintain an adjustment position or to delash a system to meet noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) requirements. When actuating the adjustment levers, in the unlock direction, it is common for the lever to accelerate towards the unlock position if the operator does not maintain a grasp on the lever. The stored clamp energy can create a reversal torque that accelerates the lever towards the unlock lever stop. This acceleration away from the operator's initially applied unlocking load can create unwanted noise, wear and/or lever over-travel conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the disclosure, an adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly also includes a component positioned proximate the adjustment lever, the component rotating at a speed less than a rotational speed of the adjustment lever during adjustment between the locked position to the unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly further includes an adjustment lever decelerator integrally formed with the adjustment lever, the adjustment lever decelerator positioned on the adjustment lever to contact the component during rotation of the adjustment lever toward the unlocked position, wherein the adjustment lever deflects and absorbs energy upon contact with the component.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly. The steering column assembly also includes an adjustment lever rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The steering column assembly further includes an adjustment lever decelerator integrally formed with the adjustment lever, the adjustment lever decelerator positioned on the adjustment lever to contact the jacket assembly during rotation of the adjustment lever toward the unlocked position, wherein the adjustment lever deflects and absorbs energy upon contact with the jacket assembly.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

