Horizontal hybrid collapsing steering column

摘要

The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.