Adjustable vehicle steering mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle steering mechanism which independently allows for tilting or telescopic motion of the steering wheel. The mechanism includes a stationary bracket having a slider mounted for axial movement with respect to the stationary bracket. A lower main shaft is rotatably journalled within the stationary bracket and slider, and is splined to a middle main shaft portion. The middle main shaft portion is pivotally linked to an upper main shaft portion which extends through an upper bracket. The upper bracket is pivotally mounted for pivotable motion with respect to the slider. The steering wheel is attached to the upper shaft. The upper bracket and the upper main shaft pivot around a coaxial pivot rod. First screw shafts are mounted for rotational motion, extend through the stationary bracket and are linked to the slider such that rotational motion of the screw shafts by a first motor cause the slider to move with respect to the bracket. A second shaft extends below the slider and is linked to the support bracket. Rotation of the second shaft by the first motor causes the support bracket and upper shaft to pivot. The mechanism further includes a second motor for moving a switching rod between two positions. In the first position, the rod is lined to the first shaft such that rotation of the first motor causes telescopic motion. In the second position, the rod is linked to the second shaft such that rotation of the first motor causes pivoting motion. Pivotal motion occurs independently of telescopic motion depending upon the position of the rod.