Steering column with rake and telescope adjustment

摘要

A steering column assembly (20) for a motor vehicle is adjustable in both rake and telescope directions and then locked in a convenient setting by a driver. The locking mechanism (42) for the telescope and rake adjust is motor actuated in response to activation of a toggle switch (68). The motor (48) can be proximate or remote from the locking mechanism (42) and the steering column assembly (20). A transmission (60) operates on a rotating cam (62) principal which alternately cycles a clamp (46) of the locking mechanism (42) between locked and unlocked conditions. A drive shaft (54) extends between the motor (48) and the locking mechanism (42) and can be either rigid or flexible. Locking the steering column assembly (20) in an adjusted position can be accomplished either by compressing a capsule bracket (28) against a compression bracket (34), or via interlocking engagement of pawls (80, 82) with corresponding teeth (76, 78) in respective slots (36', 38') in the capsule (28') and compression (34') brackets.