Tiltable steering column

摘要

A steering column ( 10 ) according to the invention includes a steering column jacket ( 12 ) having an engaging surface ( 14 ). The steering column jacket ( 12 ) is operable to at least partially encircle a steering shaft ( 16 ) in a vehicle. The steering column ( 10 ) also includes a tilt housing ( 18 ) engaged with the steering column jacket ( 12 ) for tilting movement about a tilt axis ( 20 ) between a plurality of tilt positions. The steering column ( 10 ) also includes a locking member ( 22 ) pivotally supported at a pivot end ( 24 ) by the tilt housing ( 18 ). The locking member ( 22 ) extends to a distal locking end ( 26 ) moveable outwardly from the tilt axis ( 20 ) along a first arcuate path ( 28 ) to a locked position contacting the engaging surface ( 14 ) and inwardly towards the tilt axis ( 20 ) along the first arcuate path ( 28 ) to an unlocked position spaced from the engaging surface ( 14 ). The steering column ( 10 ) also includes a lever ( 30 ) pivotally supported by the tilt housing ( 18 ) for movement along a second arcuate path ( 32 ) between a locking position and an adjusting position. The lever ( 30 ) and the locking member ( 22 ) are disposed in cam-cam follower relationship such that the locking member ( 22 ) moves from the unlocked position to the locked position in response to movement of the lever ( 30 ) from the adjusting position to the locked position. The locking position of the lever ( 30 ) being disposed along the first arcuate path ( 28 ) to positively block the locking end ( 26 ) from moving along the first arcuate path ( 28 ).