CLIAMS:We claim
1. A tiltable steering column for use in vehicles, said steering column comprises:
a main steering shaft having a first steering shaft and a second steering shaft; and
a locking mechanism configured to be engaged with said first steering shaft, wherein
said first steering shaft is configured to receive a steering wheel and pivotally mounted on to said second steering shaft; and
said locking mechanism is configured to lock said first steering shaft at the user desired position.

2. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises:
a ratchet gear configured to be engaged with said first steering shaft; and
a ratchet pawl configured to be engaged with an actuating mechanism, wherein said actuating mechanism actuates the ratchet pawl to engage or disengage the ratchet pawl with respect to the ratchet gear.

3. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuating mechanism includes at least one slot that is configured to be engaged with at least one protruding pin provided in said ratchet pawl.

4. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuating mechanism includes a spring configured to resiliently load said ratchet pawl towards said ratchet gear.

5. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 2 further includes a mounting bracket that is configured to mount the steering column with the vehicle body, wherein said mounting bracket includes at least one protruding pin that is configured to be engaged with at least one slot provided in said first steering shaft to restrict the movement of said first steering shaft with in user desired position.

6. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 5, wherein said mounting bracket includes at least one protruding pin that is configured to be engaged with at least one slot provided in said first steering shaft to restrict the movement of said first steering shaft with in ± 10 degrees with respect to the second steering shaft.

7. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 5, wherein said actuating mechanism is engaged with said mounting bracket; said mounting bracket includes at least one protruding pin that is configured to be engaged with at least one slot provided in said actuating mechanism to restrict the movement of said actuating mechanism with in user desired position.

8. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 1 includes a spring that is configured to resiliently load said steering column away from the driver’s seat.

Date: 31st January 2013 Signature

Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy
Patent Agent
,TagSPECI:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“TILTABLE STEERING COLUMN WITH ADJUSTABLE LOCKING MECHANISM”

APPLICANT:

Name : Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
Nationality : Indian
Address : Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World
City, Plot No. 41/1, Anjur P.O.,
Chengalpattu – 603204,
Kancheepuram Dist, Tamilnadu, India

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] This invention relates to a tiltable steering column, and more particularly but not exclusively to a tiltable steering column and an adjustable locking mechanism for locking the tiltable steering column in user desired position.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Steering column is a device for connecting a steering wheel to the steering mechanism. Further, a tiltable steering column is a type of steering column that is proposed for improving driver’s comfort while operating the steering wheel. The tiltable steering column is generally installed on a steering shaft axially attached onto a steering wheel. The tiltable steering column is tiltable in its upward and downward directions in a vicinity to an upper end of the steering wheel so that a driver of the vehicle can manually adjust a position of the steering wheel at an optimum drive/desired position
[003] Generally, a tiltable steering column for an automotive vehicle comprises a steering column and a horizontal pivot about which the steering column is pivotably mounted. Further, the tiltable steering column includes a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the steering column in user desired tilt position. Conventionally, the locking mechanism for tiltable steering column includes a gas spring mechanism that is attached toward an opposite end of the steering column for allowing the steering column to be infinitely adjusted through a relatively wide range of positions and thereafter to releasably hold the steering column in a selected tilted position.
[004] Although, the conventional tiltable steering column and the respective locking mechanism enable the driver to move and lock the steering wheel at user desired position, it should be noted that the conventional locking mechanism requires more space for assembly (as the gas spring used in conventional locking mechanism is attached toward an opposite end of the steering column), thereby utilizes more area in the driver’s cabin. Further, the utilization of more area in driver’s cabin eventually discomfort the driver during his natural movements thereby making the conventional tiltable steering column and locking mechanism partially inefficient in achieving the intended objective.
[005] Furthermore, the gas spring used in conventional locking mechanism is relatively expensive and requires frequent maintenance. Therefore, there is a need for a tiltable steering column and locking mechanism that is simple, cost effective and compact.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[006] The principal object of this invention is to provide a tiltable steering column that is compact in size and utilizes lesser space in driver’s cabin.
[007] Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and cost effective locking mechanism for locking the steering column in user desired position.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[001] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:;
[002] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of tiltable steering column 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[003] FIG. 2 is a sectional diagram illustrating tiltable steering column 100 and the locking mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[004] FIG. 3 is a sectional front view of the locking mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[005] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the locking mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[006] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[007] The embodiments herein provide a tiltable steering column that is compact in size and utilizes lesser space in driver’s cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the embodiments herein provide a simple and cost effective locking mechanism for locking the steering column in user desired position. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of tiltable steering column 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tiltable steering column 100 includes a main steering shaft 102 having a first steering shaft 102a and a second steering shaft 102b. The first steering shaft 102a is pivotally mounted on to the second steering shaft 102b and configured to receive a steering wheel at the top. In an embodiment, the first steering shaft 102a and the second steering shaft 102b is connected to each other through a universal joint 104. Further, the universal joint 104 is configured to provide pivotal movement for the first steering shaft 102a with respect to the second steering shaft 102b. The pivotal movement of the first steering shaft 102a with respect to the second steering shaft 102b enables the user to adjust the position of steering wheel to any desired position. In an embodiment, the second steering shaft 102b is fixed. Further, the tiltable steering column 100 is attached to a control mounting bracket 106 by means of a mounting bracket 112. The control mounting bracket 106 in turn is attached to the body of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the control mounting bracket 106 is attached to the side opposite to the side of the driver’s seat. It should be noted that the aforementioned configuration of tiltable steering column 100 is provided for the ease of understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, certain embodiments may have a different configuration of the components of the tiltable steering column 100 and certain other embodiments may exclude certain components of the tiltable steering column 100. For example, instead of a fixed second steering shaft 102b, the second steering shaft 102b could be configured with additional movements to provide additional movements to the first steering shaft 102a thereby the steering wheel.
[009] The tiltable steering column 100 further includes a locking mechanism 200 that is configured to lock the tiltable steering column 100 at the user desired position. FIG. 2 is a sectional diagram illustrating tiltable steering column 100 and the locking mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism 200 includes a mounting means 202, a ratchet gear 204, a ratchet pawl 206 and an actuating mechanism 208. The mounting means 202 is attached to the first steering shaft 102a. The ratchet gear 204 is attached to the mounting means 202 and the ratchet pawl 206 is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 112. In an embodiment, the ratchet pawl 206 is resiliently loaded towards the ratchet gear 204 by a spring 210 (as shown in Fig. 3). The actuating mechanism 208 is attached to the mounting bracket 112 and configured to actuate the locking mechanism 200. In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism 208 is an actuating lever. Further, the actuating lever 208 is configured to actuate the ratchet pawl 206. In an embodiment, the actuating lever 208 is a handle provided in communication with the ratchet pawl 206. The actuating lever 208 includes a first slot 208a and a second slot 208b. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are a sectional front view and side view respectively of the locking mechanism 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first slot 208a of the actuating lever 208 is configured to receive a protruding pin 206a of the ratchet pawl 206. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 112 includes a through hole that is configured to enable the first slot 208a to receive the protruding pin 206a, such that the protruding pin 206a passes through the hole provided in the mounting bracket 112 in to the first slot 208a. Further, the second slot 208b is configured to receive a first protruding pin 112a of the mounting bracket 112. Further, the mounting means 202 includes a slot 202a that is configured to receive a second protruding pin 112b provided on the mounting bracket 112. A spring 211 is configured to maintain the actuating lever 208 in an engaged position such that it engages the teeth of the ratchet pawl 206 with the teeth of the ratchet gear 204. In an embodiment, the ratchet gear is pivotally mounted on to the mounting means 202. Further, suitable modifications are made in the locking mechanism 200. In an embodiment, the ratchet gear is pivotally mounted on to the mounting means 202, such that ratchet gear is configured to engage or disengage with the ratchet teeth by actuating the actuating lever 208.
[0010] Under normal condition, the ratchet pawl 206 is engaged with the ratchet gear 204 thereby constraint any kind of movement in the first steering shaft 102a with respect to the second steering shaft 102b. Further, when the actuating lever 208 is operated against the spring force provided by the spring 211, the connection between the protruding pin 206a and the first slot 208a enables the actuating lever 208 to actuate the ratchet pawl 206 thereby disengages the ratchet pawl 206 from the ratchet gear 204. The disengagement of ratchet pawl 206 from the ratchet gear 204 enables the driver to tilt the first steering shaft 102a thereby the steering wheel to any optimum desired position. Further, upon releasing the actuating lever 208, the teeth of the ratchet pawl 206 engages with the teeth of ratchet gear 204 to lock the first steering shaft 102a thereby the steering wheel in the optimum desired position. In an embodiment, the relative movement of the ratchet pawl 206 and the actuating lever 208 is controlled by controlling the dimensions of at least one of the first slot 208a provided in the actuating lever 208 and the protruding pin 206a provided in the ratchet pawl 206.
[0011] In an embodiment, the second slot 208b is configured to be engaged with the protruding pin 112a of the mounting bracket 112 such that it restricts movement of the actuating lever 208 and maintains the actuating lever 208 within user desired positions. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the second slot 208b provided in the actuating lever 208 and the protruding pin 112a provided in the mounting bracket 112 are controlled to control the movement of the actuating lever 208.
[0012] In another embodiment, the slot 202a provided in the mounting means 202 is configured to be engaged with the second protruding pin 112b provided in the mounting bracket 112 to limit the movement of first steering shaft 102a within ±10 degrees with respect to the second steering shaft 102b. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the slot 202a provided in the mounting means 202 and the second protruding pin 112b provided in the mounting bracket 112 are controlled to control the movement of the first steering shaft 102a with respect to the second steering shaft 102b. In yet another embodiment, the steering column 100 is resiliently loaded towards the control main bracket 106 by means of a spring 110.
[0013] It should be noted that the aforementioned configuration of steering column 100 and locking mechanism 200 are provided for the ease of understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, certain embodiments may have a different configuration of the components of the steering column 100 and locking mechanism 200 and certain other embodiments may exclude certain components of the steering column 100 and locking mechanism 200. For example, the locking mechanism 200 could include any other mechanism to restrict different kind of user desired movements that are obvious to the person skilled in the art. Similarly, the protruding pin and the corresponding slot provided on various elements could be provided vice versa. For example, instead of providing protruding pin 206a in ratchet pawl 206 and first slot 208a in actuating lever 208, a slot could be provided in the ratchet pawl 206 and a protruding pin could be provided in actuating lever 208 to achieve the same result. Therefore, such embodiments and any modification by addition or exclusion of certain components of the steering column 100 and locking mechanism 200 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the steering column 100 and locking mechanism 200 as is apparent from this description and drawings are also within the scope of this invention.
[0014] A method for providing compact tiltable steering column and locking mechanism are provided below. The method includes providing a main steering shaft 102 having a first steering shaft 102a pivotally mounted onto the second steering shaft 102b. A steering wheel is provided on the top of the first steering shaft 102a. Further, a locking mechanism 200 is attached to the first steering shaft 102a. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 200 is enabled by means of a ratchet mechanism. Further, the movement of first steering shaft 102a with respect to second steering shaft 102b, the movement of actuating mechanism to actuate the locking mechanism 200 and the movement of ratchet mechanism are controlled by engaging plurality of protruding pins with respect to the plurality of slots.
[0015] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

CLAIMS
We claim
1. A tiltable steering column for use in vehicles, said steering column comprises:
a main steering shaft having a first steering shaft and a second steering shaft; and
a locking mechanism configured to be engaged with said first steering shaft, wherein
said first steering shaft is configured to receive a steering wheel and pivotally mounted on to said second steering shaft; and
said locking mechanism is configured to lock said first steering shaft at the user desired position.

2. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises:
a ratchet gear configured to be engaged with said first steering shaft; and
a ratchet pawl configured to be engaged with an actuating mechanism, wherein said actuating mechanism actuates the ratchet pawl to engage or disengage the ratchet pawl with respect to the ratchet gear.

3. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuating mechanism includes at least one slot that is configured to be engaged with at least one protruding pin provided in said ratchet pawl.

4. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuating mechanism includes a spring configured to resiliently load said ratchet pawl towards said ratchet gear.

5. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 2 further includes a mounting bracket that is configured to mount the steering column with the vehicle body, wherein said mounting bracket includes at least one protruding pin that is configured to be engaged with at least one slot provided in said first steering shaft to restrict the movement of said first steering shaft with in user desired position.

6. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 5, wherein said mounting bracket includes at least one protruding pin that is configured to be engaged with at least one slot provided in said first steering shaft to restrict the movement of said first steering shaft with in ± 10 degrees with respect to the second steering shaft.

7. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 5, wherein said actuating mechanism is engaged with said mounting bracket; said mounting bracket includes at least one protruding pin that is configured to be engaged with at least one slot provided in said actuating mechanism to restrict the movement of said actuating mechanism with in user desired position.

8. The tiltable steering column as claimed in claim 1 includes a spring that is configured to resiliently load said steering column away from the driver’s seat.

Date: 31st January 2013 Signature

Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy
Patent Agent

ABSTRACT
A tiltable steering column for use in vehicles includes a main steering shaft having a first steering shaft and a second steering shaft and a locking mechanism configured to be engaged with the first steering shaft. Further, the first steering shaft is configured to receive a steering wheel and pivotally mounted on to the second steering shaft and the locking mechanism is configured to lock said first steering shaft at the user desired position.