ASSEMBLY FOR EQUIPPING MOTOR VEHICLE WITH DUAL-STEER CAPABILITIES

An assembly for equipping a motor vehicle with dual-steer capabilities has a first bracket assembly configured to couple a first steering column to the vehicle and a second bracket assembly configured to couple a second steering column to the vehicle. A first gearset is coupled to the first bracket assembly and configured for operative engagement with the first steering column. A second gearset is coupled to the second bracket assembly and configured for operative engagement with the second steering column. A cross shaft operatively couples the first gearset to the second gearset. The first gearset is configured to be operatively coupled to a steering gear of the vehicle. The first bracket assembly is configured to facilitate tilting of an upper steering shaft of the first steering column with respect to a lower steering shaft of the first steering column.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to modifications to motor vehicles that allow for two steering wheels to be installed on a single dash.

BACKGROUND

Steering shafts of motor vehicles serve for transmitting the rotary motion from a steering wheel to a steering gear. Such steering shafts conventionally comprise several straight segments each connected via a universal joint (U-joint), wherein a rearward (with reference to the forward driving direction) steering shaft segment adjoins the steering wheel. The rearward steering shaft segment adjoins another more forwardly situated steering shaft segment via a universal joint. The more forwardly situated steering shaft segment is connected to the steering gear, directly or via another shaft. The steering shaft, together with the parts bearing and supporting the steering shaft, which are connected with the body of the motor vehicle, is conventionally referred to as a steering column. To permit adaptation to the seating position of the driver, such steering columns are frequently implemented such that they are adjustable, wherein the adjustability can include adjustment in length and/or adjustment in height or inclination.

SUMMARY

According to one example of the present disclosure, an assembly for equipping a motor vehicle with dual-steer capabilities comprises a first bracket assembly configured to couple a first steering column to the vehicle and a second bracket assembly configured to couple a second steering column to the vehicle. A first gearset is coupled to the first bracket assembly and configured for operative engagement with the first steering column. A second gearset is coupled to the second bracket assembly and configured for operative engagement with the second steering column. A cross shaft operatively couples the first gearset to the second gearset. The first gearset is configured to be operatively coupled to a steering gear of the vehicle. The first bracket assembly is configured to facilitate tilting of an upper steering shaft of the first steering column with respect to a lower steering shaft of the first steering column.

According to one aspect, the first bracket assembly comprises a first bracket subassembly that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle and a second bracket subassembly that is movable with respect to the first bracket subassembly and supports the upper steering shaft of the first steering column.

According to one aspect, the first gearset is supported by the first bracket subassembly.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a roller connected to the second bracket subassembly, the roller configured to slide within a slot in the first bracket subassembly as the second bracket subassembly moves with respect to the first bracket subassembly.

According to one aspect, the first gearset is coupled to the steering gear of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft of the first steering column.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft is configured to transfer second steering column steering inputs from the second gearset to the first gearset, and the first gearset is configured to transfer the second steering column steering inputs to the steering gear of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft of the first steering column.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft is configured to transfer first steering column steering inputs from the first gearset to the second gearset, and the second gearset is configured to transfer the first steering column steering inputs to the second steering column.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable first connector shaft operatively coupled to the first gearset. The cross shaft is operatively coupled between the first connector shaft and the second gearset.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable second connector shaft operatively coupled to the second gearset. The cross shaft is operatively coupled between the first and second connector shafts.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft is supported on a firewall of the vehicle.

According to another example of the present disclosure, an assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a first bracket assembly coupling a first steering column to the vehicle in a manner such that at least an upper portion of the first steering column is tiltable with respect to the vehicle. A second bracket assembly couples a second steering column to the vehicle. A first gearset is coupled to the first bracket assembly and operatively coupled to the first steering column to receive first steering column steering inputs. A second gearset is coupled to the second bracket assembly and operatively coupled to the second steering column to receive second steering column steering inputs. A cross shaft is operatively coupled between the first gearset and the second gearset such that second steering column steering inputs to the second gearset are transmitted to the first gearset.

According to one aspect, the first steering column steering inputs to the first gearset are transmitted to the second gearset.

According to one aspect, the second gearset is configured such that the first steering column steering inputs are transmitted from the second gearset to the second steering column.

According to one aspect, the first bracket assembly comprises a first bracket subassembly that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle and a second bracket subassembly that is movable with respect to the first bracket subassembly and supports the upper portion of the first steering column.

According to one aspect, the first gearset is supported by the first bracket subassembly.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a roller connected to the second bracket subassembly, the roller configured to slide within a slot in the first bracket subassembly as the second bracket subassembly moves with respect to the first bracket subassembly.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable first connector shaft operatively coupled to the first gearset. The cross shaft is coupled between the first connector shaft and the second gearset.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable second connector shaft operatively coupled to the second gearset. The cross shaft is operatively coupled between the first and second connector shafts.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft is supported on a firewall of the vehicle.

According to one aspect, the first gearset is operatively coupled to a steering gear of the vehicle via a lower portion of the first steering column.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise specified or limited, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and the like, are meant to indicate A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and/or C, including combinations with multiple instances of A, B, and/or C. Likewise, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, unless otherwise specified or limited, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, discussion of particular directions is provided by example only, with regard to particular embodiments or relevant illustrations. For example, discussion of “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “lateral” or “longitudinal” features is generally intended as a description only of the orientation of such features relative to a reference frame of a particular example or illustration. Correspondingly, for example, a “top” feature may sometimes be disposed below a “bottom” feature (and so on), in some arrangements or embodiments. Additionally, use of the words “first,” “second”, “third,” etc. is not intended to connote priority or importance, but merely to distinguish one of several similar elements from another.

Referring toFIG.1, dual driving positions are required in a motor vehicle200(e.g., truck) that is used for special purposes (e.g., street sweeping, garbage collection, etc.). The dual driving positions need to be able to actuate the vehicle's brake system, steering system, throttle system, and other related controls from both the driver's side202and the passenger's side (on the far side of the driver's side202) of the vehicle's cab204. Existing trucks can be retrofitted to provide a dual-driving position on the passenger's side of the cab204where one did not previously exist. The assembly of the present disclosure uses a remotely mounted steering column and steering wheel to actuate a vehicle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) steering gear. The OEM steering wheel206and a modified version of the OEM steering column208remain in the vehicle's cab204and able to actuate the steering gear as well.

The OEM steering column208is shown inFIG.2. The OEM steering column208includes an upper steering shaft10and a lower steering shaft12, which are connected by a U-joint14. The upper steering shaft10is connected at its rearward end16to a steering wheel6shown in phantom. The forward end18of the lower steering shaft12can be directly connected with a steering gear (not shown) or it can be connected via a further universal joint with a further steering shaft segment which, in turn, is connected with the steering gear. The OEM steering column208may be supported by the firewall216(FIG.1) of the vehicle200directly or by way of a support bar or the like. For example, a lower support20can be coupled to the rear face220of the firewall216, the lower steering shaft12can extend through a hole in the firewall216, and the forward end18of the lower steering shaft12can be situated forward of the front face218of the firewall216. An upper support22can be coupled to the rear face220of the firewall216or to a support bar above the lower support20. The upper support22supports a bracket assembly24, which in turn supports the upper steering shaft10of the OEM steering column208.

The OEM steering column208is adjustable in displacement directions26and28. The displacement direction26is parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the lower steering shaft12and enables a length adjustment. For this purpose the lower steering shaft12comprises two subpieces that are telescopable with respect to one another. In the open state of a securement device30, the subpieces of the lower steering shaft12are displaceable in the displacement direction26. To adjust the steering column208in the displacement direction28, which represents a height or inclination adjustment of the steering column208, a swivel bracket32, in the open state of the securement device30, is swivellable with respect to the upper support22. An intermediate bracket34, which is part of the bracket assembly24, is capable of movement in both displacement directions26and28. Movement of a lower corner36of the intermediate bracket34is constrained by a roller38that extends through an aperture40in a side42of the upper support22.

The set position of the steering column208in the closed state of the securement device30can be fixed using elements cooperating under friction closure and/or form closure, as is known. To open and close the securement device30, an actuation lever is used. At least one electrically operated driving means can instead be provided.

FIG.3illustrates a steering column308, referred to herein as a first steering column, which is a modified version of the OEM steering column208described with respect toFIG.2. Parts that are the same in both steering columns208and308are labeled with like reference numbers. A first bracket assembly344is coupled to the first steering column308. The first bracket assembly344comprises a first bracket subassembly346that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle by way of a modified version of the upper support22′. The first bracket assembly344also comprises a second bracket subassembly324that is movable with respect to the first bracket subassembly346and supports the upper steering shaft10of the first steering column308by way of the OEM swivel bracket32. The second bracket subassembly324includes the intermediate bracket34of the OEM steering column208. A first gearbox348is coupled to the first bracket assembly344, more specifically to a bent plate350that is part of the first bracket subassembly346. A first portion or segment312aof the lower steering shaft312is located above (on the input side) of the first gearbox348. A second portion or segment312bof the lower steering shaft312extends downwardly from (i.e., on the output side of) the first gearbox348.

FIG.4illustrates a steering column408, referred to herein as a second steering column, which is a modified version of the OEM steering column208described with respect toFIG.2. Parts that are the same in both steering columns208and408are labeled with like reference numbers. A second bracket assembly444is coupled to the second steering column408. The second bracket assembly444comprises a third bracket subassembly446that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle. The second bracket assembly444also comprises a fourth bracket subassembly424that is movable with respect to the third bracket subassembly446and supports the upper steering shaft10of the second steering column408by way of the OEM swivel bracket32. The fourth bracket subassembly424includes the intermediate bracket34of the OEM steering column208. A second gearbox448is coupled to the second bracket assembly444, more specifically to a bent plate450that is part of the third bracket subassembly446. Unlike in the steering column ofFIG.3, no portion or segment of the lower steering shaft412extends downwardly from the gearbox448. Instead, the lower steering shaft412is located only above (on the input side of) the second gearbox448.

To create the steering column308ofFIG.3, the sides42of the OEM upper support22are first modified. The OEM upper support22is shown in isolation inFIG.5. The OEM upper support22is modified by being cut on both sides42along the dashed lines43. The resulting modified OEM upper support22′ with modified sides42′ is shown inFIG.6. Parts of the first bracket subassembly346are then attached to the modified OEM upper support22′ to rebuild both lateral sides42′. A side view of one of the bent plates352of the first bracket subassembly346is shown inFIG.7. It can be seen that an arcuate slot354is provided in the side of the bent plate352. A similar arcuate slot356is provided in another bent plate358of the first bracket subassembly346as shown inFIG.8. This bent plate358also has a downwardly depending portion360to which the first gearbox348is to be attached. A third bent plate350in the first bracket subassembly346attaches to the other plates352,358in the first bracket subassembly346and also supports the first gearbox348. The bent plates350,352,358of the first bracket subassembly346can be attached to one another and to the modified OEM upper support22′ by way of bolts, rivets, welding, or other known methods. Preferably, the bent plates350and358are screwed to the first gearbox348.

The first bracket assembly344(including first bracket subassembly346and second bracket subassembly324) is configured to facilitate tilting of the upper steering shaft10of the first steering column308with respect to the lower steering shaft312of the first steering column308. To that end, a roller362is connected to the second bracket subassembly324at the lower corner36of the intermediate bracket34. The roller362is configured to slide within the slot354in the first bracket subassembly346as the second bracket subassembly324moves with respect to the first bracket subassembly346. In the present example, two rollers362are provided as shown inFIG.8, one at the lower corner36of each intermediate bracket34on either side of the second bracket subassembly324. One roller362rides in arcuate slot354and the other roller362rides in arcuate slot356. Thus, the steering column308is capable of tilting in the direction28(FIG.3) but is not capable of telescoping in the direction26. This is because removal of the telescoping OEM lower steering shaft12to provide for addition of the gearbox348precludes the ability to provide adjustment in direction26.

To create the steering column408ofFIG.4, the OEM upper support22(FIG.5) is first modified to create the modified OEM upper support22′ (FIG.6). Parts of the third bracket subassembly446are then attached to the modified OEM upper support22′ to rebuild both lateral sides42′. A side view of one of the bent plates452of the third bracket subassembly446is shown inFIG.9. It can be seen that an arcuate slot454is provided in the side of the bent plate452. A similar arcuate slot456is provided in another bent plate458of the third bracket subassembly446as shown inFIG.10. A third bent plate450in the third bracket subassembly446attaches to the other bent plates452,458in the third bracket subassembly446and supports the second gearbox448. A fourth bent plate464in the third bracket subassembly446is configured to be attached to the firewall216(FIG.1) of the vehicle or to a support bar1170(FIG.11) located rearward of the firewall216. The bent plates450,452,458,464of the third bracket subassembly446can be attached to one another and to the modified OEM upper support22′ by way of bolts, rivets, welding, or other known methods. Preferably, the bent plate450is screwed to the second gearbox448.

The second bracket assembly444(including third bracket subassembly446and fourth bracket subassembly424) is configured to facilitate tilting of an upper steering shaft10of the second steering column408with respect to a lower steering shaft412of the second steering column408. To that end, a roller462is connected to the fourth bracket subassembly424at the lower corner36of the intermediate bracket34. The roller462is configured to slide within the slot454in the third bracket subassembly446as the fourth bracket subassembly424moves with respect to the third bracket subassembly446. In the present example, two rollers462are provided as shown inFIG.10, one at the lower corner36of each intermediate bracket34on either side of the fourth bracket subassembly424. One roller462rides in arcuate slot454and the other roller462rides in arcuate slot456. Thus, the steering column408is capable of tilting in the direction28(FIG.4) but is not capable of telescoping in the direction26. This is because removal of the telescoping OEM lower steering shaft12to provide for addition of the gearbox448precludes the ability to provide adjustment in direction26.

FIG.11shows the firewall216of the vehicle from the rear face220(in the driving direction) thereof. It can be seen that a cross shaft1166couples the first gearbox348to the second gearbox448. Universal joints1168couple the cross shaft1166to the gearboxes348,448at either end of the cross shaft1166. The cross shaft1166transfers steering inputs into the second steering column408(via the steering wheel406) from the second gearbox448to the first gearbox348. The first gearbox348then transmits those steering inputs to the vehicle's steering gear. Steering inputs can also be input to the first gearbox348via the steering wheel306. The steering wheels306,406are supported by the first and second steering columns308,408, respectively, which are in turn supported by an OEM dash support bar1170.

Referring toFIGS.8and11together, when the steering wheel306, which is attached to the rearward end16of the upper steering shaft10, is turned by the operator, this turns the upper steering shaft10of the steering column308. Such steering inputs are transferred to the segment312aof the lower steering shaft312by way of the U-joint14. The segment312aof the lower steering shaft312is connected to an input shaft376of the first gearbox348. The first gearbox348is configured such that rotation of the input shaft376rotates an output shaft (not shown). The output shaft is connected to and rotates the segment312bof the lower steering shaft312, which is coupled to the steering gear. The first gearbox348also has a second input shaft380(FIG.3), rotation of which will rotate the output shaft and thus the segment312bof the lower steering shaft312. In one example, the gearbox348houses a gearset349comprising three intermeshed bevel gears on the respective ends of the input and output shafts, in order to provide for such torque transfer.

Similarly, referring toFIGS.10and11together, when the steering wheel406, which is attached to the rearward end16of the upper steering shaft10, is turned by the operator, this turns the upper steering shaft10of the second steering column408. Such steering inputs are transferred to the lower steering shaft412by way of the U-joint14. The lower steering shaft412is connected to an input shaft476of the second gearbox448. The second gearbox448is configured such that rotation of the input shaft476rotates an output shaft478. In one example, the gearbox448houses a gearset449comprising two intermeshed bevel gears on the respective ends of the input and output shafts, in order to provide for such torque transfer. The output shaft478is connected to the cross shaft1166by the U-joint1168. Rotation of the output shaft478of the second gearbox448therefore rotates the cross shaft1166.

The cross shaft1166is connected to the input shaft380of the first gearbox348by another U-joint1168. Rotation of the cross shaft1166rotates the input shaft380of the first gearbox348, which is configured to rotate the output shaft and thus the segment312bof the lower steering shaft312. Therefore, steering inputs to both the first and second steering wheels306,406result in rotation of the output shaft of the first gearbox348and thus of the segment312bof the lower steering shaft312, which is coupled to the steering gear. The gearboxes348,448are configured such that rotation of their input shafts in one direction results in rotation of their output shafts in a given direction (thereby steering the vehicle's wheels in a given direction), and rotation of their input shafts in an opposite direction results in rotation of their output shafts in a direction opposite the given direction (thereby steering the vehicle's wheels in the opposite direction).

Furthermore, rotation of the input shaft376of the gearbox348results in rotation of the gearbox's input shaft380, which is transferred to the cross shaft1166. The cross shaft1166rotates the output shaft478of the gearbox448, which rotates its input shaft476, which rotates lower steering shaft412, which rotates upper steering shaft10, which is connected to the steering wheel416. This way, inputs to the first steering wheel306cause the second steering wheel406to move correspondingly, such that the second steering wheel406is at a position corresponding to the position of the vehicle's wheels. So too do inputs to second steering wheel406cause the first steering wheel306to turn, via the gearbox448, output shaft478, cross shaft1166, input shaft380, gearbox348, input shaft376, lower steering shaft segment312a,and upper steering shaft10.

As shown inFIG.12, the first gearbox348is coupled to a steering gear1172of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft312of the first steering column308. The first gearbox348transfers the steering inputs from the steering wheels306,406to the steering gear1172of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft312of the first steering column308. The lower steering shaft312is connected to the steering gear1172by way of an extension shaft1174. In other examples, the lower steering shaft312extends all the way to the steering gear1172. Thus, inputs to both the first and second steering wheels306,406are conveyed to the steering gear1172to steer the vehicle's wheels.

The locations of the gearboxes348,448as shown in the present example are as close as possible to the U-joints14so as to maximize knee room under the dash. However, the gearboxes348,448could be located elsewhere.

The OEM steering column208(modified to become the first steering column308) is shown on the left hand side of the dash, while the additional (second) steering column408is on the right hand side of the dash. Depending on the country for which the vehicle was manufactured, these positions could be reversed.

A second example of an OEM steering column508is shown inFIG.13. The OEM steering column508includes an upper steering shaft510and a lower steering shaft512, which are connected by a U-joint514. The upper steering shaft510is connected at its rearward end516to a steering wheel506shown in phantom. The forward end518of the lower steering shaft512can be directly connected with a vehicle's steering gear (not shown) or it can be connected via a further universal joint519with a further steering shaft segment which, in turn, is connected with the steering gear. The OEM steering column508may be supported by the firewall216(FIG.1) of the vehicle200directly or by way of a support bar, bracket, or the like. For example, the lower steering shaft512can extend through a hole in the firewall216, and the forward end518of the lower steering shaft512can be situated forward of the front face218of the firewall216. A support522can be coupled to the rear face220of the firewall216or to a support bar or bracket. The support522supports a bracket assembly524, which in turn supports the upper steering shaft510of the OEM steering column508.

The OEM steering column508is adjustable in displacement directions526and528. The displacement direction526is parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the lower steering shaft512and enables a length adjustment. For this purpose the lower steering shaft512comprises two subpieces that are telescopable with respect to one another. In the open state of a securement device530, the subpieces of the lower steering shaft512are displaceable in the displacement direction526. To adjust the steering column508in the displacement direction528, which represents a height or inclination adjustment of the steering column508, a swivel bracket532, in the open state of the securement device530, is swivellable with respect to the support522. An intermediate bracket534, which is part of the bracket assembly524, is capable of movement in both displacement directions526and528. Movement of a lower corner536of the intermediate bracket534is constrained by a roller538that extends through an aperture540in a side542of the support522.

The set position of the steering column508in the closed state of the securement device530can be fixed using elements cooperating under friction closure and/or form closure, as is known. To open and close the securement device530, an actuation lever is used. At least one electrically operated driving means can instead be provided.

FIG.14illustrates a steering column608, referred to herein as a first steering column, which is a modified version of the OEM steering column508described with respect toFIG.13. Parts that are the same in both steering columns508and608are labeled with like reference numbers. A first bracket assembly644is coupled to the first steering column608. The first bracket assembly644comprises a first bracket subassembly646that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle by way of a support622. The first bracket assembly644also comprises a second bracket subassembly624that is movable with respect to the first bracket subassembly646and supports the upper steering shaft510of the first steering column608by way of the OEM swivel bracket532. The second bracket subassembly624includes the intermediate bracket534of the OEM steering column508. A first gearbox648(containing first gearset649) is coupled to the first bracket assembly644, more specifically to a bent plate650that is part of the first bracket subassembly646. A first portion or segment612aof the lower steering shaft612is located above (on the input side) of the first gearbox648. A second portion or segment612bof the lower steering shaft612extends downwardly from (i.e., on the output side of) the first gearbox648.

FIG.15illustrates a steering column708, referred to herein as a second steering column, which may also be a modified version of the OEM steering column508described with respect toFIG.13. Parts that are the same in both steering columns508and708are labeled with like reference numbers. A second bracket assembly744is coupled to the second steering column708. The second bracket assembly744comprises a third bracket subassembly746that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle by way of a support722. The second bracket assembly744also comprises a fourth bracket subassembly724that is movable with respect to the third bracket subassembly746and supports the upper steering shaft510of the second steering column708by way of the OEM swivel bracket532. The fourth bracket subassembly724includes the intermediate bracket534of the OEM steering column508. A second gearbox748(including second gearset749) is coupled to the second bracket assembly744, more specifically to a bent plate750that is part of the third bracket subassembly746. Unlike in the steering column ofFIG.14, no portion or segment of the lower steering shaft712extends downwardly from the gearbox748. Instead, the lower steering shaft712is located only above (on the input side of) the second gearbox748.

The support622of the first bracket subassembly646is shown in isolationFIG.16, which support622is part of the steering column608ofFIG.14. An arcuate slot654is provided in the sidewall652of the support622. A similar arcuate slot656is provided in an opposing sidewall658of the support622. The opposing sidewalls652,658of the support622are connected by a base659, to which the first gearbox648is to be attached. Now referring toFIG.18, a bent plate650in the first bracket subassembly646attaches to the sidewall658of the support622and also to the first gearbox648. The bent plate650and the support622of the first bracket subassembly646can be attached to one another by way of bolts, rivets, welding, or other known methods. Preferably, the bent plate650and the support622are screwed to the first gearbox648.

Still referring toFIG.18and now also toFIGS.14and16, the first bracket assembly644(including first bracket subassembly646and second bracket subassembly624) is configured to facilitate tilting of the upper steering shaft510of the first steering column608with respect to the lower steering shaft612of the first steering column608, as the second bracket subassembly624pivots on pivot rod533with respect to the first bracket subassembly646. To that end, a roller662is connected to the second bracket subassembly624at the lower corner536of the intermediate bracket534. The roller662is configured to slide within the slot654in the first bracket subassembly646as the second bracket subassembly624moves with respect to the first bracket subassembly646. In the present example, two rollers662are provided as shown inFIG.18, one at the lower corner536of each intermediate bracket534on either side of the second bracket subassembly624. One roller662rides in arcuate slot654and the other roller662rides in arcuate slot656. Thus, the steering column608is capable of tilting in the direction528but is not capable of telescoping in the direction526. This is because removal of the telescoping OEM lower steering shaft512to provide for addition of the gearbox648precludes the ability to provide adjustment in direction526.

The support722of the third bracket subassembly746is shown in isolationFIG.17, which support722is part of the steering column708ofFIG.15. An arcuate slot754is provided in the sidewall752of the support722. A similar arcuate slot756is provided in an opposing sidewall758of the support722. A base759connects the two sidewalls752,758. As shown inFIG.19, a bent plate750of the third bracket subassembly746attaches to the sidewalls752,758of the support722and supports the second gearbox748. The bent plate750and the support722of the third bracket subassembly746can be attached to one another by way of bolts, rivets, welding, or other known methods. Preferably, the bent plate750and the support722are screwed to the second gearbox748.

Referring toFIGS.15,17, and19, the second bracket assembly744(including third bracket subassembly746and fourth bracket subassembly724) is configured to facilitate tilting of an upper steering shaft510of the second steering column708with respect to a lower steering shaft712of the second steering column708, as the fourth bracket subassembly724pivots on pivot rod533with respect to the third bracket subassembly746. To that end, a roller762is connected to the fourth bracket subassembly724at the lower corner536of the intermediate bracket534. The roller762is configured to slide within the slot754in the third bracket subassembly746as the fourth bracket subassembly724moves with respect to the third bracket subassembly746. In the present example, two rollers762are provided as shown inFIG.19, one at the lower corner536of each intermediate bracket534on either side of the fourth bracket subassembly724. One roller762rides in arcuate slot754and the other roller762rides in arcuate slot756. Thus, the steering column708is capable of tilting in the direction528but is not capable of telescoping in the direction526. This is because removal of the telescoping OEM lower steering shaft512to provide for addition of the gearbox748precludes the ability to provide adjustment in direction526.

FIG.20shows a firewall2016of a vehicle from the rear face2020(in the driving direction) thereof. First steering column608is coupled to the firewall2016by a support bracket2074and second steering column708is coupled to the firewall2016by a support bracket2076. It can be seen that a series of shafts2065,2066,2067couples the first gearbox648to the second gearbox748. Universal joint2068couples the shaft2065to the gearbox648, universal joint2070couples the shaft2067to the gearbox748, and universal joints2080couple opposing ends of cross shaft2066to connector shafts2065and2067. The cross shaft2066is supported on the firewall2016of the vehicle by way of a pair of brackets2078comprising journal bearings that are attached to the firewall2016.FIG.20Ashows a detailed view of a portion ofFIG.20, where the U-joint2068connects the shaft2065to the first gearbox648. The shaft2065is made up of a first larger diameter part2065athat is splined to a second smaller diameter part2065b.This splined connection makes the shaft2065longitudinally extensible and retractable so as to case installation of the cross shaft assembly (comprising shafts2065,2066,2067, and U-joints2068,2070,2080) between the two steering columns608,708.FIG.20Bshows a detailed view of a portion ofFIG.20, where the U-joint2070connects the shaft2067to the second gearbox748. The shaft2067is made up of a first larger diameter part2067athat is splined to a second smaller diameter part2067b.This splined connection makes the shaft2067longitudinally extensible and retractable so as to case installation of the cross shaft assembly between the two steering columns608,708.

The series of shafts2065,2066,2067transfers steering inputs into the second steering column708(input via the steering wheel connected thereto) from the second gearbox748to the first gearbox648. The first gearbox648then transmits those steering inputs to the vehicle's steering gear2072(FIG.14). Steering inputs can also be input to the first gearbox648via a steering wheel (not shown) connected to the first steering column608. Such operation is described below.

Referring toFIGS.18and20together, when a steering wheel (not shown) attached to the rearward end516of the upper steering shaft510of the steering column608is turned by the operator, this turns the upper steering shaft510of the steering column608. Such steering inputs are transferred to the segment612aof the lower steering shaft612by way of the U-joint514. The segment612aof the lower steering shaft612is connected to an input shaft676of the first gearbox648. The first gearbox648is configured such that rotation of the input shaft676rotates an output shaft (not shown). The output shaft is connected to and rotates the segment612bof the lower steering shaft612, which is coupled to the vehicle's steering gear2072. The first gearbox648also has a second input shaft680(FIG.14), rotation of which will rotate the output shaft and thus the segment612bof the lower steering shaft612. In one example, the gearbox648houses a gearset649comprising three intermeshed bevel gears on the respective ends of the input and output shafts, in order to provide for such torque transfer.

Similarly, referring toFIGS.19and20together, when a steering wheel (not shown) attached to the rearward end516of the upper steering shaft510of the steering column708is turned by the operator, this turns the upper steering shaft510of the second steering column708. Such steering inputs are transferred to the lower steering shaft712by way of the U-joint514. The lower steering shaft712is connected to an input shaft776of the second gearbox748. The second gearbox748is configured such that rotation of the input shaft776rotates an output shaft778. In one example, the gearbox748houses a gearset749comprising two intermeshed bevel gears on the respective ends of the input and output shafts, in order to provide for such torque transfer. The output shaft778is connected to the shaft2067of the cross shaft assembly by the U-joint2070. Rotation of the output shaft778of the second gearbox748therefore rotates the shaft2067.

The shaft2067is coupled to the input shaft680of the first gearbox648by U-joint2080, cross shaft2066, another U-joint2080, shaft2065, and U-joint2068. Rotation of the shafts2067,2066,2065rotates the input shaft680of the first gearbox648, which is configured to rotate the output shaft and thus the segment612bof the lower steering shaft612. Therefore, steering inputs to both the first and second steering columns608,708result in rotation of the output shaft of the first gearbox648and thus of the segment612bof the lower steering shaft612, which is coupled to the vehicle's steering gear2072. The gearboxes648,748are configured such that rotation of their input shafts in one direction results in rotation of their output shafts in a given direction (thereby steering the vehicle's wheels in a given direction), and rotation of their input shafts in an opposite direction results in rotation of their output shafts in a direction opposite the given direction (thereby steering the vehicle's wheels in the opposite direction).

Furthermore, rotation of the input shaft676of the gearbox648results in rotation of the first gearbox's input shaft680, which is transferred to the shaft2065. Rotation of the shaft2065rotates the shafts2066and2067, the latter of which rotates the output shaft778of the gearbox748, which rotates its input shaft776, which rotates lower steering shaft712, which rotates upper steering shaft510, which is connected to a steering wheel. This way, inputs to the first steering column608cause the second steering column708to move correspondingly, such that the steering wheel on the second steering column708is at a position corresponding to the position of the vehicle's wheels. So too do inputs to the steering wheel on the second steering column708cause the steering wheel attached to the first steering column608to turn, via the gearbox748, output shaft778, shafts2067,2066,2065, input shaft680, gearbox648, input shaft676, lower steering shaft segment612a,and upper steering shaft510.

The first gearbox648is coupled to a steering gear2072of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft612of the first steering column608, more specifically via the lower segment612b. The first gearbox648transfers the steering inputs from the steering wheels to the steering gear2072of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft612of the first steering column608. The lower steering shaft612may be coupled to the vehicle's steering gear2072by way of a U-joint519, such as that shown inFIG.13, or in a manner like that shown inFIG.12. In other examples, the lower steering shaft612extends all the way to the vehicle's steering gear2072. Thus, inputs to both the first and second steering wheels on the respective first and second steering columns608,708are conveyed to the steering gear2072to steer the vehicle's wheels.

The locations of the gearboxes648,748as shown in the present example are as close as possible to the U-joints514so as to maximize knee room under the dash. However, the gearboxes648,748could be located elsewhere.

InFIG.20, the OEM steering column508(modified to become the first steering column608) is shown on the left hand side of the dash, while the additional (second) steering column708is on the right hand side of the dash. Depending on the country for which the vehicle was manufactured, these positions could be reversed.

According to one example of the present disclosure, an assembly for equipping a motor vehicle with dual-steer capabilities comprises a first bracket assembly344,644configured to couple a first steering column308,608to the vehicle and a second bracket assembly444,744configured to couple a second steering column408,708to the vehicle. A first gearset349,649is coupled to the first bracket assembly344,644and configured for operative engagement with the first steering column308,608. A second gearset449,749is coupled to the second bracket assembly444,744and configured for operative engagement with the second steering column408,708. A cross shaft1166,2066operatively couples the first gearset349,649to the second gearset449,749. The first gearset349,649is configured to be operatively coupled to a steering gear1172,2072of the vehicle. The first bracket assembly344,644is configured to facilitate tilting of an upper steering shaft10,510of the first steering column308,608with respect to a lower steering shaft312,612of the first steering column308,608.

According to one aspect, the first bracket assembly344,644comprises a first bracket subassembly346,646that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle and a second bracket subassembly324,624that is movable with respect to the first bracket subassembly346,646and supports the upper steering shaft10,510of the first steering column308,608.

According to one aspect, the first gearset349,649is supported by the first bracket subassembly346,646.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a roller362,662connected to the second bracket subassembly324,624, the roller362,662configured to slide within a slot354,356,654,656in the first bracket subassembly346,646as the second bracket subassembly324,624moves with respect to the first bracket subassembly346,646.

According to one aspect, the first gearset349,649is coupled to the steering gear1172,2072of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft312,612of the first steering column308,608.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft1166,2066is configured to transfer second steering column steering inputs from the second gearset449,749to the first gearset349,649, and the first gearset349,649is configured to transfer the second steering column steering inputs to the steering gear1172,2072of the vehicle via the lower steering shaft312,612of the first steering column308,608.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft1166,2066is configured to transfer first steering column steering inputs from the first gearset349,649to the second gearset449,749, and the second gearset449,749is configured to transfer the first steering column steering inputs to the second steering column408,708.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable first connector shaft2065operatively coupled to the first gearset649. The cross shaft2066is operatively coupled between the first connector shaft2065and the second gearset749.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable second connector shaft2067operatively coupled to the second gearset749. The cross shaft2066is operatively coupled between the first and second connector shafts2065,2067.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft2066is supported on a firewall2016of the vehicle.

According to another example of the present disclosure, an assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a first bracket assembly344,644coupling a first steering column308,608to the vehicle in a manner such that at least an upper portion of the first steering column308,608is tiltable with respect to the vehicle. A second bracket assembly444,744couples a second steering column408,708to the vehicle. A first gearset349,649is coupled to the first bracket assembly344,644and operatively coupled to the first steering column308,608to receive first steering column steering inputs. A second gearset449,749is coupled to the second bracket assembly444,744and operatively coupled to the second steering column408,708to receive second steering column steering inputs. A cross shaft1166,2066is operatively coupled between the first gearset349,649and the second gearset449,749such that second steering column steering inputs to the second gearset449,749are transmitted to the first gearset349,649.

According to one aspect, the first steering column steering inputs to the first gearset349,649are transmitted to the second gearset449,749.

According to one aspect, the second gearset449,749is configured such that the first steering column steering inputs are transmitted from the second gearset449,749to the second steering column408,708.

According to one aspect, the first bracket assembly344,644comprises a first bracket subassembly346,646that is positionally fixed with respect to the vehicle and a second bracket subassembly324,624that is movable with respect to the first bracket subassembly346,646and supports the upper portion of the first steering column308,608.

According to one aspect, the first gearset349,649is supported by the first bracket subassembly346,646.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a roller362,662connected to the second bracket subassembly324,624, the roller362,662configured to slide within a slot354,356,654,656in the first bracket subassembly346,646as the second bracket subassembly324,624moves with respect to the first bracket subassembly346,646.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable first connector shaft2065operatively coupled to the first gearset649. The cross shaft2066is coupled between the first connector shaft2065and the second gearset749.

According to one aspect, the assembly further comprises a longitudinally extensible and retractable second connector shaft2067operatively coupled to the second gearset749. The cross shaft2066is operatively coupled between the first and second connector shafts2065,2067.

According to one aspect, the cross shaft2066is supported on a firewall2016of the vehicle.

According to one aspect, the first gearset349,649is operatively coupled to a steering gear1172,2072of the vehicle via a lower portion of the first steering column308,608.

In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The order of method steps or decisions shown in the Figures and described herein are not limiting on the appended claims unless logic would dictate otherwise. It should be understood that the decisions and steps can be undertaken in any logical order and/or simultaneously. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.