Intermediate shaft axial retention device
US11891112B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/24
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering shaft assembly includes a male shaft having a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly from a portion of the male shaft. The steering shaft assembly also includes a female shaft receiving a portion of the male shaft and fixed to the male shaft in a rotational direction, the male shaft axially moveable relative to the female shaft, the female shaft having an end portion and a body portion, wherein the end portion of the female shaft has an end wall thickness that is less than a body wall thickness of the body portion, the end portion curved radially inwardly to define a hard stop position during axial movement of the male shaft. An end of the plurality of teeth of the male shaft contact the curved end portion of the female shaft at the hard stop position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.