Variable length shaft assembly
US5417614A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 23, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/24
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable length shaft assembly suitable for motor vehicle steering systems including a tubular outer shaft of non-circular cross section and a solid inner shaft of corresponding non-circular cross section telescoped inside of the outer shaft. A U-shaped metal spring is disposed over the solid shaft adjacent an outboard end of the tubular shaft with opposite legs of the spring in sliding engagement on corresponding flat sides of the solid shaft. A monolithic plastic sleeve is in situ molded on the tubular shaft and includes an integral lip closely surrounding the solid shaft. The integral lip captures the relative angular positions of the shafts about a longitudinal centerline of the assembly, i.e. delashes the shafts, defines a slide bearing between the shafts, and rigidly encases the spring. The surfaces of the legs of the spring which bear against the solid shaft are exposed after the sleeve is in situ molded and define wear plates on the integral plastic lip which protect the lip against abrasion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.