Lower bearing assembly including spring retaining ring for an automotive steering shaft
US5704642A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lower bearing assembly for supporting a steering shaft within a tubular jacket of an automotive steering column. The steering shaft is of double-D configuration having two diametrically opposite, arcuate side walls and two diametrically opposite parallel flats. A cup is fitted within the jacket having a hole in the bottom wall through which the steering shaft extends. A bearing within the cup supports the steering shaft for rotation. A wedge tube is sleeved on the steering shaft and has a tapered nose wedged between the bearing and the steering shaft. A compression coil spring encircles the wedge tube and bears on a flange on the wedge tube to hold the nose of the wedge tube wedged tightly between the bearing and the steering shaft. A retaining ring is sleeved on the steering shaft and holds the spring under compression. The inner edge of the retaining ring has the same double-D configuration as the steering shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.