Shaft assembly for use in steering systems
US5732600A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7079
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle (10) has a steering gear (26) connected with a frame (12) to turn steerable vehicle wheels (14). A body (16) of the vehicle (10) is resiliently mounted on the frame (12). A steering wheel (28) is connected with the body (16) of the vehicle and is rotatable to actuate the steering gear (26). An improved shaft assembly (38) is utilized to transmit force between the steering gear (26) and the steering wheel (28). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering wheel (28) through an upper universal joint (40). The shaft assembly (38) is connected with the steering gear (26) through a lower universal joint (42). The shaft assembly (38) includes a variable length portion (46) having upper and lower sections (48 and 52) which are disposed in a telescopic relationship. A connector assembly (54) interconnects an extension section (50) with the variable length portion (46) of a shaft assembly (38) when the upper and lower universal joints (40 and 42) are in a predetermined relationship. The variable length portion (46) of the shaft assembly (38) accommodates relative movement between the steering wheel (28) and the steering gear (26). The connector assembly (54) includes a s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.