Linear actuator for motor vehicle steering column
US5911789A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18728
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A linear actuator including a socket on a first element of a motor vehicle steering column, an expandable nut loosely disposed in the socket, and a screw shaft rotatably supported on a second element of the steering column. The expandable nut consists of a front segment facing a distal end of the screw shaft and a back segment behind the front segment. An inside screw thread in the back segment of the expandable nut is angularly phased relative to an inside screw thread in the front segment. The expandable nut self-aligns with the screw shaft when the latter is screwed into the inside screw thread in the front segment. An outboard end of the thread groove in the screw shaft defining the outside screw thread thereon spreads apart the front and back segments of the expandable nut to positions resiliently wedged between the screw shaft and the socket to eliminate lash between the screw shaft and the first element of the steering column. In a preferred embodiment, the expandable nut is a molded plastic nut having front and back segments connected by an integral living hinge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.