Flexible mount for an intermediate steering column
US6279953A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/195
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering system (10) includes a vehicle steering mechanism (34) which, when actuated, turns steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle. The vehicle steering mechanism (34) is mounted for limited movement in opposite directions from a normal position. An intermediate steering column (26) includes first and second column members (28, 30) which are axially movable relative to each other. The first and second column members (28, 30) are rotatable together about a common axis. The first column member (28) is connected with the steering mechanism (34) to actuate the steering mechanism upon rotation of the first column member. The first and second column members (28, 30) move axially relative to each other upon movement of the vehicle steering mechanism (34) from the normal position. A flexible mount (70) for the second column member (30) elastically deforms in the event the steering mechanism (34) moves from the normal position and the first and second column members (28, 30) fail to move axially relative to each other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.