Tilt steering apparatus
US9738305B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/24
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tilt steering apparatus includes a steering column having a tube member housing a steering shaft and rotatably installed on a body frame for tilt about a steering column tilt axis. Between a steering gearbox and the steering shaft, the apparatus includes a first universal joint secured to the steering shaft, an intermediate shaft and a second universal joint. The first universal joint includes a swing center defining a steering shaft tilt axis. Bearings rotatably support the steering shaft within the steering column tube and elastic members engage with the bearings to flex for axial movement of the steering shaft in the steering column tube. This relative movement accommodates an offset between the steering shaft and steering column tilt axes, thereby avoiding an increase in thrust load between the shaft and column during tilt for improved steerability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.