Linear actuator for motor vehicle steering column

Details Linear actuator for motor vehicle steering column Linear actuator for motor vehicle steering column

1997-08-13

1999-06-15

Jeffery, John A.

Machine element or mechanism

Control lever and linkage systems

Hand operated

74459, 74 8915, 744248A, 280775, B62D 118, F16H 2702

Patent

active

059117893

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.

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