Antifriction element for use between relatively sliding components of an adjustable steering column
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A steering column clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column comprising:
- a first clamp member;
a second clamp member slidable relative to the first clamp member, the first clamp member and second clamp member being in contact with one another when the steering column is in a clamped state; and
an antifriction element between the first clamp member and the second clamp member, the antifriction element biasing the first clamp member and the second clamp member out of contact with one another when the adjustable steering column is in an unclamped state, the first clamp member and the second clamp member each being in sliding contact with the antifriction element when the steering column is in the unclamped state and wherein the antifriction elements allows sliding between limiting stops provided by the ends of a slot in the antifriction element and wherein a resilient means is provided between said limiting stops.
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Abstract
A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle in which antifriction elements are provided which interpose between relatively sliding components of an adjustable steering column construction each element allows sliding between limiting stops with resilient means between the stops to provide a soft stop. The resilient means may be a separate member or resilient portions at the ends of a slot in the element. Walls of the element may have longitudinal slits to take up manufacturing tolerance.
39 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A steering column clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column comprising:
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a first clamp member; a second clamp member slidable relative to the first clamp member, the first clamp member and second clamp member being in contact with one another when the steering column is in a clamped state; and an antifriction element between the first clamp member and the second clamp member, the antifriction element biasing the first clamp member and the second clamp member out of contact with one another when the adjustable steering column is in an unclamped state, the first clamp member and the second clamp member each being in sliding contact with the antifriction element when the steering column is in the unclamped state and wherein the antifriction elements allows sliding between limiting stops provided by the ends of a slot in the antifriction element and wherein a resilient means is provided between said limiting stops. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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- 6. An antifriction element for use between relatively sliding components in a clamping mechanism of an adjustable steering column construction for a vehicle, the antifriction element being locatable between two said relatively sliding components wherein in an unclamped state of said relatively sliding components, a first part of the antifriction element acts to urge the components away from contact with one another to allow relative free sliding of said relatively sliding components, said first part is deflected to allow direct contact between surfaces of said relatively sliding components to provide the clamping friction and wherein the antifriction element allows sliding between limiting stops characterized in that a resilient means is provided between said limiting stops, said limiting stops being provided by the ends of a slot in the antifriction element.
Specification