Patent ID: 6425605
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B62D,F16C,F16D

Abstract:
A shaft capable of length variation with an axially telescoping tube, particularly useful as a steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering column comprising:a shaft, first roller bearing means affixed to said shaft with the axis thereof being substantially perpendicular to the axis of said shaft, second roller bearing means freely rotatable on said shaft with the axis thereof substantially perpendicular to the axis of said shaft, and a torsion spring on said shaft intermediate said first and second roller bearing means, said torsion spring being fixed at the ends thereof to said first and second roller bearing means so that when said shaft is assembled with an axially telescoping tube said torsion spring imparts a radial twist relative to said second bearing means to provide preloaded torque resistance to inhibit transmission of rotational backlash through the steering column while the bearing means permit minimal sliding resistance to the telescoping tube and shaft of the steering column.