Patent ID: 8127639
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: B62D,F16C

Abstract:
1. A telescopically collapsible vehicular steering column assembly comprising: an outer shaft tube defining a longitudinal axis, said outer shaft tube presenting an axially extending receiving chamber; an inner shaft tube including a guide head axially, slideably disposed within said receiving chamber of said outer shaft tube; and a bushing disposed between said guide head and said receiving chamber, telescopic relative sliding motion between said outer and inner shaft tubes being facilitated by said bushing, said bushing having a carrier body, a plurality of axially spaced, generally annular journal bearings, two of said bearings being disposed proximate respective ends of said carrier body, and a plurality of radially biased clearance compensators, each of said clearance compensators being positioned axially proximate a respective one of said journal bearings, said bushing defining a longitudinal separation extending along an entire length of said bushing and defining a continuous gap through said carrier body, clearance compensators, and journal bearings, each said clearance compensator comprising a plurality of nubs extending outwardly from said carrier body when non-compressed, the nubs being disposed and spaced circumferentially about each end of said carrier body, each nub being frustum-shaped and formed in a thinned section of said carrier body, said generally annular journal bearings contacting said carrier body, said generally annular journal bearings in sliding contact with said guide head, such that a radial force is applied by said clearance compensator against said journal bearings to remove lash between said inner and outer shaft tubes.