Patent ID: 10683028

Abstract:
A collapsible steering column assembly comprises a telescopic steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, comprising a first shaft having a hollow end, the inner surface of the hollow end being provided with a plurality of inwardly facing elongate splines that each extend axially along the inner surface, and a second shaft that has an end that is located within the hollow end of the first shaft, the second shaft being provided with a set of outwardly facing elongate splines that each extend axially along the outer surface of the end of the second shaft, the splines of the second shaft inter-engaging the splines of the first shaft to prevent relative rotational movement of the two shafts whilst permitting the two shafts to move axially relative to one another at least in the event of a crash. A contact device is located at the end of the second shaft that is located within the hollow end of the first shaft that includes a contact member defining a contact part that contacts the tips of a plurality of the splines of the first portion, thereby to take up any radial free play between the end of the second portion and the first portion at least in the location of the contact device.