| 摘要 |
PURPOSE: To provide a novel, improved variable-length steering shaft. CONSTITUTION: The variable-length steering shaft includes a tubular shaft 28 of a noncircular cross section and a solid shaft 38 of a noncircular cross section telescoped inside of the tubular shaft 28. A U-shaped metal spring 50 is disposed over the solid shaft 38 adjacent an outboard end 30 of the tubular shaft 28, with its opposite legs 52A and 52B brought in sliding engagement on corresponding flat sides of the solid shaft 38. A monolithic plastic sleeve 56 is in situ molded on the tubular shaft 28 and includes a lip 66 closely surrounding the solid shaft 38. The lip 66 captures the relative angular positions of both shafts 28 and 38 about a longitudinal centerline, defines a sliding bearing between both shafts 28 and 38, and encases the spring 50. The surfaces of the legs 52A and 52B of the spring 50 which bear against the solid shaft 38 are exposed after the sleeve 56 is in situ molded to thus defined wear plates. |
