Noise and vibration reducing flex-cable assembly

摘要

A flexible drive cable assembly for a powered adjustable seat, powered adjustable pedals or the like of a motor vehicle. The flexible drive cable assembly includes an elongate flexible core for transmitting movement from a first end of the core to a second end of the core and an elongate flexible casing encircling a longitudinal length of the core and having a unitary connector. A driving or driven element is operably connected to the core for transmission of movement therebetween. An end fitting is stationary relative to the driving or driven element and has an aperture for passage of the core therethrough. The unitary connector of the casing cooperates with the end fitting to secure the casing to the end fitting and hold the casing stationary relative to the end fitting. In one embodiment, the casing connector and the end fitting form a snap-fit connection to form an interlock between the casing and the end fitting and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration. In another embodiment, the casing is heat staked to the end fitting such that casing material flows into grooves of the end fitting to form protrusions which interlock with the end fitting grooves and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration. In yet another embodiment, the unitary connector includes an elongate portion press fit in an aperture of the end fitting and a flange engaging the end fitting adjacent the aperture.