Speed control cable attachment

#The field of the invention relates to cable attachment assemblies for attaching a cable during an assembly process. In a particular aspect of the invention, the field relates to a cable attachment assembly for an engine throttle control system.

#In automobile applications in particular, a control system having a cable pulley is connected to the engine throttle by a cable such as a Bowden-cable. Examples of such control systems include speed control systems, drive-by wire systems, wheel slip control systems, and throttle return systems. Speed control systems are well known for controlling the engine throttle plate via a cable attached to a cable pulley. In a typical speed control system, a servo motor is coupled to the cable pulley through a gearing system and electromagnetic clutch. Rotational movement of the servo motor is coupled to the cable pulley, and accordingly throttle plate, for maintaining a desired speed in response to an electronic controller or microcomputer.

#Portions of the control system are usually contained within a relatively tight housing with the cable pulley positioned external to the housing. During assembly, the cable is threaded into the cable pulley and a cover assembly attached over the cable pulley with fasteners such as machine screws. A relatively tight seal is needed to prevent degradation of the control system by contaminants in the engine compartment.

#The objects advantages described herein will be more fully understood by reading the description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the invention is used to advantage;

#FIG. 1B is a partially rotated perspective view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;

#The invention claimed herein may be better understood by reviewing a description of one of many embodiments in which the invention may be used to advantage. An example of one embodiment is presented herein with reference to the attached drawings. Referring in general terms to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of housing 20 is shown encasing a portion of a throttle control system. In this particular example, the throttle control system is a speed control system which includes servo motor 22 coupled to cable drum 26 via a conventional gearing assembly (not shown) and electromagnetic clutch (not shown) connected to rotating shaft 30 via hub 28. Housing 20 is shown including extension 34 having rest stop 38 and protrusion 36 positioned adjacent housing opening 32. Slots 40, 42, and 44 are shown extending outwardly in a radial direction from housing opening 32.

#Cable drum 26, preferably molded from a plastic material such as nylon, is shown fixedly connected to shaft 30 and aligned with housing opening 32. Shaft 30 is partially held in place by extension 82 of housing 20. Cable cover assembly 48, preferably molded from a plastic material such as nylon, is shown including cable guide 50 connected to Bowden-cable 52 which includes steel cable 54 inserted within sleeve 56. Cable 54 is connected at one end to the engine throttle plate (not shown) and at its opposing end to nipple 60 for insertion into cable drum 26. As described in greater detail hereinafter, cable cover assembly 48 is structured for manual insertion over cable drum 26 into housing opening 32 and interlocking with housing 20 upon manual rotation.

#Cable cover assembly 48 is now described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 1B and continuing reference to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a rotated perspective view of cable cover assembly 48 shown with cable 54 inserted through trough 58. Cable 54 is also shown inserted into storage slot 62 to facilitate transportation and storage before assembly. Cable cover assembly 48 includes substantially cylindrical casing 64 having closed end 66 and open end 68. Tabs 70, 72, and 74 are shown integrally formed from cylindrical casing 64 and extending from open end 68 to align with respective slots 40, 42, and 44 of housing 20 during assembly. Cylindrical casing 64 is also shown having recess 78 along open end 68 for alignment with extension 82 of housing 20.