Dual taper steering column lock bolt
AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc.
InventorsGerald A. Gaeth, Gregory P. Ruth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides a locking pin for a steering column lock assembly. The locking pin includes a dual taper defined by the first and second truncated cone portions. The first truncated cone portion narrows at a first angle and the second truncated cone portion narrows at a second angle, wherein the first and second angles are different from one another. The second angle can be less than the first angle. The dual taper of the locking pin reduces the likelihood that extreme torsion will not induce camming forces urging the locking pin out of engagement with a locking plate connected to the steering shaft.
Claims17
A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a steering shaft defining at least one receiving portion;
- and
- a locking pin selectively insertable in said at least one receiving portion and having a first truncated cone portion narrowing from a first end at a first angle to a second end and a second truncated cone portion extending from said second end and narrowing from said second end at a second angle to a third end and said first and second angles being different.
A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a steering shaft;
- a plate member immovably associated with said steering shaft and defining a receiving portion;
- and
- a locking pin selectively insertable in said receiving portion, said locking pin having a first truncated cone portion narrowing from a first end at a first angle to a second end and a second truncated cone portion extending from said second end and narrowing from said second end at a second angle to a third end and said first and second angles being different and wherein said second angle is less than said first angle.
A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a steering column housing defining a first longitudinal recess and a second recess extending parallel and offset with respect to said first recess;
- a steering shaft mounted for rotation within said first recess of said steering column housing;
- a plate member immovably associated with said steering shaft and defining a receiving portion intermittently communicating with said second recess during rotation of said steering shaft;
- and
- a locking pin slidably mounted within said second recess of said steering column housing and selectively insertable in said receiving portion when said receiving portion is in communication with said second recess, said locking pin having a first truncated cone portion narrowing from a first end at a first angle to a second end and a second truncated cone portion extending from said second end and narrowing from said second end at a second angle to a third end and said first and second angles being different.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.