TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a bearing retainer and, in particular, to a bearing retainer for a steering column assembly and a steering column assembly with the bearing retainer.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, mini-van, marine craft, aircraft, all-terrain vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other suitable vehicles, include various steering system schemes, for example, steer-by-wire and driver interface steering. These steering system schemes typically include a steering column for translating steering input to an output that interacts with a steering linkage to ultimately cause the vehicle wheels (or other elements) to turn the vehicle.

Steering columns typically include an outer jacket with a steering shaft located within the outer jacket that is operably connected on a first end to a steering input, such as a steering wheel, and an output on a second end, such as a pinion shaft assembly. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering shaft rotates within the outer jacket to interact with the steering linkage. Typically, the outer jacket is mounted to a component of the vehicle such that it cannot rotate and a bearing assembly permits the steering shaft to rotate relative to the jacket.

Some steering columns are axially adjustable between positions. In the past, a function of axially adjustable steering columns was to provide flexibility in the location of the hand wheel and facilitate more comfortable driving positions for different sizes of drivers. There axially adjustable steering columns typically include two or more outer jackets that move axially relative to one another but do not rotate. In such arrangements, the steering shaft rotates relative to each of the outer jackets and may require more than one bearing assembly.

There are a number of traditional bearing assembly configurations that typically include an inner race operably connected to the steering shaft and an outer race operably connected to the outer jacket that are separated by ball bearings. While these traditional bearing assemblies facilitate relative rotation between parts, they must be axially retained within the steering column such that they are not susceptible to misalignment or disassembly, which can be particularly challenging in steering columns that are axially adjustable. Traditional retaining systems include secondary mechanical fasteners or a tight press-fitting of the bearing assembly. While these traditional retaining systems serve to axially retain the bearing assembly, they are not without drawbacks. For example secondary mechanical fasteners require additional weight, fastener receiving apertures that can effect structural integrity, and complicated assembly processes. Similarly, bearing assemblies configured to be press-fit are subject to production variances and also require complicated assembly processes.

Accordingly, improvements in bearing retainer features continue to be of interest. Particularly, improvements on weight and simplicity of assembly.

SUMMARY

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not to be interpreted as a complete and comprehensive listing of all of the objects, aspects, features and advantages associated with the present disclosure.

This disclosure relates generally to a bearing retainer for a bearing assembly of a steering column. The bearing retainer comprises a first surface spaced from a second surface by an outer edge and an inner edge. The inner edge at least partially defines an opening for placement of a provided steering shaft. The bearing retainer further includes at least one first spring finger extending from the first surface away from the second surface at an angle.

In accordance with another aspect, this disclosure relates to a steering column assembly comprising an outer jacket extending along an axis and defining an opening for placing a provided steering shaft and a provided bearing assembly. The steering column assembly further includes a bearing retainer for retaining the provided bearing assembly in the outer jacket. The bearing retainer comprises a first surface spaced from a second surface by an outer edge and an inner edge. The inner edge at least partially defines an opening for placement of the provided steering shaft. The bearing retainer further includes at least one first spring finger extending from the first surface away from the second surface at an angle.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims, and the accompanying figures.

