Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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END FITTING FOR A REMOTE CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY WITH VIBRATION TRANSMISSION
ISOLATION
' BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a conduit end fitting for a motion
transmitting remote control cable assembly of the type used in transmission
shift cables,
park brake cables and light duty control cables and a method for making such a
fitting.
Background Art
Motion transmitting remote control cable assemblies are used for transmitting
both force and travel along a curved path in aircraft, automotive, and marine
environments.
Known cable assemblies can be used for transmitting load and motion in both
push and pull
I0 type applications. In the automotive environment, typical applications
include but are not
limited to parking brake, accelerator, hood release, brake release, trunk
release, park lock,
tilt wheel control, fuel filler door, transmission shifter cables and
hydraulic control cables.
One specific use of such remote control assemblies is the positioning of
throttle and
transmission shift members in automobiles.
Motion transmitting remote control assemblies for transmitting motion in a
curved path typically include flexible core element (strand) slidably enclosed
within a
flexible outer sheath (conduit) with ~n~ f ttings attached to both ends of
each
respective member. These fittings attach to and react load from the conduit to
its mounting
points and from the strand to its mounting points respectively. The core
element is
adapted at one end to be attached to a member to be controlled whereas the
other end is
attached to a manual actuator for longitudinally moving the core element.
Thus, in the
automotive environment, for example, assemblies normally include one or more
fittings
secured to the conduit for attaching the conduit to a support structure of the
automobile.
The conduit end fittings must reiinain attached to the conduit while resisting
relative axial movement (lash) between the conduit and the conduit end
fittings. These
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conduit end fittings may be attached to the conduit in many ways, which can
include: over
molding, gluing, press fitting, screw on, spin welding, staking as well as
many other
_ methods. Although aII these methods provide for a strong joint that resists
'axial movement,
unfortunately, they all eliminate relative rotational movement between the
conduit and the
S conduit end f tongs.
Having the conduit end fittings fixed against rotation relative to the conduit
creates a problem in that, during the assembly operation, the operator
frequently has to
twist the conduit end fitting along the axis of the conduit in order to line
it up and install it
in the mounting point. When the conduit end fitting is fixed against rotation
relative to the
conduit, this twisting operation has the detrimental effect of, among other
things, slowing
down the assembly process and twisting and binding the conduit. To eliminate
the
assembly problems, it is desirable to have conduit end fittings on the conduit
that provide
for easy rotation about the axis of the conduit, and thus speed up the
assembly time and
reduce binding and twisting of the conduit.
One example of a known conduit end fitting product is shown in FIG. 1. As
shown, the control cable 10 includes a conduit 12 and a wire-like strand or
core element 14.
The end of the strand 14 is attached to a slider rod 16 that extends within a
swivel tube 18.
The swivel tube 18 is supported within a swivel socket provided an the conduit
end fitting.
The conduit end fitting of this prior art design includes a hard plastic
sle~ve 8 molded onto
c~le PResSc.a ~'~ 11 /ab / Q b
an end of the conduit. A compressible isolator 9 is molded~ver the molded s
eeve. The
sleeve and isolator are tapered toward the end of the conduit and contained
within molded
outer fitting 2. A spherical cavity or socket 2s for receiving the swivel tube
is formed
entirely within the outer fitting 2 at the one of the conduit end fitting. The
opposite end of
the conduit end fitting, i.e., the end that receives the conduit, is capped
with a cap, which is
typically formed of metal. This design does not, however, include any means to
facilitate
rotation of the end fitting relative to the conduit.
In addition, because the spherical socket or cavity for receiving the swivel
tube 18 is formed entirely within the outer fitting 2, the swivel tube must be
snapped into
the socket during assembly. As a consequence, the ~ spherical extent of the
socket is limited
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and the degree to which the swivel tube is securely retained within the socket
is also
limited.
It is known to make conduit end fittings that rotate about the axis of the
conduit. Conduit end fittings that rotate about the axis of the conduit are
shown, for
S example, in U.S. Patent numbers: 4,860,609; 4,951,524; 5,161,428 and
5,383,377.
U.S. Patent No. 4,860,609 discloses a flexible motion transmitting core
element that includes a conduit ( 12), a flexible motion transmitting core
element ( 14) that is
slidably supported by the conduit and a connector member ( 16) that includes
an annular
radially extending flange (18). The assembly (10) further includes an end
fitting (30)
having a cylindrical portion (32). The cylindrical portion (32) is positioned
over the outer
surface of the connector member ( 16} such that the cylindrical portion (32)
abuts the flange
(18). A retainer (38) simultaneously engages the end fitting (30) and the
flange (18) for
preventing relative axial movement between the conduit ( 12) and the end
fitting (30) while
permitting relative rotational movement therebetween.
U.S. Patent No. 4,951,524 discloses a flexible motion transmitting core
element (28) that includes a supporting fitting ( 14) having first and second
ends defining a
first axis for extending through a substantially U-shaped seat ( 18) in a
support structure
(20}. A core element (28) is movably supported by the support fitting ( I 4)
for transmitting
motion between the ends thereof. The assembly ( 10) includes a pair of spaced
flanges (52,
52', 54, 54o) supported about the support fitting ( I 4) for allowing relative
rotation
therebetween and positioning the support fitting ( 14) in the substantially U-
shaped seat ( 18)
on the support structure (20}.
U.S. Patent No. 5,161,428 discloses a motion transmitting remote control
assembly ( 10) for transmitting forces along a curved path by a flexible core
element (26)
siidably disposed within a flexible conduit ( 12). The assembly ( 10) includes
an elongated
member (62) for adj usting the longitudinal position of the conduit ( 12} by
being slidably
disposed within a passageway (68) of a support member (32). A locking clip
(86) is
movable between a disengaged position for permitting relative longitudinal
movement
between the elongated member (62) and the base (32) and an engaged position
for
preventing longitudinal movement therebetween. The elongated member (62) is
rotatably
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supported on the conduit (12} to allow rotation of the conduit (I2) relative
to the support
member (32) while in an engaged position.
U.S. Patent No. 5,383,377 discloses a flexible motion transmitting core
element (54) that includes a conduit ( I 2) and a cable (54) that is movably
supported along
its length within the conduit ( I 2). A support member (48) attaches one end (
14) of the
conduit ( I2) to a support structure (46). An isolator (96) is disposed
between the support
member (48) and the conduit end ( I 4). The conduit end ( 14) has an integral
conduit end
fitting ( 18). The isolator (95) dampens vibrations and shocks transmitted
between the
support member (48) and the conduit end ( 14). The isolator {96} is fixed
against
transnational movement relative to the conduit end ( 14). An anti-stick
coating ( I 06)
disposed on the outer surface (100} of the conduit end fitting (18) allows the
conduit end =
(14) and conduit end fitting (18) to rotate relative to the support member
(48).
The assemblies described in these patents have various disadvantages. For
example, the fittings may introduce extra lash into the cable assembly, which
in turn
I S reduces the travel efficiency of the push pull cable system. The fittings
may also
complicate assembly and increase capital and labor expense.
Another known assembly is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,726,2S1, which
discloses a flexible core element ( 12) in a conduit ( 18) and a method of
making same. An
end fitting (20) is disposed about the conduit ( I 8) by a cylindrical section
which includes
abutments (24). A vibration dampener ( i 6) includes a cylindrical tube
disposed about the
end fitting (20) with grooves (28) aligned with the abutments (24) and tabs
(30) extending
radially outward from the vibration dampener (16). A support (14) includes a
cylindrical
wall {32) disposed about and coextensive with the vibration dampener {16) with
openings
(34) -aligned with the tabs (30) of the vibration dampener (16). The vibration
dampening
means (I6) is in axial mechanical interlocking engagement with the end fitting
(20) and
support ( 14) for maintaining the vibration dampener ( 16) free of radial
compressive forces.
Likewise, U.S. Patent No. 4,793,0S0 discloses a flexible core element (12} in
a conduit (I8) and a method of making same. An end fitting (20) is disposed
about the
conduit ( 18) by a cylindrical section which includes abutments' (24). A
vibration dampener
(16) includes a cylindrical tube disposed about the end fitting (20) with
grooves (28)
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aligned with the abutments (24) and tabs (30) extending radially outward from
the vibration
dampener ( I 6). A support ( 14) includes a cylindrical wall (32) disposed
about and
coextensive with the vibration dampener {16) with openings (34) aligned with
the tabs (30)
of the vibration dampener ( 16). The vibration dampener ( 16} is in axial
mechanical
interlocking engagement with the end fitting (20) and support ( I4) for
maintaining the
vibration dampener (16) free of radial compressive forces.
U.S. Patent No. 5,003,838 discloses a flexible motion transmitting core
element assembly ( 10) that includes a conduit ( 16) with a male end fitting
(20) molded at
one end, which engages with a female end fitting (30). The female end fitting
(30) includes
a conduit {38) and attaches to a support structure (90). Splining (24, 32) is
provided on the
engaging portions of the male end fitting (20) and the female end fitting (30)
to allow for
precise rotational adjustment and locking between the male end fitting (20)
and the female
end fitting {30}.
U.S. Patent No. 4,406,177 and U.S. Patent No. 4,348,348 disclose a flexible
motion transmitting core element that includes a flexible motion transmitting
core element
and a flexible conduit. An end fitting is disposed about the end portion of
the conduit for
supporting the conduit and core element with the core element extending from
the end
fitting. The assembly also includes a support housing for supporting the end
fitting and the
conduit on a support structure. A resilient vibration dampener is disposed
between the
support housing and the end fitting for providing noise and vibration
isolation therebetween.
A mold assembly and a method are also disclosed for making the motion
transmitting
remote control assembly including the steps of; inserting the end portion of
the conduit into
a cavity of a first mold and injecting organic polymeric material into the
cavity for molding
the end fitting about the conduit, inserting the end fitting into a cavity of
a second mold
and injecting a vibration dampening material into the mold for molding a
vibration
dampener about the end fitting, and placing the vibration dampener into a
cavity of a third
mold and injecting an organic polymeric material for molding a support housing
about the
vibration dampener.
Similarly, U.S: Patent No. 4,386,755 discloses a~ mold. assembly and a method
for making a motion transmitting remote control assembly including the steps
of; inserting
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the end portion of the conduit into a cavity of a first mold and injecting
organic polymeric
material into the cavity for molding the end fitting about the conduit,
inserting the end
fitting into a cavity of a second mold and injecting a vibration dampening
material into the
mold for molding a vibration dampener about the end fitting, and placing the
vibration
dampener into a cavity of a third mold and injecting an organic polymeric
material for
molding a support housing about the vibration
dampener.
Notwithstanding these prior art disclosures, there remains- a need for an end
fitting for a remote control cable assembly that allows for easy rotation of
the end fittings
relative to the axis of the conduit, provides for isolation against noise and
vibration
transmission, and does not add significant additional lash into the cable
system from the
rotating end fitting joint.
SUMMARY OF THE INYENT'ION
1 S The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the known systems
described above by providing an end fitting for a remote control cable
assembly that allows
for easy rotation of the end fittings relative to the axis of the conduit and
provides for
isolation against noise and vibration transmission, while minimizing lash
added into the
cable system from the rotating end fitting joint. This is accomplished by a
four piece
conduit end fitting assembly that connects the conduit to its mounting point.
The first piece (molded sleeve) is fastened directly onto and along the
longitudinal axis of the conduit and is characterized by having a first
cylindrical shauIders
feature for receiving and retaining the second piece, and a second cylindrical
shoulder
feature for guiding the rotational movement of the whole end fitting assembly
along the
axis of the conduit.
The second piece (conduit isolator) is characterized by being molded from a
elastomeric material and being comprised of two pieces that are connected by a
living
hinge, but not limited to being connected this way. The second piece is
further
characterized by a cylindrical cavity for recciving the cylindrical shoulder.
of the molded
sleeve and having a spherical cavity for receiving and supporting a swivel
tube. The
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conduit isolator is assembled to the molded sleeve by folding the two halves
about the
living hinge and over the shoulder portions of the molded sleeve, but could be
overmolded.
The third piece (molded outer fitting or side entry fitting) is characterized
by
having features molded into its outside periphery that mate with and snap into
a
transmission and/or shifter mounting bracket. The side entry fitting is
further characterized
by having a spherical cavity for receiving and supporting a swivel tube, and
having a
cylindrical cavity for receiving the front cylindrical portion of the assembly
created by
folding the conduit isolator over the molded sleeve. The side entry fitting is
also
characterized by having a outside lip that mates with the fourth piece and
forms a annular
snap fit. It should be understood, however, that the outer surface of the end
fitting 24
pk ~~ u6196
could take any form that is suitable for mounting in a isa~en fitting and need
not be
limited to a side entry fitting.
The fourth piece (end cap) is characterized by having a cylindrical cavity for
receiving the rear cylindrical portion of the assembly created by folding the
conduit isolator
over the molded sleeve. The end cap is further characterized by having an
internal lip the
mates with the third piece and forms a annular snap fit. The side entry
fitting and end cap
are snapped together over top of the assembly created by folding the conduit
isolator over
the molded sleeve, which in turn compresses the conduit isolator up against
both the front
and back portions of the first shoulder of the molded sleeve. A small amount
of lubricant
is applied to the conduit isolator prior to assembly to facilitate the easy
rotational
movement of the conduit end fitting assembly relative to the axis of the
conduit.
The conduit isolator, end cap, side entry fitting and molded sleeve, are
toleranced such that when they are assembled, they have a slight interference
and thus
reduce the lash generated by the rotational joint. The conduit isolator
fiurther is
manufactured from a resilient material that isolates against transmission of
vibration/noise
and can be easily compressed by the snap fitting operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
w FIG. 1 is..a cross sectional view of a' prior art end. fitting design;
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FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of an end fitting
according to the present invention;
FIG 3 is a crass section of another embodiment of an end fitting according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is an end fitting that is particularly well suited for
use
in a remote control cable assembly of the type having a control cable 10 that
includes a
conduit 12 and a wire-like strand or core element 14. The end of the strand 14
is typically
attached to a slider rod 16 that extends within a swivel tube 18. -The swivel
tube 18 is
supported within a swivel socket provided in the end fitting.
Each of the end fittings described hereinafter allow for easy rotation of the
end fittings relative to the axis of the conduit and provide for isolation
against noise and
vibration transmission, while not adding additional lash into the cable system
from the
rotating end fitting joint. In each instance, this is accomplished by a four
piece conduit end
fitting assembly that connects the conduit to its mounting point. While the
four pieces can
take different forms, they may be generally referred to as a molded sleeve,
conduit isolator,
outer fitting (side entry fitting and end cap.
Figure 2 shows a first embodiment according to the present invention. The
control cable 10 includes a conduit 12 and a wire-like strand or core element
14. The end
of the strand 14 is attached to a slider rod 16 that extends within a swivel
tube 18. The
swivel tube 18 is supported within a swivel socket provided in the end
fitting.
The end fitting of this embodiment is similar in many respects to the prior
art
design shown in Figure 1, but there are significant differences. The end
fitting includes a
hard plastic sleeve 28 molded onto an end of the conduit 12. The molded sleeve
is
fastened directly onto and along the longitudinal-axis of the conduit and is
characterized by
having a first cylindrical shoulder feature (provided by radial flange 26) far
receiving and
retaining a compressible isolator 29 and a second cylindrical shoulder feature
for guiding
the rotational movement of the whole end fitting assembly along the axis of
the conduit.
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The compressible isolator 29 is preferably molded from a elastomeric
material as two pieces that are connected by a living hinge, hut not limited
to being
connected this way. Instead the isolator could be molded over the molded
sleeve. The
sleeve and isolator are tapered toward the end of the conduit and located
within a molded
outer fitting 24. The taper facilitates assembly of the sleeve and isolator
into the molded
outer fitting, reduces Lash by providing a radial reaction component to axial
forces and
facilitates compression of the isolator for the same reason.
The isolator 29 is preferably formed of a compressible elastic (resilient)
elastomeric material. This is to be contrasted with the molded sleeve 28 arid
the outer
fitting 24 both of which are formed of a hard, noncompressible plastic
material. The
specific materials used are not critical, but the isolator must be
significantly more
compressible that the molded sleeve and outer fitting. The isolator 29 is
preferably a
compressible material such as urethane or ~O {santoprene). The molded sleeve
is
~CPe~.evc! ~ y ~6I9b
preferably formed of nylon (32$ ineral filled~nylon ~6) and the outer fitting
is preferably
formed of the same material.
The isolator 29 includes a cylindrical cavity for receiving the cylindrical
shoulder of the molded sleeve and has a spherical cavity or socket 24s for
receiving and
supporting the swivel tube 18 at the one of the conduit end fitting. The
conduit isolator is
preferably assembled to the molded sleeve by folding the two halves about the
living hinge
and over the shoulder portions of the molded sleeve, but could be overmolded.
The
molded outer fitting 24 includes features molded into its outside periphery
that allow the
outer fitting to be secured to a transmission and/or shifter mounting bracket,
any suitable
outer periphery shape could be used. The molded outer fitting is further
characterized by
having a spherical cavity for receiving and supporting a swivel tube, and
having a
cylindrical cavity for receiving the front cylindrical portion of the assembly
created -by
folding the conduit isolator over the molded sleeve. The molded outer also
includes a
radial flange that mates with end cap 23.
The opposite end of the conduit end fitting, i.e., the end that receives the
conduit, is capped with the end cap 23, which, in this embodiment; is
typically formed of
metal. The end cap 23 has a cylindrical cavity for receiving the rear
cylindrical portion of
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the outer f fling 24. The end cap can thus be bent around the outer fitting as
shown or
otherwise connected to cap the assembly created by folding the conduit
isolator over the
molded sleeve.
The conduit isolator, end cap, side entry fitting and molded sleeve, are
dimensioned such that when they are assembled, they have a slight
interference. Because
of this interference, the capping action compresses the conduit isolator up
against both the
front and back portions of the first shoulder of the molded sleeve thus
reducing the lash
generated by the rotational joint. A small amount of lubricant is applied to
the conduit
isolator prior to assembly to facilitate the easy rotational movement of the
conduit end
fitting assembly relative to the axis of the conduit. This avoids the need for
a
circumferential anti-stick surface provided contiguous with the isolator or an
anti-stick
coating on the outer surface of the molded sleeve. Again, the conduit isolator
is
manufactured from a compressible resilient material that isolates against
transmission of
vibration/noise and can be easily compressed by the snap fitting operation.
As noted above, there are several significant differences between the end
fitting of this embodiment and the prior art design shown in Figure 1. To
begin with, a
radially outwardly extending flange 26 is formed on the sleeve 28 proximate
one end
thereof. To accommodate the flange, the outer fitting 24 includes an annular
collar 22 with
an internal lip that extends radially inward of the outer edge of the flange
26. The
provision of the flange 26 and collar 22 allows the flange 26 of the sleeve 28
to be
sandwiched and thus secured against lash in both directions. Specifically, the
flange is
sandwiched between the end cap 23 in one direction and the internal lip of the
outer fitting
in the other direction. As a result, the only lash possible is due to
compression of the
isolator. Consequently, this design reduces lash to a very low level, while
also providing
noise and vibration isolation.
In addition, the spherical socket or cavity 24s for receiving the swivel tube
18
is formed by spherical portions of two distinct components, the outer fitting
24 and the
isolator 29. This makes it possible to insert the swivel tube through the back
side of the
. outer fitting 24 (before the isolator and sleeve are inserted therein)
rather than snapping the
swivel tube into the socket. As a consequence, the spherical extent of the
socket can be
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greater than otherwise possible to ensure that the swivel tube is securely
retained within the
socket.
Figure 3 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention.
Again, the control cable 10 includes a conduit 12 and a wire-like strand or
core element 14.
The end of the strand 14 is attached to a slider rod 16 that extends within a
swivel tube 18.
The swivel tube 18 is supported within a swivel socket provided in the end
fitting.
The end fitting of this embodiment includes a hard plastic sleeve 38 molded
onto an end of the conduit 12. The molded sleeve is fastened directly onto and
along the
longitudinal axis of the conduit and is characterized by having a first
cylindrical shoulder
feature (provided by radial flange 36) for receiving and retaining a
compressible isolator 39
and a second cylindrical shoulder feature for guiding the rotational movement
of the whole
end fitting assembly along the axis of the conduit.
The compressible isolator 39 is formed of a compressible elastic (resilient)
elastomeric material. This is to be contrasted with the molded sleeve 38 and
the outer
fitting 34, both of which are formed of a hard, -noncompressible plastic
material. The
specific materials used are not critical, but the isolator must be
significantly more
compressible that the molded sleeve and outer fitting. The isolator 3 9 is
preferably a
compressible material such as urethane or TPO (santoprene). The molded sleeve
38 is
IIld6/96
preferably formed of nylon (32$ /mineral filled nylon 66) and the outer
fitting 34 and end
cap 33 are preferably formed of the same material.
The isolator 39 includes a cylindrical cavity for receiving the cylindrical
shoulder 36 of the molded sleeve and has a spherical cavity or socket 34s for
receiving and
supporting the swivel tube 18 at the one of the conduit end fitting. The
conduit isolator is
preferably assembled to the molded sleeve by folding the two halves about the
living hinge
and over the shoulder portions of the molded sleeve, but could be molded over
the molded
sleeve.
Though it is not shown, the sleeve and isolator could be tapered toward the
end of the conduit as in the previous embodiment. Again, such a taper
facilitates assembly
.of the sleeve and isolator into the molded outer fitting 34, reduces lash by
providing a
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radial reaction component to axial forces and facilitates compression of the
isolator for the
same reason.
The molded outer fitting 34 (here a side entry fitting) is characterized by
having features molded into its outside periphery that mate with and snap into
a
transmission and/or shifter mounting bracket. The molded outer fitting 34 is
further
characterized by having a spherical cavity 34s for receiving and supporting
the swivel tube,
and having a cylindrical cavity for receiving the front cylindrical portion of
the assembly
created by folding the conduit isolator over the molded sleeve. The molded
outer fitting 34
also includes an outside lip that mates with an end cap 33 and forms a annular
snap fit.
The end cap 33 is formed of hard plastic and includes a cylindrical cavity for
receiving the rear cylindrical portion of the assembly created .by folding the
conduit isolator
over the molded sleeve. The end cap 33 also includes an internal lip the mates
with the
outer fitting 34 to provide the aforementioned snap fit. In particular, the
side entry fitting
and end cap 33 are snapped together over the top of the assembly created by
folding the
conduit isolator over the molded sleeve to cap the assembly.
The conduit isolator, end cap, side entry fitting and molded sleeve, are
dimensioned such that when they are assembled, they have a slight
interference. Because
of this interference, the capping action compresses the conduit isolator up
against both the
front and back portions of the first shoulder of the molded sleeve thus
reducing the lash
generated by the rotational joint. A small amount of lubricant is applied to
the conduit
isolator prior to assembly to facilitate the easy rotational movement of the
conduit end
fitting assembly relative to the axis of the conduit. This obviates the need
for a
circutnferential anti-stick surface provided contiguous with the isolator or
an anti-stick
coating on the outer surface of the molded sleeve. Again, the conduit isolator
is
manufactured from a compressible resilient material that isolates against
transmission of
vibration/noise and can be easily compressed by the snap fitting operation.
Again, there are several signif cant differences between the end fitting of
this
embodiment and the prior art design shown in Figure 1. To begin with, the
radially
outwardly extending flange 36 is. formed nn the sleeve 38 proximate one end
thereof. To
accommodate the flange, both the outer fitting 34 and the end cap 33 include
annular end
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surfaces that extend radiaIly inward of the outer edge of the flange 36. The
provision of
the flange 36 and collar 32 allows the sleeve 38 to be sandwiched and thus
secured against
lash in both directions. Specifically, the flange is sandwiched between the
end cap 33 in
one direction and the outer fitting 34 in theother direction. As a result, the
only lash
possible is due to compression of the isolator. Consequently, this design
reduces lash to a
very low level, while also providing noise and vibration isolation.
The embodiment of FIG. 3 also includes a snap fit between the outer fitting
and the end cap to ease assembly. In addition, the spherical socket or cavity
34s for
receiving the swivel tube 18 is formed by two distinct components, the outer
fitting and the
isolator. This makes it possible to insert the swivel tube through the back
side of the outer
fitting rather than snapping the swivel tube into the socket. As a
consequence, the spherical
extent of the socket can be greater than otherwise possible to ensure that the
swivel tube is
securely retained within the socket.
It will be appreciated that the present invention provides several significant
advantages over prior art adjusters. In general, these advantages may be
characterized as
significantly reduced Iash, greater simplicity and improved reliability.
While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, the preferred forms and
embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be
apparent to
those skilled in the art that other changes and modifications may be made
without deviating
from the inventive concepts set forth above.
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