Variable effort automotive power steering gear and method
US5058696A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 1990 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86662
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable effort automotive power steering gear including an input or stub shaft, an output shaft or pinion head, a torsion bar between the stub shaft and pinion head defining an open-center position of one relative to the other, and detent reaction apparatus between the stub shaft and pinion head. The detent reaction apparatus includes a radial socket in a cylindrical wall of the pinion head, a detent groove in a stem of the stub shaft in the cylindrical wall, an insert rotatably supported in the radial socket with an eccentric bore offset from the centerline of the radial socket, and a detent element slidably supported in the eccentric bore in the insert and having a spherical end adapted to seat in the detent groove. The spherical end of the detent element is centered in the detent groove by rotating the insert until the detent element is at an innermost radial position. The adjusted position of the insert is captured by an in-situ injection molded plastic retainer on the pinion head which engages an exposed cavity on the insert.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.