Steering apparatus for four-wheeled vehicle
US6334623B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering apparatus for a four-wheeled vehicle transmits a steering force through a steering shaft, a spur gear type reduction gear mechanism, a steering lever and right and left tie rods to right and left knuckles. The reduction gear mechanism includes a pinion gear formed integrally with a pinion shaft, a steering gear mounted on a lever shaft which is combined with the steering lever, and a gear case housing the pinion gear and the steering gear. The steering gear has internal teeth which are engaged with the pinion gear. The lever shaft has a first end portion supported in a bearing held on the gear case. The bearing permits the lever shaft to be turned therein. The lever shaft also has a second end portion supported in a bearing hole. The bearing hole is elongated along the back-and-forth direction so that the second end portion of the lever shaft is able to be shifted along the back-and-forth direction. The second end portion of the lever shaft is biased by a spring so as to press the internal teeth against the pinion gear so that backlash between the pinion gear and the steering gear is eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.