Rack and pinion steering gear with low friction roller yoke design
US6736021B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1967
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12) having an axially extending passage (14) and a yoke bore (18) that intersects the axially extending passage (14) within the housing (12). A pinion gear (26) is rotatably mounted in the housing (12). A rack bar (34) extends through the axially extending passage (14) and is movable relative to the pinion gear (26). The rack bar (34) has teeth in meshing engagement with teeth (32) of the pinion gear (26). A yoke assembly (54) is located in the yoke bore (18) of the housing (12) for at least partially supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (34) relative to the pinion gear (26). The yoke assembly (54) comprises a yoke (56) having first and second roller assemblies (154 and 166) for contacting the rack bar (34) and rotating during movement of the rack bar (34). A first spindle (112) supports the first roller assembly (154) and a second spindle (114) supports the second roller assembly (166).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.