Yoke bearing providing improved support
US7032470B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1967
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering gear assembly includes a pinion defining a pinion axis and a rack defining a rack axis. A bearing assembly includes a roller bearing biased against the rack to generate a normal force pressing the rack into engagement with the pinion. The bearing assembly engages an outer surface of the rack at two points circumferentially spanning a large angle to provide improved support. The roller bearing is preferably a plurality of ball bearings engaging an outer race. A deformable member may be utilized that is positioned between the outer race and the rack housing. The deformable member may comprise a series of O-rings which providing a force biasing the outer race towards the pinion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.