Self-centering steering system

US7401677B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Limited · US

Inventors

• Kevin E. Boyle · Plainfield, US
• Terry D. Carson · Greenville, US
• Mark A. Cartwright · West Lafayette, US
• Stephen J. Green · Burlington, US
• Kurt Achenbach · White Lake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 13, 2002
• Grant date: Jul 22, 2008
• Expiry date: Feb 13, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D7/148
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A steering system (10) for a vehicle (16) comprises a housing (20) having first and second end portions (32, 34) and an intermediate portion (50). A steering member (66) is supported for axial movement in the housing (20). A piston (100) fixed for movement with the steering member (66) has opposite end faces (104, 106). First and second springs (130, 132) engage the end faces (104, 106) of the piston (100) and bias the piston and thereby the steering member (66) in first and second axial directions toward a straight ahead position. Steering linkage (124, 126) connected with the piston member (100) transmits movement of the piston member (100) to steerable wheels (12, 14) of the vehicle.