Steering gear assembly having rack bushing
US7665747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2240/40
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rack and pinion steering gear assembly including a housing, a rack that is translatably moveable relative to the housing along an axis and a bushing operably disposed between the rack and housing. The bushing defines a gap which extends the entire axial length of the bushing. At least one compressible member may be disposed between the bushing and the housing with the compressible member extending across the gap in the bushing and fully encircling the bushing. The bushing may also include a radial flange that acts as a travel stop. The bushing may also be formed of an acetal material wherein the flange and a tubular portion of the bushing are axially separated by an intermediate portion having a relatively thin radial thickness. Axially extending recesses may be provided to enhance the flexibility of the bushing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.