Rack and pinion steering gear with self-adjusting rack bearing
US7930951B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1967
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering gear assembly with a pinion shaft, rack, housing and rack bearing. A biasing assembly biases the rack bearing against the rack and into engagement with the pinion. The biasing assembly includes a gross adjustment member secured to the housing, a bearing assembly with a bearing member coupled with the rack bearing and a first adjustment member. A first biasing member is coupled with the bearing member and first adjustment member which are relatively moveable to thereby define a compliance zone to allow for dimensional variations in the meshing of the rack and pinion. An adjustment biasing assembly is operably disposed between the gross adjustment member and the bearing assembly. The adjustment biasing assembly is disposed entirely within the housing, includes a second biasing member, and urges the first adjustment member toward the rack bearing in continuously-variable axial movements while preventing movement away from the rack bearing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.