Rack and pinion steering apparatus having rack bearing wear compensation with damping
US8336413B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1967
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A power steering apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber. A rack is disposed within the chamber and is moveable along a longitudinal axis. A pinion extends into the chamber for meshing engagement with the rack. A bearing supports the rack relative to the housing and is moveable relative to the housing to re-position the rack relative to the pinion. An adjustment mechanism continuously biases the bearing in response to loosening of the meshing engagement to re-position the rack. A dampener resists the movement of the bearing to slow the re-positioning of the bearing. Preferably, the dampener includes a plastic fluid having a very high viscosity. The plastic fluid is disposed between adjacent moving parts to resist the relative movement between the bearing and the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.