Steering systems
US8844954B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/1967
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.