Steering column assist system

US9533701B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation · US

Inventors

• William D. Cymbal · Freeland, US
• Niklaus A. vonMatt · Midland, US
• Jeffrey E. Beyerlein · Frankenmuth, US
• John M. Andres · Saginaw, US
• Jason T. Rutkiewicz · Freeland, US
• Daniel J. Diffin · Saginaw, US
• Kevin C. Ross · Hemlock, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 7, 2012
• Grant date: Jan 3, 2017
• Expiry date: Aug 7, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2057/0224
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A power-assisted steering system includes a control shaft arranged along a control shaft axis. An assist drive shaft defines a drive shaft axis and is arranged in a plane that is substantially transverse to the control shaft axis. The assist drive shaft is supported relative to the vehicle structure by a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. A worm is disposed about the assist drive shaft. A worm gear is coupled to the control shaft, and the worm gear and control shaft are configured for rotation about the control shaft axis. The worm gear is configured for engaging the worm such that rotation of the worm and the assist drive shaft about the drive shaft axis causes rotation of the worm gear and the control shaft about the control shaft axis. The first bearing assembly is configured as an eccentric bearing assembly.