Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Adjustable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-02
2001-08-07
Herrmann, Allan D. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Adjustable
C074S400000, C074S411500, C074S425000, C074S500000, C074S571100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269709
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the clearance between meshing gear teeth and, more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling the clearance between teeth of a worm gear which mesh with teeth of a worm wheel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known electric power steering apparatus includes a torque sensor, which detects steering torque, and an electric motor which drives a vehicle steering member in accordance with the steering torque detected by the torque sensor. The output shaft of the electric motor and the vehicle steering member are typically drivingly coupled by a worm gear and worm wheel. The worm gear and worm wheel have meshing gear teeth.
Wear of the meshing gear teeth of the worm gear and worm wheel causes clearance between the meshing teeth. Such clearance is undesirable. Accordingly, adjustment mechanisms for controlling such clearance are known.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus includes first and second gears with meshing gear teeth, a rotatable eccentric, a torsion spring, and a rotation blocking member. The first gear is rotatable about a first axis and the second gear is rotatable about a second axis. The rotatable eccentric supports the first gear for rotation about the first axis. Rotation of the eccentric in a first direction causes the first axis and the first gear to move toward the second axis. The torsion spring biases the eccentric to rotate in the first direction. The rotation blocking member blocks rotation of the eccentric in a second direction opposite the first direction.
Rotation of the eccentric in the first direction occurs due to the bias of the torsion spring as wear between the meshing gear teeth of the first and second gears occurs. Thus, the apparatus controls the clearance between the meshing teeth of the first and second gears.
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Herrmann Allan D.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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