Motor vehicles – Steering gear – With fluid power assist
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-06
2004-08-31
Boehler, Anne Marie (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Steering gear
With fluid power assist
C091S37500R, C180S441000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06782966
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a power-assisted steering apparatus for turning the steerable wheels of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known power-assisted steering apparatus includes a pinion gear, a valve sleeve, and a torsion bar. The pinion gear includes a recessed end for receiving an end of the torsion bar. The end of the torsion bar includes a spline for fixing the end of the torsion bar relative to the pinion gear. A pin connects the valve sleeve to the pinion gear. Care must be taken when assembling the torsion bar, the valve sleeve, and the pinion gear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a power-assisted steering apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rack bar that is connectable with the steerable wheels of the vehicle. Linear movement of the rack bar turns the steerable wheels. The apparatus also includes a hydraulic motor for, when actuated, moving the rack bar linearly and a one-piece monolithic component. The one-piece monolithic component has a pinion gear portion for meshingly engaging the rack bar, a valve sleeve portion for cooperating with a valve core for actuating the hydraulic motor, and a torsion bar portion for connection with the valve core and twisting in response to rotation of the valve core relative to the valve sleeve portion to actuate the hydraulic motor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3131554 (1964-05-01), Hornschuch et al.
patent: 3693470 (1972-09-01), Masuyama
patent: 4862571 (1989-09-01), Prinz et al.
patent: 5517899 (1996-05-01), Bohner
patent: 5730040 (1998-03-01), Strong
patent: 6021685 (2000-02-01), Sodona et al.
patent: 6035957 (2000-03-01), Place
Sahr Paul R.
Stoll Richard A.
Boehler Anne Marie
Tarolli, Sundheim Covell & Tummino L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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