Electric power-assisted steering installation - has axially sprung bevel gear to engage motor pinion without play

摘要

The electric steering servo has a bevel shaped pinion (12) driven by the electric motor (14) which engages a large diameter bevel gear (11) coupled to the steering mechanism. The larger bevel gear has axial movement on the steering shaft (6) and is sprung by a spring element (17) which pushes it into mesh with the pinion. The springs also hold the larger bevel radially. The pinion is coupled to the motor by an e.m. clutch (13). The meshing gears are hypoid type for increased torque. The larger bevel gear is held by double sets of spring tags to attach it rigidly w.r.t. rotation to the steering shaft which is linked to the steering column by a torsion section. ADVANTAGE - no steering noise due to gear play; less gear teeth wear.