RACK AND PINION POWER STEERING GEAR

摘要

RACK AND PINION POWER STEERING GEAR A rack and pinion power steering gear is disclosed which includes a manifolding arrangement to eliminate external fluid connections between the power steering valve and the cylinder. The manifolding arrangement includes a tube which is received within the steering housing. The diameter of the tube is less than the diameter of the housing in which the rack is received so that an annular fluid passage is defined between the outer circumferential surface of the tube and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The annular passage communicates fluid the entire length of the rack mechanism, so that fluid may be selectively admitted to opposite sides of the piston depending upon the direction which the vehicle wheels are turned. The manifolding mechanism further includes a sleeve which extends into the tube and which is provided with passages extending therethrough to communicate fluid pressure to the other side of the piston. The sleeve also serves to seal against the rack to prevent fluid from leaking from the hydraulic cylinder. The entire manifolding arrangement is designed so that the same basic housing may be used for either power or manual rack and pinion gears, the manifolding arrangement being added to provide a power assist without any substantial change in the machining or design of the housing.