Variable gear ratio steering apparatus for automobile

Abstract

A variable gear ratio steering apparatus for an automobile includes an input shaft connected to a steering wheel; a sun gear coaxially formed with the input shaft while enclosing the input shaft; a first pair of planet gears externally meshing with the sun gear; a second pair of planet gears externally meshing with the sun gear; a first carrier coupled to the input shaft while connecting the first pair of planet gears; a second carrier adapted to rotate relative to the input shaft while connecting the second pair of planet gears; a ring gear internally meshing with the first and second pairs of planet gears; and an input shaft connected to the ring gear. The second carrier is inserted into the first carrier while being supported by a compression means so that the second carrier can rotate relative to the input shaft. This reduces backlash.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.