Preload mechanism for power steering apparatus
AssigneeTechco Corporation
InventorEdward H. Phillips
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A preload mechanism for use in a rotary control valve is disclosed. The preload mechanism mechanically interlocks input and output members of the control valve to inhibit relative rotation therebetween when steering torque applied to the input member is below a predetermined preload level. The preload mechanism includes a tension spring ring having at least one pair of elongated slots. Pins secured to each of the input and output members project through and are retained in the slots in an over-constrained manner whereby the preload force is bi-directionally exerted on both of the pins.
Claims9
A rotary control valve comprising:
- an input member adapted to receive input torque applied thereto, said input member having a first pair of spaced apart pins extending therefrom;
- an output member having a second pair of spaced apart pins extending therefrom;
- and
- a preload mechanism including tension spring for operable coupling said input member to said output member, said tension spring being partially compressed when in a neutral position where no torque is being applied to said input member, said tension spring having a pair of engagement portions, each engagement portion abutting one pin of said first and second pairs of spaced apart pins, said first pair of pins movable with respect to said second pair of pins whereby said tension spring is further compressed when input torque is applied to said input member.
A rotary control valve comprising:
- a valve housing;
- a valve sleeve rotatably disposed within said valve housing;
- a valve spool rotatably disposed within said valve sleeve;
- and
- a pinion shaft rotatably connected to said valve sleeve by an Oldham coupling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.