Recirculating ball power steering system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsMiroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke, Scott R. Kloess, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power steering system for transferring torque to a sector gear includes a first ball screw and a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw. The first ball nut is in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings and is meshed or engaged with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut.
Claims14
A power steering system for transferring torque to a sector gear, comprising:
- a first ball screw;
- a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw and in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings, wherein the first ball nut is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith;
- an electric motor configured to supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut;
- a drive unit disposed between the electric motor and the first ball nut;
- and
- a second ball screw substantially coaxial with the first ball screw.
A power steering system for transferring torque between a steering wheel and a sector gear, comprising:
- an input shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel;
- a first ball screw, wherein the first ball screw is formed on the input shaft;
- a first ball nut circumscribing the first ball screw and in torque-transfer communication with the first ball screw through a plurality of ball bearings, wherein the first ball nut is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith;
- a second ball screw substantially coaxial with the first ball screw;
- a sensor configured to determine torque at the input shaft;
- an electric motor configured to supply torque to the sector gear through the first ball nut;
- and
- a drive unit disposed between the electric motor and the first ball nut.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.