GB1181738A - Improvements in or relating to Rack and Pinion Assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

1,181,738. Rack-and-pinion gearing. CAM GEARS Ltd. 28 Aug., 1968 [7 Sept., 1967], No. 40876/67. Heading F2Q. In a rack and pinion steering mechanism, the rack 1 is maintained in engagement with the pinion 3 by a yoke 4 resiliently urged against the rack 1 by a metal or plastics tapered slipper block 10 which is arranged in a diametral groove 8 in the yoke 4 and is spring-urged at 12 to engage between an end plate 7, of the yoke housing 6, and an inclined surface 9 at the root of the yoke groove 8. In Fig. 3 (not shown), the yoke housing end plate 7 is replaced by a disc (14) seated and retained in the housing 6 by a circlip (15). A port (16) in the housing 6 permits insertion of a plunger (not shown) to press back and release the spring-loaded slipper to facilitate assembly of the rack and pinion, and further, the port (16) may be used as a lubrication point, an 0-ring seal (1.7A) being provided between the yoke 4 and housing 6. In Fig. 4 (not shown), the Fig. 3 embodiment is modified by forming the slipper 10 of nylon and seating it on a floating disc (17) bearing via a resilient ring (18) on the end support disc (14) whereby the yoke 4 and slipper 10 are cushioned against shock loads. In Fig. 5 (not shown), a resilient disc (19) is interposed directly between the end plate 7 (of Fig. 1) and the slipper 10 to similarly cushion the assembly and also eliminate noise and rattle.