US20180105197A1 - Worm gear hub - Google Patents
Worm gear hub Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180105197A1 US20180105197A1 US15/799,551 US201715799551A US2018105197A1 US 20180105197 A1 US20180105197 A1 US 20180105197A1 US 201715799551 A US201715799551 A US 201715799551A US 2018105197 A1 US2018105197 A1 US 2018105197A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lugs
- face
- individual lugs
- diameter
- gear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012255 powdered metal Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010273 cold forging Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005242 forging Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009740 moulding (composite fabrication) Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- BLRPTPMANUNPDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silane Chemical compound [SiH4] BLRPTPMANUNPDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000137 annealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000077 silane Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D3/00—Steering gears
- B62D3/02—Steering gears mechanical
- B62D3/04—Steering gears mechanical of worm type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
- B23P15/00—Making specific metal objects by operations not covered by a single other subclass or a group in this subclass
- B23P15/14—Making specific metal objects by operations not covered by a single other subclass or a group in this subclass gear parts, e.g. gear wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
- B29C70/74—Moulding material on a relatively small portion of the preformed part, e.g. outsert moulding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D5/00—Power-assisted or power-driven steering
- B62D5/04—Power-assisted or power-driven steering electrical, e.g. using an electric servo-motor connected to, or forming part of, the steering gear
- B62D5/0409—Electric motor acting on the steering column
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H55/00—Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motion; Worms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
- F16H55/02—Toothed members; Worms
- F16H55/06—Use of materials; Use of treatments of toothed members or worms to affect their intrinsic material properties
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H55/00—Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motion; Worms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
- F16H55/02—Toothed members; Worms
- F16H55/17—Toothed wheels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H55/00—Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motion; Worms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
- F16H55/02—Toothed members; Worms
- F16H55/22—Toothed members; Worms for transmissions with crossing shafts, especially worms, worm-gears
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21K—MAKING FORGED OR PRESSED METAL PRODUCTS, e.g. HORSE-SHOES, RIVETS, BOLTS OR WHEELS
- B21K1/00—Making machine elements
- B21K1/28—Making machine elements wheels; discs
- B21K1/30—Making machine elements wheels; discs with gear-teeth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/44—Joining a heated non plastics element to a plastics element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
- B29C66/034—Thermal after-treatments
- B29C66/0344—Annealing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/74—Joining plastics material to non-plastics material
- B29C66/742—Joining plastics material to non-plastics material to metals or their alloys
- B29C66/7428—Transition metals or their alloys
- B29C66/74283—Iron or alloys of iron, e.g. steel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2305/00—Use of metals, their alloys or their compounds, as reinforcement
- B29K2305/08—Transition metals
- B29K2305/12—Iron
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2015/00—Gear wheels or similar articles with grooves or projections, e.g. control knobs
- B29L2015/003—Gears
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H55/00—Elements with teeth or friction surfaces for conveying motion; Worms, pulleys or sheaves for gearing mechanisms
- F16H55/02—Toothed members; Worms
- F16H55/06—Use of materials; Use of treatments of toothed members or worms to affect their intrinsic material properties
- F16H2055/065—Moulded gears, e.g. inserts therefor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49462—Gear making
- Y10T29/49467—Gear shaping
- Y10T29/49469—Worm gear
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/19—Gearing
- Y10T74/1987—Rotary bodies
Definitions
- the subject invention relates to a worm gear hub and more particularly a worm gear hub assembly suitable for use in electric power steering units and systems.
- an electric motor drives a worm shaft and worm gear to provide assist torque to the turning of a steering shaft. This reduces the effort required to steer a vehicle.
- worm gears used in these systems have been made using a solid steel puck. Each puck is then machined with a knurl on the perimeter. The puck then is the base or hub of the worm gear assembly.
- the knurled surface is bead blasted to prep for a silane solution treatment that prepares the metal for bonding.
- a ring of plastic made by a spin cast method, is placed on the metal.
- the worm gear assembly is heated to cause the plastic to melt into the knurl surface of the hub and bond to the steel. This is followed by an annealing cycle to stress relieve the plastic.
- the hub assembly is pressed onto a shaft and teeth are hobbed (or cut) into the plastic ring to complete the gear assembly.
- the knurl to plastic bond transfers assist torque from the worm shaft, through the worm gear assembly, to the steering shaft.
- the process of making one gear hub assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,638,390.
- a worm gear hub and worm gear hub assembly capable of transferring torque between a worm shaft and a steering shaft without the prior disadvantages.
- an electric power steering system includes a steering shaft connected to a handwheel at one end and a rack and pinion steering mechanism at an opposite end. Also included is a steering assist unit comprising an electric motor operated by a controller and driving a worm and a worm gear interposed between said worm and said steering shaft, said worm having worm teeth and said worm gear fitted on said steering shaft.
- the worm gear also includes a disk having a first face axially disposed opposite a second face.
- a first plurality of individual lugs formed on said first face circumferentially adjacent an outer circumferential edge of said disk, wherein each lug of said first plurality of individual lugs having a first inner circumferential edge formed on said first face along a first retaining diameter, said first retaining diameter generally less than a disk diameter, circumferentially adjacent lugs of said first plurality of individual lugs having a first circumferential spacing therebetween.
- a plurality of gear teeth on an outer edge surface of said ring for meshing with said worm teeth.
- a method of making a worm gear includes forming a gear blank having a plurality of individual lugs formed about an outer circumferential edge of said blank to facilitate a uniform flow of a material around said plurality of individual lugs.
- the method also includes molding said material around said plurality of individual lugs to form a ring.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power steering system in accordance with the invention
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a gear hub blank in accordance with the invention
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gear hub blank of FIG. 2 , taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a pictorial view showing another aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a pictorial view, partially in cross-section, taken generally along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a finished worm gear in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is an elevation view, partially in cross-section showing another aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a detail view taken from area 8 - 8 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 9 is an pictorial view of a gear hub blank in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the gear hub blank of FIG. 9 taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a pictorial view showing another aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows an electric power steering (EPS) system 10 for a motor vehicle.
- the EPS system 10 includes a rack-and-pinion type steering mechanism 12 that is comprised of a toothed rack (not shown) and a pinion gear (not shown) located under a gear housing 14 .
- a steering wheel 16 is coupled to an upper steering shaft 18 .
- the upper steering shaft 18 which is connected to a lower steering shaft 20 through a universal joint 22 , turns the pinion gear.
- Rotation of the pinion gear moves the toothed rack, which moves tie rods 24 (only one shown) that, in turn, move steering knuckles 26 (only one shown), which turn wheels 28 (only one shown).
- EPS assist torque is provided through a steering assist unit 30 , which includes a controller 32 and an electric motor 34 .
- the controller 32 is powered by a vehicle power supply 36 through a supply line 38 .
- the controller 32 receives a signal indicative of the vehicle velocity on a signal line 40 .
- Steering pinion gear angle is measured by a position sensor 42 and fed to the controller 32 through a line 44 .
- a torque sensor 43 senses the torque applied to the steering wheel 16 by a vehicle operator.
- the torque sensor 43 may include a torsion bar (not shown) and a variable-resistance type of sensor (not shown) that outputs a variable resistance signal to the controller 32 through a line 46 in relation to the amount of twist on the torsion bar.
- the controller 32 In response to the inputs on lines 40 , 44 and 46 , the controller 32 sends a command signal through a line 48 to the electric motor 34 .
- the motor 34 supplies an assist torque to the steering system 10 through a worm 50 and a worm gear 52 , in order to provide a steering torque assist to the steering system 10 that supplements the steering force exerted by a vehicle operator.
- FIGS. 2, 3 and 8 show a gear hub blank 110 .
- the gear hub blank 110 includes an outer circumferential edge 111 , having a diameter defined by a plurality of bent tabs (or tangs) 112 , extending radially outward from a center axis “X”.
- Gear hub blank 110 also includes an inner circumferential edge 114 .
- a body portion 115 of hub 110 extends between outer circumferential edge 111 and inner circumferential edge 114 .
- an opposite inner face 132 and an opposite outer face 133 of gear hub blank 110 are generally non-symmetrical on body portion 115 , which comprises a series of concentric ring corrugations 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 and 146 falling into a plurality of planes, and arranged about center axis “X”.
- concentric ring corrugations 141 - 146 provide added rigidity to gear hub blank 110 . It will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the number, size and radial width of corrugations may vary depending on design torque forces and/or the gear hub blank material.
- gear hub blank 110 is a cold formed metal incorporating opposing bent tabs 112 extending from an outer perimeter 151 of gear hub blank 110 , and in a further embodiment is made from SAE grade 1015 steel.
- Outer perimeter 151 also has a diameter, the outer perimeter 151 diameter being less than the diameter of outer circumferential edge 111 .
- the gear hub blank 110 can be formed from metal utilizing a variety of stamping, spin forming, flow forming and machining techniques as required for producing the desired geometry.
- bent tabs 112 of gear hub blank 110 are shown in detail.
- each bent tab 112 spans an arc “A” that in the embodiment shown is an 18 degree arc.
- the spacing between adjacent bent tabs 112 identified as “B” has a 2 degree arc.
- the span of arc “A” may be non-uniform or may vary between adjacent bent tabs 112 , as may the spacing between adjacent bent tabs 112 , identified as “B”, depending on size and torque requirements for gear hub blank 110 .
- the geometry of gear hub blank 110 includes an angle “C” of about 45 degrees at the inner circumferential edge 114 and extending radially outwardly. This angle extends about half of the thickness “D” of inner circumferential edge, and in an exemplary embodiment is about 1.5 millimeters. This geometry facilitates pressing the gear hub blank 110 onto a shaft, as will be described herein.
- bent tabs 112 are generally orthogonal to inner face 132 and outer face 133 of gear hub blank 110 and extend axially from face 133 . Adjacent bent tabs 112 extend in opposing axial directions, such that they are about 180 degrees opposed. Of course, depending on torque requirements, other configurations for bent tabs 112 may be contemplated, including a configuration in which bent tabs simultaneously extend radially from the center “X” of hub blank 110 and also extend at an acute angle from inner face 132 and outer face 133 . For example, it will be appreciated that bent tabs 112 may extend from each of faces 132 and 133 at an angle from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees—with the example angle of 90 degrees shown. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that the adjacent bent tabs 112 described and shown herein as alternating in opposite directions may, instead, take on a different geometric order such that pairs may extend in the same direction or pairs extend from the same face, but at differing angles.
- a polymeric ring 160 is placed on gear hub blank 110 to form a gear blank 170 .
- the polymeric ring 160 includes an inner ring face 161 , outer ring face 162 , an outer edge surface 163 and partial edge surfaces 164 and 165 .
- partial edge surface 164 extends generally orthogonally from opposite inner face 132 of gear hub blank 110
- partial edge surface 165 extends generally orthogonally from opposite outer face 133 of gear hub blank 110
- Outer edge surface 163 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of outer circumferential edge 111
- partial edge surfaces 164 and 165 have an inner diameter less than the diameter of outer perimeter 151 .
- the bent tabs 112 of gear hub blank 110 are covered by the polymeric ring 160 , and encased therein.
- polymeric ring 160 is injection molded onto gear hub blank 110 , made possible by the bent tabs 112 .
- the polymeric ring 160 is injection molded in a generally rectangular cross-section, as seen in FIG. 5 , forming a generally toroid shape, completing the gear blank 170 as seen in FIG. 4 .
- gear blank 170 is pressed or welded onto a shaft, and in the example shown, lower steering shaft 20 .
- the pressing step is followed by a hobbing process that cuts multiple individual gear teeth 180 into the outer edge surface 163 of polymeric ring 160 of gear blank 170 .
- the result is the worm gear 52 , shown in FIG. 6 placed within the steering mechanism 12 of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 7 shows lower steering shaft 20 and torque sensor 43 connected to torsion bar 45 .
- Worm gear 52 shown in cross-section, is pressed on lower steering shaft 20 and driven by the worm 50 which is in turn driven by electric motor 34 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- Bent tabs 112 of gear hub blank 110 provide both axial and radial retention of the polymeric material comprising polymeric ring 160 over gear hub blank 110 .
- the thickness of the base stock from gear hub blank 110 in bent tabs 112 provides the ability to transfer torque from one shaft to another, once gear teeth 180 have been cut in the gear blank 170 .
- the bent tabs 112 of worm gear 52 carry torsional stiffness between lower shaft 20 and worm 50 , allowing EPS system 10 to reliably perform at a significant cost reduction.
- FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of a gear hub blank that may be used in applications where gear hub blank 110 may otherwise be used.
- the gear blank hub 210 is generally a disk shape and includes an outer circumferential edge 211 , having a diameter defined by a plurality of individual lugs 212 , extending radially outward from a center axis “X′.
- Gear hub blank 210 also includes an inner circumferential edge 214 .
- a body portion 215 of gear hub blank 210 extends between outer circumferential edge 211 and inner circumferential edge 214 .
- hub portion 284 provides a concentric opening and an interface for a shaft to transmit torque to lugs 212 .
- the hub portion 284 is of thicker construction compared to other portions of gear hub blank 210 to maintain hoop strength.
- An opposite inner face 232 and an opposite outer face 233 of gear hub blank 210 are generally non-symmetrical on body portion 215 , which comprises a series of concentric ring corrugations 241 , 242 , 243 , 244 , 245 , 246 , 247 , and 248 falling into a plurality of planes, and arranged about center axis “X”.
- hub portion 284 and concentric ring corrugations 241 - 248 provide added rigidity to gear hub blank 210 . It will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the number, size and radial width of hub portion 284 and corrugations 241 - 248 may vary depending on design torque forces and/or the gear hub blank material.
- gear hub blank 210 is a cold formed metal, and in a further embodiment is made from SAE grade 1015 steel.
- the gear hub blank 210 can be formed from metal utilizing a variety of pressed powdered metal forming, stamping, spin forming, flow forming and machining techniques as required for producing the desired geometry.
- lugs 212 of gear hub blank 210 are shown in detail.
- adjacent lugs 212 are formed on opposite inner face 232 and outer face 233 .
- each lug 212 spans an arc “E” that in the embodiment shown is an approximately 8.75 degree arc.
- Circumferentially adjacent lugs 212 formed on each inner face 232 and outer face 233 are spaced apart by cavities 282 formed by the raised portions of lugs 212 and inner face 232 and outer face 233 .
- each cavity may span an arc “E” in the embodiment shown as an approximately 8.75 degree arc. It will be appreciated that other numbers of lugs 212 and cavities 282 may be used on gear hub blank 210 .
- span of arc “E” may be non-uniform or may vary between circumferentially adjacent lugs 212 on each inner face 232 and outer face 233 , as may the spacing between circumferentially adjacent lugs 212 on each inner face 232 and outer face 233 , and the span of cavities 282 , depending on size and torque requirements for gear hub blank 210 .
- the lugs 212 of face 232 are rotationally offset from the lugs 212 of face 233 .
- the lugs 212 of face 233 are offset by arc “E”, causing each lug 212 to be opposite a cavity 282 on the opposite face.
- the offset may be any other amount.
- lugs 212 of opposite faces may have overlap.
- lugs 212 are protrusions generally orthogonal to inner face 232 and outer face 233 of gear hub blank 210 .
- Lugs 212 extend radially from a retaining inner lug diameter 286 to an outer circumferential edge 211 .
- Each lug 212 has a raised inner edge 280 a formed circumferentially about retaining inner lug diameter 286 .
- Raised inner edge 280 a is raised above inner face 232 or outer face 233 .
- each lug has two lateral edges 280 b radially extending from a retaining inner lug diameter 286 to an outer circumferential edge 211 .
- Lateral edges 280 b are raised above inner face 232 or outer face 233 and cavities 282 .
- Lugs 212 terminate at outer circumferential edge 211 with a lug outer edge 280 c.
- cavities 282 may be formed therebetween.
- Cavity 282 is generally recessed compared to lugs 212 and inner face 232 and outer face 233 .
- Cavities 282 are generally formed by the raised lateral edges 280 b, 280 c of circumferentially adjacent lugs 212 .
- Inner cavity edge 282 a is formed along retaining inner lug diameter 286 and terminates at outer circumferential edge 211 .
- lugs 212 may be contemplated. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that the adjacent lugs 212 described and shown herein as alternating in opposite directions may, instead, take on a different geometric order such that lugs 212 are only formed from the same face or formed in an alternative pattern.
- a polymeric ring 160 may be placed on gear hub blank 210 to form a gear blank 170 .
- the use of lugs 212 and cavities 282 allows for advantageous flow characteristics during formation of polymeric ring 160 .
- the polymeric flow 260 a flows around gear hub blank 210 , the polymeric flow 260 a does not experience any flow restrictions or obstructions that may otherwise slow down polymeric flow 260 a. Accordingly, polymeric flow 260 a flows around gear hub blank 260 a and flow edges 264 a, 265 a in a uniform manner, allowing polymeric flow 260 a to join around gear hub blank 210 and cool in a uniform manner.
- the uniform flow behavior of polymeric flow 260 a reduces the occurrence of “flow” and “knit” lines wherein polymeric flow 260 a of different temperatures and different consistencies would previously come together. Such a uniform flow behavior of polymeric flow 260 a allows for increased strength and dimensional stability of polymeric ring 160 and gear blank 170 .
- lugs 212 of gear hub blank 210 provide retention of the polymeric material comprising polymeric ring 160 over gear hub blank 210 .
- the inner lug edge 280 a along retaining inner lug diameter 286 allows for radial and axial retention of polymeric ring 160 .
- lateral edges 280 b allow for torsional retention of polymeric ring 160 . Accordingly, the use of lugs 212 allows for a high level of torque transmission compared to conventional designs.
- the thickness of the base stock from gear hub blank 210 particularly in hub portion 284 provides the ability to transfer torque from one shaft to another, once gear teeth 180 have been cut in the gear blank 170 .
- the lugs 212 of worm gear 52 carry torsional stiffness between lower shaft 20 and worm 50 , allowing EPS system 10 to reliably perform at a significant cost reduction by allowing the use of less material in gear blank hub 210 , an overall smaller diameter and lighter part weight.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Gears, Cams (AREA)
- Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This patent application is a divisional application of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/449,737, filed Aug. 1, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/818,675, filed Jun. 18, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/218,801 filed Jun. 19, 2009, the disclosure of each above-referenced application incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety.
- The subject invention relates to a worm gear hub and more particularly a worm gear hub assembly suitable for use in electric power steering units and systems.
- In an Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit an electric motor drives a worm shaft and worm gear to provide assist torque to the turning of a steering shaft. This reduces the effort required to steer a vehicle. Currently worm gears used in these systems have been made using a solid steel puck. Each puck is then machined with a knurl on the perimeter. The puck then is the base or hub of the worm gear assembly.
- The knurled surface is bead blasted to prep for a silane solution treatment that prepares the metal for bonding. A ring of plastic, made by a spin cast method, is placed on the metal. After the plastic is pressed on, the worm gear assembly is heated to cause the plastic to melt into the knurl surface of the hub and bond to the steel. This is followed by an annealing cycle to stress relieve the plastic. The hub assembly is pressed onto a shaft and teeth are hobbed (or cut) into the plastic ring to complete the gear assembly. As use in an electric power steering application or other application, the knurl to plastic bond transfers assist torque from the worm shaft, through the worm gear assembly, to the steering shaft. The process of making one gear hub assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,638,390.
- Machining of gear hubs to create the knurled surface with which to bond the plastic is expensive, as are powdered metal hubs.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a worm gear hub and worm gear hub assembly capable of transferring torque between a worm shaft and a steering shaft without the prior disadvantages.
- According to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an electric power steering system includes a steering shaft connected to a handwheel at one end and a rack and pinion steering mechanism at an opposite end. Also included is a steering assist unit comprising an electric motor operated by a controller and driving a worm and a worm gear interposed between said worm and said steering shaft, said worm having worm teeth and said worm gear fitted on said steering shaft. The worm gear also includes a disk having a first face axially disposed opposite a second face. Also included is a first plurality of individual lugs formed on said first face circumferentially adjacent an outer circumferential edge of said disk, wherein each lug of said first plurality of individual lugs having a first inner circumferential edge formed on said first face along a first retaining diameter, said first retaining diameter generally less than a disk diameter, circumferentially adjacent lugs of said first plurality of individual lugs having a first circumferential spacing therebetween. Further included is a ring overlaying a portion of said disk including said first plurality of individual lugs, said ring having an outer diameter, said outer diameter generally greater than said disk diameter. Yet further included is a plurality of gear teeth on an outer edge surface of said ring for meshing with said worm teeth.
- In another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a method of making a worm gear is provided. The method includes forming a gear blank having a plurality of individual lugs formed about an outer circumferential edge of said blank to facilitate a uniform flow of a material around said plurality of individual lugs. The method also includes molding said material around said plurality of individual lugs to form a ring.
- The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power steering system in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a gear hub blank in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gear hub blank ofFIG. 2 , taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 . is a pictorial view showing another aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a pictorial view, partially in cross-section, taken generally along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a finished worm gear in accordance with one aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is an elevation view, partially in cross-section showing another aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a detail view taken from area 8-8 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 9 is an pictorial view of a gear hub blank in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the gear hub blank ofFIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 11 is a pictorial view showing another aspect of the invention. - Referring now to the Figures, where the invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments without limiting same, and in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
FIG. 1 shows an electric power steering (EPS)system 10 for a motor vehicle. TheEPS system 10 includes a rack-and-piniontype steering mechanism 12 that is comprised of a toothed rack (not shown) and a pinion gear (not shown) located under agear housing 14. Asteering wheel 16 is coupled to anupper steering shaft 18. As thesteering wheel 16 is turned, theupper steering shaft 18, which is connected to alower steering shaft 20 through auniversal joint 22, turns the pinion gear. Rotation of the pinion gear moves the toothed rack, which moves tie rods 24 (only one shown) that, in turn, move steering knuckles 26 (only one shown), which turn wheels 28 (only one shown). - EPS assist torque is provided through a
steering assist unit 30, which includes acontroller 32 and anelectric motor 34. Thecontroller 32 is powered by avehicle power supply 36 through asupply line 38. Thecontroller 32 receives a signal indicative of the vehicle velocity on asignal line 40. Steering pinion gear angle is measured by aposition sensor 42 and fed to thecontroller 32 through aline 44. As thesteering wheel 16 is turned, atorque sensor 43 senses the torque applied to thesteering wheel 16 by a vehicle operator. Thetorque sensor 43 may include a torsion bar (not shown) and a variable-resistance type of sensor (not shown) that outputs a variable resistance signal to thecontroller 32 through aline 46 in relation to the amount of twist on the torsion bar. - In response to the inputs on
lines controller 32 sends a command signal through aline 48 to theelectric motor 34. Themotor 34, in turn, supplies an assist torque to thesteering system 10 through aworm 50 and aworm gear 52, in order to provide a steering torque assist to thesteering system 10 that supplements the steering force exerted by a vehicle operator. -
FIGS. 2, 3 and 8 show a gear hub blank 110. As shown, the gear hub blank 110 includes an outercircumferential edge 111, having a diameter defined by a plurality of bent tabs (or tangs) 112, extending radially outward from a center axis “X”. Gear hub blank 110 also includes an innercircumferential edge 114. Abody portion 115 ofhub 110 extends between outercircumferential edge 111 and innercircumferential edge 114. - As best seen in
FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 , an oppositeinner face 132 and an oppositeouter face 133 ofgear hub blank 110 are generally non-symmetrical onbody portion 115, which comprises a series ofconcentric ring corrugations hub blank 110. It will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the number, size and radial width of corrugations may vary depending on design torque forces and/or the gear hub blank material. - In an exemplary embodiment,
gear hub blank 110 is a cold formed metal incorporating opposingbent tabs 112 extending from anouter perimeter 151 ofgear hub blank 110, and in a further embodiment is made from SAE grade 1015 steel.Outer perimeter 151 also has a diameter, theouter perimeter 151 diameter being less than the diameter of outercircumferential edge 111. Thegear hub blank 110 can be formed from metal utilizing a variety of stamping, spin forming, flow forming and machining techniques as required for producing the desired geometry. - Referring again to
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,bent tabs 112 ofgear hub blank 110 are shown in detail. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , there are eighteen separatebent tabs 112 extending fromouter perimeter 151 and ending at outercircumferential edge 111 ofgear hub blank 110. - In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each
bent tab 112 spans an arc “A” that in the embodiment shown is an 18 degree arc. The spacing between adjacentbent tabs 112, identified as “B” has a 2 degree arc. It will be appreciated that other numbers ofbent tabs 112 may be used ongear hub blank 110. Further, it will be appreciated that the span of arc “A” may be non-uniform or may vary between adjacentbent tabs 112, as may the spacing between adjacentbent tabs 112, identified as “B”, depending on size and torque requirements forgear hub blank 110. Further, as specifically seen inFIG. 8 , the geometry ofgear hub blank 110 includes an angle “C” of about 45 degrees at the innercircumferential edge 114 and extending radially outwardly. This angle extends about half of the thickness “D” of inner circumferential edge, and in an exemplary embodiment is about 1.5 millimeters. This geometry facilitates pressing thegear hub blank 110 onto a shaft, as will be described herein. - As shown,
bent tabs 112 are generally orthogonal toinner face 132 andouter face 133 ofgear hub blank 110 and extend axially fromface 133. Adjacentbent tabs 112 extend in opposing axial directions, such that they are about 180 degrees opposed. Of course, depending on torque requirements, other configurations forbent tabs 112 may be contemplated, including a configuration in which bent tabs simultaneously extend radially from the center “X” ofhub blank 110 and also extend at an acute angle frominner face 132 andouter face 133. For example, it will be appreciated thatbent tabs 112 may extend from each of faces 132 and 133 at an angle from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees—with the example angle of 90 degrees shown. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that the adjacentbent tabs 112 described and shown herein as alternating in opposite directions may, instead, take on a different geometric order such that pairs may extend in the same direction or pairs extend from the same face, but at differing angles. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , apolymeric ring 160 is placed ongear hub blank 110 to form agear blank 170. Thepolymeric ring 160 includes aninner ring face 161,outer ring face 162, anouter edge surface 163 and partial edge surfaces 164 and 165. As seenpartial edge surface 164 extends generally orthogonally from oppositeinner face 132 ofgear hub blank 110, whilepartial edge surface 165 extends generally orthogonally from oppositeouter face 133 ofgear hub blank 110.Outer edge surface 163 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of outercircumferential edge 111, while partial edge surfaces 164 and 165 have an inner diameter less than the diameter ofouter perimeter 151. Thebent tabs 112 ofgear hub blank 110 are covered by thepolymeric ring 160, and encased therein. In an exemplary embodiment,polymeric ring 160 is injection molded ontogear hub blank 110, made possible by thebent tabs 112. Thepolymeric ring 160 is injection molded in a generally rectangular cross-section, as seen inFIG. 5 , forming a generally toroid shape, completing the gear blank 170 as seen inFIG. 4 . - Thereafter, gear blank 170 is pressed or welded onto a shaft, and in the example shown,
lower steering shaft 20. The pressing step is followed by a hobbing process that cuts multipleindividual gear teeth 180 into theouter edge surface 163 ofpolymeric ring 160 of gear blank 170. The result is theworm gear 52, shown inFIG. 6 placed within thesteering mechanism 12 ofFIG. 7 . As illustrated,FIG. 7 showslower steering shaft 20 andtorque sensor 43 connected totorsion bar 45.Worm gear 52, shown in cross-section, is pressed onlower steering shaft 20 and driven by theworm 50 which is in turn driven by electric motor 34 (shown inFIG. 1 ). -
Bent tabs 112 ofgear hub blank 110 provide both axial and radial retention of the polymeric material comprisingpolymeric ring 160 overgear hub blank 110. In addition, the thickness of the base stock fromgear hub blank 110 inbent tabs 112 provides the ability to transfer torque from one shaft to another, oncegear teeth 180 have been cut in thegear blank 170. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, thebent tabs 112 ofworm gear 52 carry torsional stiffness betweenlower shaft 20 andworm 50, allowingEPS system 10 to reliably perform at a significant cost reduction. -
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of a gear hub blank that may be used in applications wheregear hub blank 110 may otherwise be used. As shown, the gearblank hub 210 is generally a disk shape and includes an outercircumferential edge 211, having a diameter defined by a plurality ofindividual lugs 212, extending radially outward from a center axis “X′. Gear hub blank 210 also includes an innercircumferential edge 214. Abody portion 215 ofgear hub blank 210 extends between outercircumferential edge 211 and innercircumferential edge 214. - As best seen in
FIG. 10 hub portion 284 provides a concentric opening and an interface for a shaft to transmit torque to lugs 212. In certain embodiments, thehub portion 284 is of thicker construction compared to other portions ofgear hub blank 210 to maintain hoop strength. An oppositeinner face 232 and an oppositeouter face 233 ofgear hub blank 210 are generally non-symmetrical onbody portion 215, which comprises a series ofconcentric ring corrugations hub portion 284 and concentric ring corrugations 241-248 provide added rigidity to gearhub blank 210. It will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the number, size and radial width ofhub portion 284 and corrugations 241-248 may vary depending on design torque forces and/or the gear hub blank material. - In an exemplary embodiment,
gear hub blank 210 is a cold formed metal, and in a further embodiment is made from SAE grade 1015 steel. Thegear hub blank 210 can be formed from metal utilizing a variety of pressed powdered metal forming, stamping, spin forming, flow forming and machining techniques as required for producing the desired geometry. - Referring again to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , lugs 212 ofgear hub blank 210 are shown in detail. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , there are twentyseparate lugs 212 oninner face 232 extending from a retaininginner lug diameter 286 and ending adjacent to outercircumferential edge 211 ofgear hub blank 210. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, there are twentyseparate lugs 212 onouter face 233, offset from the lugs oninner face 232, extending from retaininginner lug diameter 286 and ending adjacent to outercircumferential edge 211 ofgear hub blank 210. In an exemplary embodiment,adjacent lugs 212 are formed on oppositeinner face 232 andouter face 233. - In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each
lug 212 spans an arc “E” that in the embodiment shown is an approximately 8.75 degree arc. Circumferentiallyadjacent lugs 212 formed on eachinner face 232 andouter face 233 are spaced apart bycavities 282 formed by the raised portions oflugs 212 andinner face 232 andouter face 233. Similarly, each cavity may span an arc “E” in the embodiment shown as an approximately 8.75 degree arc. It will be appreciated that other numbers oflugs 212 andcavities 282 may be used ongear hub blank 210. Further, it will be appreciated that the span of arc “E” may be non-uniform or may vary between circumferentiallyadjacent lugs 212 on eachinner face 232 andouter face 233, as may the spacing between circumferentiallyadjacent lugs 212 on eachinner face 232 andouter face 233, and the span ofcavities 282, depending on size and torque requirements forgear hub blank 210. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
lugs 212 offace 232 are rotationally offset from thelugs 212 offace 233. In an exemplary embodiment, thelugs 212 offace 233 are offset by arc “E”, causing eachlug 212 to be opposite acavity 282 on the opposite face. In other embodiments, the offset may be any other amount. In certain embodiments lugs 212 of opposite faces may have overlap. - As shown, lugs 212 are protrusions generally orthogonal to
inner face 232 andouter face 233 ofgear hub blank 210.Lugs 212 extend radially from a retaininginner lug diameter 286 to an outercircumferential edge 211. Eachlug 212 has a raisedinner edge 280 a formed circumferentially about retaininginner lug diameter 286. Raisedinner edge 280 a is raised aboveinner face 232 orouter face 233. Similarly, each lug has twolateral edges 280 b radially extending from a retaininginner lug diameter 286 to an outercircumferential edge 211. Lateral edges 280 b are raised aboveinner face 232 orouter face 233 andcavities 282.Lugs 212 terminate at outercircumferential edge 211 with a lugouter edge 280 c. - Similarly, in between circumferentially
adjacent lugs 212,cavities 282 may be formed therebetween.Cavity 282 is generally recessed compared tolugs 212 andinner face 232 andouter face 233.Cavities 282 are generally formed by the raisedlateral edges adjacent lugs 212.Inner cavity edge 282 a is formed along retaininginner lug diameter 286 and terminates at outercircumferential edge 211. - Of course, depending on torque requirements, other configurations for
lugs 212 may be contemplated. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that theadjacent lugs 212 described and shown herein as alternating in opposite directions may, instead, take on a different geometric order such that lugs 212 are only formed from the same face or formed in an alternative pattern. - Similar to gear
hub blank 110, apolymeric ring 160 may be placed ongear hub blank 210 to form agear blank 170. Referring toFIG. 11 , the use oflugs 212 andcavities 282 allows for advantageous flow characteristics during formation ofpolymeric ring 160. As thepolymeric flow 260 a flows aroundgear hub blank 210, thepolymeric flow 260 a does not experience any flow restrictions or obstructions that may otherwise slow downpolymeric flow 260 a. Accordingly,polymeric flow 260 a flows around gear hub blank 260 a and flow edges 264 a, 265 a in a uniform manner, allowingpolymeric flow 260 a to join aroundgear hub blank 210 and cool in a uniform manner. The uniform flow behavior ofpolymeric flow 260 a reduces the occurrence of “flow” and “knit” lines whereinpolymeric flow 260 a of different temperatures and different consistencies would previously come together. Such a uniform flow behavior ofpolymeric flow 260 a allows for increased strength and dimensional stability ofpolymeric ring 160 and gear blank 170. - In an exemplary embodiment, lugs 212 of
gear hub blank 210 provide retention of the polymeric material comprisingpolymeric ring 160 overgear hub blank 210. Particularly, theinner lug edge 280 a along retaininginner lug diameter 286 allows for radial and axial retention ofpolymeric ring 160. Similarly,lateral edges 280 b allow for torsional retention ofpolymeric ring 160. Accordingly, the use oflugs 212 allows for a high level of torque transmission compared to conventional designs. - In addition, the thickness of the base stock from
gear hub blank 210, particularly inhub portion 284 provides the ability to transfer torque from one shaft to another, oncegear teeth 180 have been cut in thegear blank 170. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, thelugs 212 ofworm gear 52 carry torsional stiffness betweenlower shaft 20 andworm 50, allowingEPS system 10 to reliably perform at a significant cost reduction by allowing the use of less material in gearblank hub 210, an overall smaller diameter and lighter part weight. - While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present application.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (2)
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US15/799,551 US20180105197A1 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2017-10-31 | Worm gear hub |
US17/715,657 US11970216B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2022-04-07 | Worm gear hub |
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US21880109P | 2009-06-19 | 2009-06-19 | |
US12/818,675 US20100320025A1 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2010-06-18 | Worm gear hub |
US14/449,737 US9868459B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2014-08-01 | Worm gear hub |
US15/799,551 US20180105197A1 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2017-10-31 | Worm gear hub |
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US14/449,737 Division US9868459B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2014-08-01 | Worm gear hub |
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US17/715,657 Division US11970216B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2022-04-07 | Worm gear hub |
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US20180105197A1 true US20180105197A1 (en) | 2018-04-19 |
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US15/799,551 Abandoned US20180105197A1 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2017-10-31 | Worm gear hub |
US17/715,657 Active US11970216B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2022-04-07 | Worm gear hub |
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US14/449,737 Active 2031-04-24 US9868459B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2014-08-01 | Worm gear hub |
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US17/715,657 Active US11970216B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2022-04-07 | Worm gear hub |
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Families Citing this family (10)
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US9759304B2 (en) * | 2015-01-28 | 2017-09-12 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Powder metal hub and treatment |
DE102015000928B3 (en) * | 2015-01-28 | 2016-07-21 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Device for introducing an auxiliary torque in a steering shaft of an electromechanical power steering system |
USD869530S1 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2019-12-10 | Apex Dynamics, Inc | Gear |
US20170284474A1 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2017-10-05 | Apex Dynamics, Inc. | Coupler for a power take-out axle of a gearbox |
USD879171S1 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2020-03-24 | Apex Dynamics, Inc | Gear |
DE102018125537A1 (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2020-04-16 | Trw Automotive Gmbh | Multi-part gear and gear for a steering system |
CN111660066B (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2021-11-09 | 福建省永宏针纺机械有限公司 | Forming method and forming equipment for needle cylinder of high-precision circular knitting machine |
CN111644812B (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2021-09-28 | 福建省永宏针纺机械有限公司 | Manufacturing process and equipment for needle cylinder of circular knitting machine |
JP2022012529A (en) * | 2020-07-01 | 2022-01-17 | 株式会社デンソー | Rotatable component and method for manufacturing rotatable component |
ES2971325T3 (en) * | 2020-09-24 | 2024-06-04 | Ims Gear Se & Co Kgaa | Multi-component wheel, sprocket and planetary gear |
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JP2010100217A (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-05-06 | Jtekt Corp | Electric power-steering device |
EP2267336B1 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2013-08-07 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Worm gear hub |
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2014
- 2014-08-01 US US14/449,737 patent/US9868459B2/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-10-31 US US15/799,551 patent/US20180105197A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2022
- 2022-04-07 US US17/715,657 patent/US11970216B2/en active Active
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US1771370A (en) * | 1926-04-13 | 1930-07-22 | Continental Diamond Fibre Co | Mechanical element |
US20060175123A1 (en) * | 2003-03-19 | 2006-08-10 | Toshikazu Yabe | Electric power steering device and resin gear used for the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US9868459B2 (en) | 2018-01-16 |
US20140339011A1 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
US11970216B2 (en) | 2024-04-30 |
US20220227411A1 (en) | 2022-07-21 |
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