WO2017205891A1 - Steering rack and pinion assembly - Google Patents
Steering rack and pinion assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2017205891A1 WO2017205891A1 PCT/AU2017/000066 AU2017000066W WO2017205891A1 WO 2017205891 A1 WO2017205891 A1 WO 2017205891A1 AU 2017000066 W AU2017000066 W AU 2017000066W WO 2017205891 A1 WO2017205891 A1 WO 2017205891A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pinion
- steering
- hand drive
- angle
- cross member
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 1
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- B62D3/12—Steering gears mechanical of rack-and-pinion type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of automotive engineering, more particularly steering assemblies for use in the modification of left hand drive vehicles using rack and pinion steering to right hand drive.
- the invention relates to a device and method for orienting the pinion relative to the rack and steering column and is suitable for use in the conversion of vehicles using rack and pinion steering from left-hand drive to right-hand drive (and vice versa)
- An automotive steering assembly allows the driver to control the direction in which the vehicle travels.
- the steering assembly in some vehicles, includes: (i) Mechanical components which are designed to respond to a driver moving the steering wheel of the vehicle, such as steering column, rack and pinion assembly, tie rods which transmit motion to the vehicle (front) wheels, as well as numerous other mechanical components, and.
- Electronic components such as an electronic controller for the steering assembly, electric motors and various signalling components to interface with the vehicle electronic displays and computers.
- Vehicles are manufactured in either left-hand drive or right-hand drive steering configurations, the terms 'left' and 'right' referring to the placement of the driving seat and controls within the vehicle relative to a person sitting inside the vehicle.
- Most countries have legislation that dictates whether cars in the relevant jurisdiction are left- hand or right-hand drive and it is common for imported cars to have steering conversion to comply with local law.
- countries in which cars drive on the left side of the road use right-hand drive vehicles
- countries in which cars drive on the right side of the road countries use left-hand drive vehicles.
- the inventors have realised that the overall exterior appearance of most vehicles, particularly the chassis, is relatively symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. However, this is not true of most of the interior mechanical fittings due to the placement of driving controls on the left or the right hand side of the vehicle. The lack of symmetry is particularly inconvenient when a vehicle is changed from left-hand to right-hand drive or vice versa because it is not necessarily possible to simply rotate components and re-fit them. Often they must be extensively re-engineered and re-positioned.
- the inventors have realised that this change from left-hand to right-hand drive raises particular problems with respect to steering assemblies.
- the steering assembly is not only of asymmetric shape, but must fit within the confines of the chassis and engine bay. In particular, there are a number of structural and safety elements that cannot be moved during the drive conversion because this would compromise the safety of the vehicle.
- 'chassis rails' parallel boxed or C-cross section rails
- cross members which together resemble a ladder type arrangement
- a vehicle will have two relatively straight portions of chassis rails positioned down the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- the chassis rails are no longer straight, but conform to the curve of the wheel arches.
- the engine of most modern vehicles takes up most of the space in the engine bay, leaving very little room for maneuvering or repositioning vehicle components.
- a cross member is also usually positioned in and around the engine bay further limiting the space available for left to right hand side driving conversion.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a device to assist in the changeover of a vehicle from left-hand to right-hand drive or vice versa.
- a further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.
- a method for converting the drive side of a vehicle including the step of attaching a steering rack and pinion assembly to a front cross member of a vehicle chassis, the cross member having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis wherein the pinion is provided at an angle of between 70° to 80° to the longitudinal axis and, at an angle of 15° to 25° to the transverse axis of the cross member.
- the pinion is provided at an angle of 76° to the top (horizontal) surface and 20° to the front (vertical) surface of the front cross member.
- the vehicle chassis is a frame that supports the structure of the vehicle. All major vehicle components are attached to the chassis which must be able to deal with static and dynamic loads without undue deflection or distortion.
- Modern vehicle chassis typically have two chassis rails running the length of the vehicle with cross member(s) located perpendicular to the chassis rails.
- the steering rack and pinion assembly may be attached to the front cross member and the angle of the pinion in the assembly can be described with reference to the aforementioned two ranges of angles.
- the method is used for the conversion of a left hand drive vehicle to a right hand drive.
- a vehicle such as an SUV or utility truck
- the engine takes up the majority of space in the engine bay.
- a vehicle originally manufactured for left hand drive will also have a number of its drive related components taking up much of the space in the engine bay and these will not necessarily be moved during a right hand drive conversion.
- Immovable structural features such as chassis rails and cross member further limit the ability to rearrange elements of the steering rack and pinion assembly. It has been found that in a left hand to right hand drive conversion it may be possible to locate the steering rack and pinion assembly on the right hand side of the vehicle, proximate the space near the engine, adjacent the cross member and between the engine and the chassis.
- a steering rack and pinion assembly comprising:
- a pinion residing within a cylindrical pinion housing having a first longitudinal axis
- a rack shaft housing having a second longitudinal axis
- a cross member mounting having a third longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are at an angle of between 70° to 80° and the second and third longitudinal axes are at an angle of between 105° and 115°.
- the first and second longitudinal axes are at an angle of 76° and the second and third longitudinal axes are at an angle of 110°.
- a steering rack and pinion assembly comprising:
- a pinion residing within a cylindrical pinion housing having a first longitudinal axis
- a rack shaft housing having a second longitudinal axis
- a cross member mounting having a third longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are at an angle of between 70° to 80° and the second and third longitudinal axes are at an angle of between 15° and 25° relative to the transverse axis of the cross member.
- first and second longitudinal axes are at an angle of 76° and the second and third longitudinal axes are at an angle of 20° relative to a vertically oriented transverse axis of the cross member.
- the pinion housing maybe aligned substantially co-axial with the pinion.
- the pinion housing may be oriented generally in the direct of the pinion i.e. mis-aligned and not precisely co-axial, when compared to the pinion orientation.
- the steering rack and pinion assembly may be manufactured by the step of reusing some of the OEM parts, but the assembly may also be formed of newly manufactured components configured according to the present invention.
- a vehicle steering assembly modified according to a method and apparatus as disclosed herein.
- embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that the angle of the pinion shaft can be oriented so as to provide dynamic interface between the steering rack and pinion assembly (which is affixed to the chassis cross member) and the steering column. Furthermore it has been realised that this makes it possible to optimise the position of the steering column for the steering assembly of a drive conversion vehicle, despite space limitations and inherent asymmetry of the vehicle.
- the steering rack and pinion assembly of the present invention can work with the existing, manufacturer installed electronic systems that assist in control of vehicle steering;
- the present steering assembly of the present invention is seen to not affect the controlled collapse of the steering column (as built in left hand drive configuration) and facilitate the telescopic sections not extending or contracting beyond the OEM left hand drive manufactured specification;
- the steering assembly of the present invention is designed to collapse substantially in a direction outward of the engine bay of the vehicle and away from the driver and passenger of the vehicle.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view illustrating a vehicle steering assembly according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a typical vehicle chassis of the type to which the steering assembly of FIG. 1 would be fitted;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a first detailed view of the steering rack shaft and pinion housing of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a second detailed view of the steering rack shaft and pinion housing of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a third detailed side view of the steering rack shaft and pinion housing
- FIG. 6 illustrates another view of the vehicle steering assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
- FIG. 1 shows the various parts of a steering assembly according to the present invention. Particular regard is to be had to the angle of the pinion shaft, the orientation of which provides a dynamic interface between the steering rack assembly and the steering column.
- FIG. 2 is a view of a typical vehicle chassis of the type used in utility trucks such as a Ford F-150.
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientations depicted in FIG. 2 and with reference to the x, y and z axes depicted therein.
- This type of ladder frame chassis has a left chassis rail (22) and a right chassis rail (23) which extends in the direction of the z-axis.
- a front cross member (25) is perpendicular to the chassis rails (22,23), extending in the direction of the x-axis for mounting of the steering assembly of FIG. 1 .
- the front cross member is located in front of the engine cross member (24.
- Utility trucks typically have large engines, such as 6 cylinder or V-8 engines which take up much of the vehicle engine bay. It is important that the steering column of the steering assembly passes between the engine and the fixed suspension brackets (26,27) and/or other body panel components (not shown) without any points of contact.
- FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG 5 are detailed views of different aspects the rack shaft and pinion housing of FIG. 1.
- the rack shaft and pinion housing is attached to the front cross member (25) of FIG. 2 in a manner that the pinion (16) is provided at an angle (a 0 ) of between 70° to 80°, preferably 76° relative to the longitudinal axis (in the x-axis direction) of the front cross member and, as shown in FIG. 5 the pinion is at an angle (c°) of between 15° to 25°, preferably 20° relative to the vertical transverse axis d .
- a 0 the rack shaft and pinion housing is attached to the front cross member (25) of FIG. 2 in a manner that the pinion (16) is provided at an angle (a 0 ) of between 70° to 80°, preferably 76° relative to the longitudinal axis (in the x-axis direction) of the front cross member and, as shown in FIG. 5 the pinion is at an angle (c°) of between 15
- the angle (c°) is b° - 90° from the transverse axis (in the y-direction) of the front cross member 25.
- the pinion when the front cross member 25 is of square cross section, the pinion will be at an angle of 76° to the top (horizontal) surface and 20° to the front (vertical) surface of the cross member 25.
- the steering rack shaft and pinion housing comprises a pinion (3) residing within a cylindrical pinion housing (16) having a first longitudinal axis, a rack shaft housing (28) having a second longitudinal axis, and a cross member mounting (29) having a third longitudinal axis.
- the first and second longitudinal axes are at an angle of between 70° to 80°, preferably 76° and the second and third longitudinal axes are at an angle of between 105° and 115°, preferably 110°.
- FIG. 6 illustrates another view of the vehicle steering assembly according to the present invention.
- the pinion 3 is oriented at an angle (a 0 ) of between 70° to 80°, preferably 76° relative to the longitudinal axis e of the steering assembly.
- the axis e corresponds to the longitudinal x-axis of the cross member as shown in FIG. 2
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Transmission Devices (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2017274065A AU2017274065B2 (en) | 2016-06-01 | 2017-03-17 | Steering rack and pinion assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2016902110A AU2016902110A0 (en) | 2016-06-01 | Right Hand Drive Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly | |
AU2016902110 | 2016-06-01 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2017205891A1 true WO2017205891A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 |
Family
ID=60479523
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2017/000066 WO2017205891A1 (en) | 2016-06-01 | 2017-03-17 | Steering rack and pinion assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2017274065B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017205891A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5613709A (en) * | 1994-09-05 | 1997-03-25 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Rotatable steering gear box and collapsible steering column |
US20120317769A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2012-12-20 | Hoi Lung Enterprise Limited | Steering box mounting method |
US20130180794A1 (en) * | 2012-01-13 | 2013-07-18 | Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd. | Power Steering System |
US20140138178A1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2014-05-22 | Scalid Pty Ltd | Steering system arrangement with releasable connection means |
WO2015052415A1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2015-04-16 | Jtekt Europe | Modular cradle for a vehicle drive train comprising a transverse base receiving a lightweight split steering housing |
US20150360551A1 (en) * | 2014-06-13 | 2015-12-17 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Integrated powertrain and chasis design for maximized passenger cabin volume of a vehicle |
-
2017
- 2017-03-17 WO PCT/AU2017/000066 patent/WO2017205891A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-03-17 AU AU2017274065A patent/AU2017274065B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5613709A (en) * | 1994-09-05 | 1997-03-25 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Rotatable steering gear box and collapsible steering column |
US20120317769A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2012-12-20 | Hoi Lung Enterprise Limited | Steering box mounting method |
US20140138178A1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2014-05-22 | Scalid Pty Ltd | Steering system arrangement with releasable connection means |
US20130180794A1 (en) * | 2012-01-13 | 2013-07-18 | Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd. | Power Steering System |
WO2015052415A1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2015-04-16 | Jtekt Europe | Modular cradle for a vehicle drive train comprising a transverse base receiving a lightweight split steering housing |
US20150360551A1 (en) * | 2014-06-13 | 2015-12-17 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Integrated powertrain and chasis design for maximized passenger cabin volume of a vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2017274065B2 (en) | 2023-04-06 |
AU2017274065A1 (en) | 2018-12-13 |
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