Abstract A power steering device according to this disclosure has first and second pairs of chain sprockets that are drivingly interconnected by a pair of roller chains. One pair of the sprockets is connected to a steering wheel by a steering shaft. The other pair of sprockets is drivingly connected to the pinion of a rack and pinion steering gear. A resiliently mounted chain tensioning device engages the portions of the chains that span the space between the two pairs of sprockets. The chain tensioner is displaced laterally when torque is transmitted through the chains from one set of sprockets to the other. A power steering valve senses the lateral displacement of the chain tensioner and functions to direct pressure fluid to one side or the other of a power steering booster cylinder in response to the movement of the tensioner.
A steering device for a motor vehicle including a steering gear actuator, said steering gear actuator having an input sprocket constructed to be connected to a vehicle steering wheel, said actuator having an output sprocket constructed to be connected to a steering gear; a drive chain drivingly interconnecting said input and output sprockets, a chain tensioner having a linkage system, a pair of generally L-shape members supported by said linkage system, spring means coupled to said members and urging each of said members into engagement with said chain at a pair of spaced locations, said spring urged members biasing portions of said chain into generally ogee configurations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A steering device for a motor vehicle including a steering gear actuator, said steering gear actuator having an input sprocket constructed to be connected to a vehicle steering wheel, said actuator having an output sprocket constructed to be connected to a steering gear; a drive chain drivingly interconnecting said input and output sprockets, a chain tensioner having a linkage system, a pair of generally L-shape members supported by said linkage system, spring means coupled to said members and urging each of said members into engagement with said chain at a pair of spaced locations, said spring urged members biasing portions of said chain into generally ogee configurations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A steering device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and including: said linkage system of said chain tensioner comprising links arranged in parallelogram form.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A steering device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and including: said pair of L-shape members having inwardly directed overlapping arms, said spring means engaging said overlapping arms and urging one of said members in a counterclockwise direction and the other of said members in a clockwise direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
A steering device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and including: said chain tensioner having a parallelogram type linkage system supporting said L-shape members, said pair of L-shape members having inwardly directed overlapping arms, said spring means engaging said overlapping arms and urging one of said members in a counterclockwise direction and the other of said members in a clockwise direction.