Patent ID: 7913802
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: B62D,F16H

Abstract:
1. A gearbox for use in an electric power assisted steering system comprising: a housing; an input shaft having first end and a second end, said input shaft being located at least partially within said housing which carries a worm gear and includes coupling means for coupling said input shaft to a motor rotor at said first end; an output shaft located at least partially within said housing which carries a wheel gear; a first bearing means which supports said input shaft at a first side of said worm distal from said first end of said input shaft and a second bearing means which supports said input shaft at a second side of said worm; a first biasing means adapted to apply an axial load to said input shaft to bias an axial clearance in said second bearing means, said first biasing means acting upon a part of said first bearing means; and a second biasing means adapted to apply a radial load to said input shaft to bias said worm into engagement with said wheel gear, said second biasing means also acting upon a part of said first bearing means, and wherein said first biasing means pulls said input shaft in a direction away from said motor to bias a clearance in said first bearing means, and further in that a linear thrust bearing is provided between said first biasing means and said first bearing means that permits said first bearing means to slide relative to said housing under the force of said second bearing means.