Patent ID: 6782966
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A power-assisted steering apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:a rack bar connectable with the steerable wheels of the vehicle, linear movement of the rack bar turning the steerable wheels; a hydraulic motor for, when actuated, moving the rack bar linearly; a valve core rotatable to actuate the hydraulic motor; and a one-piece, monolithic component having a pinion gear portion for meshingly engaging the rack bar, a valve sleeve portion for cooperating with the valve core for actuating the hydraulic motor, and a torsion bar portion having a first end for connection with the valve core and a second end fixedly connected to the valve sleeve portion, the torsion bar portion, in response to rotation of the valve core to actuate the hydraulic motor, twisting relative to the valve sleeve portion and relative to the pinion gear portion.