Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering column having a pinion connected with a vehicle steering wheel such that rotation of the steering wheel results in rotation of the pinion. An electrically powered steering unit includes an electric motor having a first output shaft rotatable about an axis. A first planetary gear stage has a first gear reduction ratio and is driven by the first output shaft. A second planetary gear stage is driven by the first planetary gear stage and the pinion and has a second gear reduction ratio different from the first gear reduction ratio. A second output shaft is driven by the second planetary gear stage and coupled to the steerable wheels such that rotation of the second output shaft affects steering of the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A modular power steering apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, which is selectively rotatable to effect turning movement of at least one vehicle wheel. A housing supports the rotatable shaft for rotation relative thereto, about a shaft axis. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering member to the rotatable shaft. A second rotational input assembly is operatively connected with the rotatable shaft. The second rotational input assembly is configured to apply a rotational force to the rotatable shaft. The apparatus includes a plurality of drive stations. Each drive station is configured to selectively accept both of the first and second rotational input assemblies for operating connection to the rotatable shaft at different times.

Abstract: A modular power steering apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, which is selectively rotatable to effect turning movement of at least one vehicle wheel. A housing supports the rotatable shaft for rotation relative thereto, about a shaft axis. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering member to the rotatable shaft. A second rotational input assembly is operatively connected with the rotatable shaft. The second rotational input assembly is configured to apply a rotational force to the rotatable shaft. The apparatus includes a plurality of drive stations. Each drive station is configured to selectively accept both of the first and second rotational input assemblies for operating connection to the rotatable shaft at different times.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering column having a pinion connected with a vehicle steering wheel such that rotation of the steering wheel results in rotation of the pinion. An electrically powered steering unit includes an electric motor having a first output shaft rotatable about an axis. A first planetary gear stage has a first gear reduction ratio and is driven by the first output shaft. A second planetary gear stage is driven by the first planetary gear stage and the pinion and has a second gear reduction ratio different from the first gear reduction ratio. A second output shaft is driven by the second planetary gear stage and coupled to the steerable wheels such that rotation of the second output shaft affects steering of the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A planetary gearbox with substantial speed reduction includes a stationary spindle, an integral service brake, and a parking brake. The integral service brake resides radially outwardly with respect to the parking brake in a stacked arrangement such that axial space is conserved yielding an axially short and compact gearbox. An oil passageway extends radially through the spindle. A rotating input shaft drives the planetary gearbox and produces an output in the form of a rotatable housing/hub. The service brake rotors have a large surface area and are keyed to the rotatable hub enabling efficient brake cooling and efficacious brake performance in a compact arrangement.

Abstract: A planetary gearbox with substantial speed reduction includes a stationary spindle, an integral service brake, and a parking brake. The integral service brake resides radially outwardly with respect to the parking brake in a stacked arrangement such that axial space is conserved yielding an axially short and compact gearbox. An oil passageway extends radially through the spindle. A rotating input shaft drives the planetary gearbox and produces an output in the form of a rotatable housing/hub. The service brake rotors have a large surface area and are keyed to the rotatable hub enabling efficient brake cooling and efficacious brake performance in a compact arrangement.