Abstract: A steering system for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering wheel and a housing. A pinion is in the housing and connected to the steering wheel via a shaft such that rotation of the steering wheel urges the pinion to rotate about an axis relative to the housing. The pinion has a recess. An elastic element is compressed in the recess between the pinion and the shaft. The elastic element applies an axial force to the pinion that dampens axial movements of the pinion relative to the housing.

Abstract: A steering system includes an electric motor having a first output shaft rotatable about a first axis. A first planetary gear stage has a first sun gear rotatable about the first axis by the first output shaft, and a first carrier connected to first planetary gears and rotatable about the first axis. A second planetary gear stage has a second sun gear rotatable about a second axis, and a second carrier connected to second planetary gears and rotatable about the second axis. A second output shaft is connected to the second carrier and a steering wheel such that rotation of each of the second carrier and the steering wheel urges the second output shaft to rotate about the second axis. The second output shaft is coupled to the steerable vehicle wheels such that rotation of the second output shaft affects steering of the steerable vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A steering system for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a gear in a housing and rotatable relative to the housing via an electric motor. A planetary gear stage is in the housing and has a sun gear, a planetary gear meshed with the sun gear, and a carrier connected to the planetary gear. Rotation of the gear urges the sun gear to rotate about an axis. Rotation of the sun gear urges the planetary gear to rotate relative to the housing and orbit the sun gear. The carrier is urged to rotate about the axis in response to the planetary gear rotating relative to the housing and orbiting the sun gear. A bearing has a first race on the gear and a second race on the carrier. The gear and the carrier are rotatably supported in the housing on one another via the bearing.

Abstract: A steering system for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a one-piece output unit connected to a steering wheel such that rotation of the steering wheel urges the output unit to rotate about an axis. The output unit has an output shaft coupled to the steerable vehicle wheels such that rotation of the output unit affects steering of the steerable vehicle wheels. The output unit supports a planetary gear. A sun gear is connected to an electric motor such that torque from the electric motor urges the sun gear to rotate relative to the output unit. The sun gear is meshed with the planetary gear such that rotation of the sun gear urges the planetary gear to rotate and orbit the sun gear. The output unit is urged to rotate about the axis in response to the planetary gear rotating and orbiting the sun gear.

Abstract: A steering system for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering wheel and a housing. A pinion is in the housing and connected to the steering wheel such that rotation of the steering wheel results in rotation of the pinion about a rotational axis relative to the housing. A first bearing rotatably supports a first end of the pinon in the housing. A second bearing rotatably supports a second end of the pinon in the housing. A worm wheel is meshed with the pinion in the housing and connected to steerable vehicle wheels. The worm wheel transfers torque from the steering wheel to the steerable vehicle wheels to effect turning of the steerable vehicle wheels. A pressing device applies a pressing force to the second end of the pinion via the second bearing to urge the pinion toward the worm wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering member which is axially movable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the steering member. A first motor connected with the ball nut assembly by a belt is operable to effect rotation of the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member. A second motor connected with the ball nut assembly and the first motor by the belt is operable to effect rotation of the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member.

Abstract: A steer-by wire apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering member which is axially movable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the steering member. The steering member moves axially in response to rotation of the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member. A first motor connected with the ball nut assembly is operable to effect rotation of the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member. A pinion is in meshing engagement with the steering member. The steering member moves axially in response to rotation of the pinion. A second motor connected with the pinion is operable to effect rotation of the pinion relative to the steering member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering member which is axially movable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the steering member. A first motor is connected with the ball nut assembly. The first motor is operable to effect rotation of the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member. A second motor is connected with the ball nut assembly. The second motor is operable to effect rotation of the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member.