Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Automotive Components Holdings, LLC

Frank Odenthal

Frank Peter Engels

Dirk Sickert

The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (), for example for use in a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle, and to a method for the production of the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (). The mechanism comprises a housing (), in which a pinion shaft () is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (). The pinion shaft () is connected to a rack () which is mounted in the housing () in such a way as to be longitudinally displaceable. A counter-pressure device () compensates for reaction forces between the pinion shaft () and the rack (), having a thrust piece () and an adjusting/closing nut (), between which a spring () is supported. The adjusting/closing nut () is composed of a material which has a softening/melting point such that the adjusting/closing nut () can be softened and/or melted locally while installed in the housing () without damaging the housing (). Softened and/or melted and resolidified partial areas of the adjusting/closing nut () are in form-locking engagement with the housing ().

Rack-and-pinion gear mechanism

The toothed rack steering gear has an adjusting nut and a housing. An opening with internal thread of the housing is adapted to the adjusting nut and receives the adjusting nut in the assembled state. In the housing at least one recess is provided in direct proximity of the opening. A retainer is provided; it has a ring shaped body and at least one finger. The finger protrudes from this ring shaped body and can engage into the recess. The retainer has a back surface and the adjusting nut has a front surface. In the assembled state both are in contact. A connecting device is provided and secures the connection between the back surface and the front surface.

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Leverkusen, Germany

Frank Odenthal