Claims:
1. A Pinion assembly (1) for a steering assembly (100) of a vehicle, comprising:
at least one pinion (2) configured to the pinion assembly (1), wherein the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion Assembly (1) are configured with a plurality of first splines (3);
one or more first key members (6) formed on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2), wherein the one or more first key members (6) are formed in-between the plurality of first splines (3) at predetermined locations; and
at least one protrusion (4) configured to the at least one pinion (2) for guiding the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1) into a yoke assembly (101).

2. The pinion assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first splines (3) configured on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) are outward splines.

3. The pinion assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first key members (6) configured on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) are outward key members.

4. The pinion assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pinion (2) configured to the pinion assembly (1) is connectable to a yoke sub assembly (10).

5. The pinion assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first key members (6) formed on the pinion Assembly (1) are in alignment with the one or more first key members (6) formed on the at least one pinion (2).

6. The pinion assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one groove (9) formed between the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion Assembly (1), configured to seat a fastener member (11) upon fastening of the yoke assembly (101) to the pinion Assembly (1).

7. The pinion assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion (4) is fastened to the yoke member (5) by the fastener member (11), upon insertion of the at least one pinion (2).

8. A yoke assembly (101) for a steering assembly (100) of a vehicle, comprising:
a yoke member (5) provisioned with a plurality of second splines (7) to receive at least one pinion (2) and a pinion Assembly (1);
one or more second key members (8) formed on the plurality of second splines (7), wherein the one or more second key members (8) are formed in-between the plurality of second splines (7) at predetermined locations; and
a provision (5a) for receiving a fastener member (11) to fasten the yoke member (5) to the pinion assembly (1).

9. The yoke assembly (101) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of second splines (7) configured in the yoke member (5) are inward splines.

10. The yoke assembly (101) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more second key members (8) configured in the yoke member (5) are inward key members.

11. A steering assembly (100) for a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a pinion Assembly (1), comprising:
at least one pinion (2) configured to the pinion assembly (1), wherein the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1) are configured with a plurality of first splines (3),
one or more first key members (6) formed on the pinion Assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2), wherein the one or more first key members (6) are formed in-between the plurality of first splines (3) at predetermined locations; and
at least one protrusion (4) configured to the at least one pinion (2) for guiding the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion Assembly (1) into a yoke assembly (101); and
the yoke assembly (101), comprising:
a yoke member (5) configured with a plurality of second splines (7) configured to receive the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion Assembly (1);
one or more second key members (8) formed on the plurality of second splines (7), wherein the one or more second key members (8) are formed in-between the plurality of second splines (7) at predetermined locations; and
a provision (5a) for receiving a fastener member (11) to fasten the yoke member (5) to the pinion assembly (1).

12. A vehicle comprising a steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a steering assembly for a vehicle. Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a pinion assembly and a yoke assembly of a steering assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, vehicles are provided with a steering assembly for steering the vehicle during movement. The steering assembly includes a Pinion Assembly divided as spline shaft and a pinion shaft. The pinion shaft is connected to a steering wheel through a yoke assembly and intermediate shaft in in a vehicle cabin. The pinion shaft is connectable to a shaft extending from a rack assembly of the vehicle. The ends of rack assembly are connected to tie rods, which transfer the linear motion of the rack assembly to wheels of the vehicle, for steering the wheels. At mating surfaces of the pinion shaft and the rack assembly, a universal joint is coupled to prevent deviation of the torque received from the steering wheel. This configuration thus ensures that there is a smooth transfer of torque from the steering wheel to the wheels, thereby enabling steering of the vehicle.

Conventionally, the pinion shaft includes serrations and grooves for insertion into the universal joint. To ensure proper assembly of the pinion shaft, the pinion shaft is inserted into the universal joint such that, the serrations and grooves are seated completely into the universal joint for fastening.

However, the pinion shafts are generally assembled by human intervention. Due to operator’s fatigue [or human error], there are chances that the pinion shaft may not be properly inserted into the universal joint prior to fastening. Thus, the pinion shafts may be improperly assembled with the universal joint, which may lead to deflections or deviations in the torque transferred from the steering wheel. This inherently leads to improper handling of the vehicle, which may prove catastrophic.

Hence, there is a need to develop a and a yoke assembly that precisely assembled to the steering assembly and to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of conventional system and mechanisms are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a system and mechanism as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a for a steering assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The pinion Assembly comprising, at least one pinion configured to the pinion Assembly, wherein the at least one pinion and the pinion Assembly are configured with a plurality of first splines. One or more first key members are formed on the pinion Assembly and the at least one pinion, wherein the one or more first key members are formed in-between the plurality of first splines at predetermined locations. At least one protrusion is configured to the at least one pinion for guiding the at least one pinion and the pinion Assembly into a yoke assembly.

In an embodiment, the plurality of first splines configured on the pinion Assembly and the at least one pinion are outward splines.

In an embodiment, the one or more first key members configured on the pinion Assembly and the at least one pinion are outward key members.

In an embodiment, the at least one pinion configured to the pinion Assembly is connectable to a yoke sub Assembly.

In an embodiment, the one or more first key members formed on the pinion Assembly are in alignment with the one or more first key members formed on the at least one pinion.

In an embodiment, at least one groove is formed between the at least one pinion and the pinion Assembly, configured to seat a fastener member upon fastening of the yoke assembly to the pinion Assembly.

In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion is fastened to the yoke member by the fastener member, upon insertion of the at least one pinion.

In an embodiment, a yoke assembly for a steering assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The yoke assembly comprises a yoke member provisioned with a plurality of second splines to receive at least one pinion and a pinion Assembly. One or more second key members are formed on the plurality of second splines, wherein the one or more second key members are formed in-between the plurality of second splines at predetermined locations. A provision for receiving a fastener member to fasten the yoke member to the pinion Assembly.

In an embodiment, the plurality of second splines configured in the yoke member are inward splines.

In an embodiment, the one or more second key members configured in the yoke member are inward key members.

In an embodiment, a steering assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering assembly comprises at least one pinion configured to the pinion assembly, wherein the at least one pinion and the pinion assembly are configured with a plurality of first splines. One or more first key members are formed on the pinion assembly and the at least one pinion, wherein the one or more first key members are formed in-between the plurality of first splines at predetermined locations. At least one protrusion is configured to the at least one pinion for guiding the at least one pinion and the pinion assembly into a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly comprises a yoke member provisioned with a plurality of second splines configured to receive the at least one pinion and the pinion assembly. One or more second key members are formed on the plurality of second splines, wherein the one or more second key members are formed in-between the plurality of second splines at predetermined locations. A provision for receiving a fastener member is provided, to fasten the yoke member to the pinion assembly.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pinion assembly of a steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the yoke assembly of the steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a sectional perspective view of a yoke assembly of the steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the steering assembly with the steering fully inserted into the yoke assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the steering assembly with the partially inserted into the yoke assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure a pinion assembly, a yoke assembly and a steering assembly, which may vary based on the configuration of the steering assembly. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly and mechanism that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a pinion assembly for a steering assembly of a vehicle. The pinion assembly comprising, at least one pinion configured to the pinion assembly, wherein the at least one pinion and the pinion assembly are configured with a plurality of first splines. One or more first key members are formed on the pinion assembly and the at least one pinion, wherein the one or more first key members are formed in-between the plurality of first splines at predetermined locations. At least one protrusion is configured to the at least one pinion for guiding the at least one pinion and the pinion assembly into a yoke assembly. The pinion assembly is inserted into a yoke assembly of the steering assembly. The yoke assembly comprises a yoke member provisioned with a plurality of second splines to receive at least one pinion and a pinion Assembly. One or more second key members are formed on the plurality of second splines, wherein the one or more second key members are formed in-between the plurality of second splines at predetermined locations. A provision is provided for receiving a fastener member to fasten the yoke member to the pinion assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. The system and mechanism shown in figures are of one particular configuration, it is to be noted that slight variations in the configuration of the system and mechanism are to be considered as part of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be noted that the system and mechanism may be used in any vehicles such as passenger cars, light duty vehicles, heavy duty vehicles. However, for the purpose of simplicity, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates a perspective view of a pinion assembly (1) of a steering assembly (100) for a vehicle. The pinion Assembly (1) includes a first end connectable to a steering wheel of the vehicle [not shown] and a second end (1a) configured to be connectable to a rack assembly [not shown in figure]. The second end (1a) is configured with at least one pinion (2) for connection with the rack assembly [not shown in figure]. The pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) are configured with a plurality of first splines (3), which enables slidable engagement of the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) with a yoke assembly (101).

One or more first key members (6) are formed on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2), for locking the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) in the yoke assembly (101). The one or more first key members (6) are provisioned in-between the plurality of first splines (3) on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) at a predetermined location. The one or more first key members (6) provided on the pinion assembly (1) are in alignment with the one or more first key members (6) provided on the at least one pinion (2) [shown as axis A-A’]. The one or more first key members (6), ensures sufficient spline contact between the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) with the yoke assembly (101).

The pinion assembly (1), further includes a groove (9) provisioned in-between the one or more first key members (6) on the pinion assembly (1) and the one or more first key members (6) on the at least one pinion (2). The groove (9) is configured to seat or receive a fastener member (11) of the yoke assembly (101), upon fastening.

Further, at least one protrusion (4) is provisioned on an aft end of the at least one pinion (2), for guiding the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1) into the yoke assembly (101). The at least one protrusion (4) axially extends from the at least one pinion (2) up to a predetermined length. The at least one protrusion (4) is configured such that, in the event of an improper insertion of the pinion assembly (1) into the yoke assembly (101), the at least one protrusion (4) acts as the groove (9) for seating the fastener member (11). Thus, the at least one protrusion (4) is configured to operate as an interference fit with the fastener member (11) of the yoke assembly (101) during improper assembly or half insertion of the pinion Assembly (1) with the yoke assembly (101).

Figures 2 and 3 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrates a sectional perspective view of the yoke assembly (101). The yoke assembly (101) is connectable to the yoke sub assembly (10) [as shown in figure 4] and is configured to fasten the at least pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1), for transferring torque received from the pinion assembly (1) to the rack assembly (10).

The yoke assembly (101) comprises a yoke member (5), provisioned with a plurality of second splines (7) for receiving the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion Assembly (1). The plurality of second splines (7) facilitates to slidably receive the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1). One or more second key members (8) are formed on the plurality of second splines (7), such that, the one or more second key members (8) are positioned in-between the plurality of second splines (7) at predetermined locations. The yoke member (5) also includes a plurality of fork arms (5b) which extend outwardly. The plurality of fork arms (5b) includes a provision (5a) [as shown in figure 4] for receiving the fastener member (11). The provision (5a) provided in the form of a through hole, for receiving the fastener member (11). The plurality of fork arms (5b) are configured to hold the pinion assembly (1), upon fastening the fastener member (11).

Figure 4 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a sectional view of the assembly of the pinion assembly (1), with the yoke assembly (101). During assembly, the pinion assembly (1) along with the at least one pinion (2) and the at least one protrusion (4) is aligned with the yoke member (5), such that the plurality of first splines (3) and the one or more first key members (6) are aligned with the plurality of second splines (7) and the one or more second key members (8). In this alignment, the at least one pinon (2) and the at least one protrusion (4) is inserted completely into the yoke member (5). Upon, insertion, the at least one protrusion (4) extends beyond the plurality of second splines (7) of the yoke member (5) [highlighted in figure 3]. In this condition, the fastener member (11) is inserted into the provision (5a), and the yoke member (5) is fastened, thereby assembling the (1) with the yoke assembly (101).

Referring to figure 5, in the event of a human error during insertion of the pinion assembly (1) into the yoke member (5), the at least one protrusion (4) is configured to extend up to the region of provision (5a) of the yoke assembly (101). In this condition, when the fastener member (11) is inserted and fastened, the fastener member (11) fits with the at least one protrusion (4) [highlighted in figure 4] only in a condition after alignment of groove (9) with the region of provision (5a) [as per figure 4] pinion assembly (1). The figure 5 shows impossible connection of partial engagement of pinion assembly (1) with the yoke assembly (101) in case of human error.

In an embodiment, the plurality of first splines (3) may include a plurality of gear teeth configured on an outer circumference of the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1).

In an embodiment, the gear profile of the plurality of gear teeth configured on the plurality of first splines (3) may be of spur gear configuration, helical gear configuration or an involute gear, based on design feasibility and requirement.

In an embodiment, the plurality of first splines (3) formed on the pinion assembly and the at least one pinion (2) are outward splines.

In an embodiment, the one or more first key members (6) formed in between the plurality of first splines (3) on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) are outward key members.

In an embodiment, the one or more first key members (6) may be outward key members, which are protruded by a predetermined thickness as per requirement. In an another embodiment, the thickness of the at least one protrusion (4) ranges from about 5mm to about 15mm.

In an embodiment, the one or more first key members (6) on the pinion assembly (1) may be angularly displaced by a predetermined angle with the one or more first key members (6) on the at least one pinion (2), as per feasibility and requirement.

In an embodiment, the groove (9) may be a slot of a predetermined cross-section such as but not limiting to square, U-shaped, V-shaped, rectangular, semi-circular and the like, which serves the purpose of seating the fastening member (11).

In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion (4) may be configured with a predetermined cross section, such as but not limiting to, circular cross section, square cross section, rectangular cross section and the like, which serves the purpose of receiving the fastener member (11).

In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion (4) may be configured with an outer diameter equivalent to the diameter of the groove (9), for receiving the fastener member (11).

In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion (4) may include a cut-out for receiving the fastener member (11).

In an embodiment, the yoke member (5) may be configured with a length corresponding to length between the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1), to enable complete insertion of the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1) into the yoke member (5).

In an embodiment, the plurality of second splines (7) may include a plurality of gear teeth configured on an inner circumference of the yoke member (5).

In an embodiment, the gear profile of the plurality of gear teeth configured on the plurality of first splines (3) can be of spur gear configuration, helical gear configuration or an involute gear, based on design feasibility and requirement.

In an embodiment, the configuration of the plurality of second splines (7) may correspond to the configuration of the plurality of the first splines (3) to enable insertion of the of the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1) into the yoke member (5).

In an embodiment, the configuration one or more second key members (8) may correspond to the configuration one or more first key members (6) to enable insertion of the of the at least one pinion (2) and the pinion assembly (1) into the yoke member (5).

In an embodiment, the one or more first key members (6) formed on the pinion assembly (1) and the at least one pinion (2) are un-cut splines.

In an embodiment, the fastener member (11) is selected from group such as but not limiting to bolts, screw and the like which serves the purpose of fastening the pinion assembly (1) with the yoke assembly (101).

Advantages
The present disclosure provides a steering assembly, wherein the and the yoke assembly includes one or more key members or un-cut splines, which enable sufficient spline engagement at the contact surfaces, during assembly.

The present disclosure provides a steering assembly, which ensures rigid fastening of the pinion assembly with the yoke assembly only in a desired/specified rotational position and axial position. Other assembly positions of improper insertion of the pinion assembly with the yoke assembly are prevented using this disclosure.

The present disclosure mitigates the problems related to uneven right and left side vehicle turning circle diameter(TCD) arising due to different tire rotation angles in left and right directions.

The present disclosure mitigates the vehicle pulling issues in vehicles with Electric power steering configuration arising from straight-ahead position (SAP) mismatch w.r.t. steering software virtual SAP index.

The present disclosure provides a steering assembly, which is cost effective, reliable and simple in design.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
REFERRAL NUMERALS DESCRIPTION
100 Steering assembly
101 Yoke assembly
1 Pinion Assembly
1a Second end of pinion Assembly
2 At least one pinion
3 Plurality of first splines
4 At least one protrusion
5 Yoke member
5a Provision
5b Fork arm
6 One or more first key members
7 Plurality of second splines
8 One or more second key members
9 Groove
10 Yoke sub assembly
11 Fastener member