Dashboard gasket for coupling a power-steering device to the dashboard of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle fitted with a steering device comprising a steering mechanism protected by a steering casing, said steering casing itself being housed in an engine compartment that is separated from the interior of the vehicle by a dashboard, the steering device also comprising a steering wheel, located in the interior, and to which the steering mechanism is connected bya steering column that extends out of the steering casing and passes through the dashboard, said vehicle comprising, in order to provide a seal around the steering column, between the steering casingand the dashboard, an elastomeric coupling gasket (30) comprising, in a single piece, a central first sealing ring (31) that surrounds and clamps around said steering column and a peripheral second sealing ring (32) that is inserted between the steering casing and the dashboard, at a distance from and around the first sealing ring (31).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the general field of steering arrangements for vehicles, and more particularly to power steering arrangements, and more particularly addresses the assembly of steering modules on vehicles. Background technique [0002] In a manner known per se, the steering device generally comprises a steering rack mounted in translation in a steering gear housing fastened to the chassis of the vehicle and whose left and right The stub shaft is connected such that the translational movement of the rack causes a change in the slip angle (steering angle) of the steered wheels. [0003] The steering device also includes a steering column provided at one end with a pinion engaged with a steering rack and with a steering wheel at the other end, which allows a driver seated in a passenger compartment of the vehicle to steer the steering device. [0004] The steering device is generally accommodated in an engine room positioned at the front ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] Such an arrangement is generally satisfactory with regard to the seal obtained, however it may have some disadvantages

[0009] First, the achievement of the sealing engagement requires relatively precise machining of the steering gear housing to fit the lip seals, which complicates manufacturing and increases the cost of the device

[0010] However, the provision of different seals sometimes makes it difficult to mount the steering device on the vehicle, since the installation operation particularly involves the risk of inadvertently dislodging or pinching any of the seals, and thus damages the associated seals, reduces end of its service life, or cause an immediate leak

[0011] Also, depending on manufacturing and assembly tolerances, the position of the steering housing relative to the bulkhead (that is, the pitch and roll angles) can vary from one vehicle to another, potentially compressing the static seals non-uniformly , which may here again locally damage the static seal to the detriment of its service life, or form a seal weakening in some areas

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