Abstract: A driving dynamics control system for vehicles. The control system including at least one driving dynamics controller that is fed setpoint specifications and driving state variables as input data. The control system also includes a plurality of actuators that can be controlled and/or regulated to modify the dynamics of the vehicle, such as steering, adjustable independently of the driver, on a front and/or rear axle of the vehicle, a chassis adjustable independently of the driver, a brake adjustable independently of the driver, and a drive train adjustable independently of the driver. The driving dynamics controller determines a central control specification from the setpoint specifications and the driving state variables and sends it to a distribution algorithm that distributes the control specification into manipulated variables for driving the actuators.

Abstract: A wheel-turning device that constitutes a steer-by-wire steering system is made as compact as possible so as to be housed in a wheel house of a vehicle. The steer-by-wire steering system is provided including a wheel-turning device mechanically separated from a steering input device, the wheel-turning device being controlled based on an input signal from the steering input device, wherein the wheel-turning device includes a wheel-turning motor secured to a knuckle of a steered wheel via a gear case, a wheel-turning shaft secured to an upper arm, a worm wheel secured to the wheel-turning shaft, a worm gear meshing with the worm wheel, and the gear case housing the gears.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device and method for controlling steering of a steer-by-wire vehicle. A steering instrument receives input from a driver and a turning device turns the wheel(s). A selectively engageable backup clutch is positioned between the steering instrument and the turning device. Whether or not the backup clutch is engaged is based a steering state signal from the steering instrument and a turning state signal from the turning device.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering device includes a steering wheel connected with a steering shaft, a steering angle sensor, a steering reactive force motor, and a steering control unit for controlling a steering shaft drive motor and the steering reactive force motor. Provided is a power transmitting mechanism for transmitting the power from the steering shaft drive motor to the steering shaft. A changeover unit for selectively connecting and disconnecting the power is disposed on the way thereof. The changeover unit includes a clutch mechanism comprised of an input member and an output member juxtaposed in an axial direction for movement in the axial direction and, also, rotatable relative to each other, a clutch groove provided in one of those members, and a clutch rolling element provided in the other of those members and biased in a radial direction by the clutch groove so that it can be selectively engaged and disengaged.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steer-by-wire (SBW) valve, a main steering pump, a steering actuator, and a steering control unit (SCU). The SCU is in fluid communication with the actuator via a pair of fluid conduits, and includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion contains a first solenoid valve and a cross-over check valve assembly. The lower portion contains a fluid control valve. An ECU generates a steering input signal in response to steering wheel rotation, and transmits the signal to the SBW valve. The SCU controls the first solenoid valve to deliver fluid from the lower portion to the actuator via the cross-over valve assembly in an emergency steering mode, and also controls the first solenoid valve to prevent flow into the actuator and allow recirculation of fluid within the lower portion in a torque feel mode.

Abstract: A power on-demand steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when closed, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to open the switch and disconnect the power supply.

Abstract: An off-road work vehicle has a steer-by-wire steering system having a device for determining the angular displacement of a steering wheel. The device has a cam configured to rotate about an axis at an identical angular speed as the steering wheel, a first sensor proximal to a facing outer surface of the cam and being configured to determine a distance between the first sensor and the facing outer surface of the cam, a second sensor proximal to a facing outer surface of the cam and being configured to determine a distance between the second sensor and the facing outer surface of the cam, and a processor operably connected with the first and second sensors and configured to determine an angular position of the steering wheel and a direction of rotation of the steering wheel based upon data generated by the first and/or the second sensor.

Abstract: A target value for yaw angle velocity gain is computed according to a map expressing a relationship between steering wheel angle and yaw angle velocity gain predetermined such that a direction as seen from a driver of a target destination point for vehicle travel at a predetermined time after a forward gaze and a direction as seen from the driver are caused to match each other, and a steering gear ratio is controlled accordingly. A target value for a steering wheel torque corresponding to the detected steering wheel angle and the acquired yaw angular velocity is set, based on a relationship between yaw angular velocity and resistance-feel level predetermined such that the resistance feel level for a driver monotonically increases with increasing yaw angular velocity. Control is then preformed so as to realize the steering wheel torque target value.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an amount of rotation of a rotatable component that rotates with respect to a stationary component. The apparatus includes a cable with a first end fixed to the rotatable component and a second end fixed to the stationary component. The cable, which supports a sensing element, is configured to wind or unwind when the rotatable component rotates with respect to the stationary component. The sensing element extends along a length of the cable and is configured to flex in response to the winding or unwinding of the cable. The sensing element has a resistance that changes in response to flexion of the sensing element. An evaluation circuit is connected to the sensing element and is configured to determine a value having a relation to the resistance and determine the amount of rotation based on the value.

Abstract: When the magnitude |?| of a steering angular velocity w is equal to or greater than a determination angular velocity ?th, an electric motor is estimated to be in a predetermined power use state, and a restriction determination threshold Vonth is set to a first voltage value V1. When the magnitude |?| of the steering angular velocity ? is less than the determination angular velocity ?th, the restriction determination threshold Vonth is set to a second voltage value V2 (>V1). When a state in which a power supply voltage Vx is lower than the restriction determination threshold Vonth continues for a predetermined time t1, a power use restriction instruction is output to specific vehicle electrical loads. Thus, power restriction is properly imposed on the vehicle electrical loads, whereby a delay in control of the electric motor is prevented, and excessive imposition of power restriction is prevented.

Abstract: A method is aimed at controlling a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle having at least one steering axle having at least two steer wheels electronically controlled by a control member. In the case of asymmetric adhesion conditions, the method anticipates steering into the skid for the first steer wheel that is on the surface exhibiting the higher coefficient of adhesion—for example asphalt—so as to counter a moment applied to the Z-axis. At the same time, the second steer wheel which is on the surface having the lower coefficient of adhesion—for example a sheet of black ice—remains in the vehicle direction of travel or is oriented towards the second steer wheel in a snow plough mode. The vehicle stability is vastly improved when the vehicle regains an area of uniform adhesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for a road vehicle according to the steer-by-wire principle with a steering wheel that can be operated by a driver and with a steering gearbox that is not permanently mechanically coupled in a forcible manner, which is equipped with an electric motor drive for swivelling steered wheels, wherein the electric motor drive comprises an electric motor, a pinion (1), a belt (2) and a belt pulley (3), wherein the belt pulley (3) is coupled via the gearbox to a threaded spindle (4), and wherein an electromechanical blocking of the electric motor drive is provided on or in the steering gear.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering motor, a steering power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the steering motor to a steering axle, a toe angle adjusting motor and a toe angle adjusting power transmitting mechanism for adjusting the toe angle upon rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor. A switching mechanism is provided which operates in such a manner that in the event of failure of the steering motor, the rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor in place of the steering motor is transmitted to the steering power transmitting mechanism to enable a wheel turning, but in the event of failure of the toe angle adjusting motor, the wheel turning is carried out only by the steering motor. A hollow motor is employed for one or both of the steering motor and the toe angle adjusting motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a limited by-wire active front steering system includes measuring an input steering angle, determining a tire saturation limit, and comparing the saturation limit to the input angle. A target actuator angle from a steering actuator is limited when the input angle is greater than the saturation limit. A constant value provides a fixed steering gear ratio when the input angle is less than the saturation limit. A limited by-wire steering system for a vehicle includes a steering device, a sensor for measuring an input steering angle, a controller for calculating a first target actuator angle when the input angle is less than a threshold, and a second target actuator angle when the input angle is greater than the threshold. The threshold is a calibrated saturation limit of a road wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product is encoded with instructions configured to control a controller to perform a process. The process includes setting a target steering angle for the vehicle based on a steering amount of the vehicle, setting a target torque difference between right and left steered wheels based on the target steering angle, and setting a target driving/braking force for the vehicle based on an acceleration amount and a braking amount of the vehicle. The process also includes setting each target torque for the right and left steered wheels based on the target torque difference and the target driving/braking force and controlling driving of the steered-wheel motors based on the target torque. The kingpin point is positioned closer to the vehicle on an inside portion of an inside sidewall of a steered wheel.

Abstract: A steered shaft of a steered mechanism is rigidly fixed to a vehicle body. Steering-stiffness is reduced by a lowpass filter for filtering a steered angle detected by a steered angle sensor. A deviation between a target steered angle and the filtered steered angle detected by the steered angle sensor is input to a PID control unit. A gain setting unit sets each of gains for PID control at a low value to thereby reduce steering-stiffness. The PID control unit outputs a target current. A drive circuit performs, e.g., PID control of the steering actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering control apparatus that controls steering of a vehicle of a steer-by-wire type, and includes steered-wheel motors that apply separate torques to right and left steered wheels respectively, a rod member that couples the right and left steered wheels so that the steered wheels can be steered, and a steering controller that controls driving of the steered-wheel motors. In each steered wheel, a center of the contact face thereof and a kingpin point thereof are offset in a lateral direction of the vehicle, and the steering controller controls driving of the steered-wheel motors so as to generate a torque difference between the right and left steered wheels, and provides a steering effort in accordance with this torque difference for each of the right and left steered wheels via the rod member, thereby to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system, an electric motor generates output power for power-assisting steering operation of a steering wheel, a torque sensor generates a plurality of electric output signals corresponding to a torque applied to the steering wheel, and a control unit controls the steering operation of the electric motor in accordance with at least one of the electric output signals of the torque sensor. The control unit detects a difference between rotation speeds of left and right steered wheels, checks whether any one of the plurality of output generating parts is in failure, and specify a failing-device based on the rotation speed difference and the plurality of output signals.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a power supply control device for an electric power steering device used for a power supply system comprises a main battery 40 connected to the electric power steering device via a first power supply line and a sub-battery 50 connected to the electric power steering device via a second power supply line, wherein when detecting the state of the sub-battery, said power supply control device restricts or disconnects power supply from the main battery to the electric power steering device while it permits power supply from the sub-battery to the electric power steering device, characterized in that said power supply control device prevents the detection of the state of the second battery if a vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device (1) has a steering actuator (14) for steerable wheels (5) to be steered according to operation of a steering member (2), a transmission mechanism (18) including cables (22, 23), a connection mechanism (19) for allowing and interrupting mechanical connection between the steering member (2) and the wheels (5), and control unit (9). When the steering actuator (14) is normal, the control unit (9) causes the connection mechanism (19) to release mechanical connection between the steering member (2) and the wheels (5) and drives and controls the steering actuator (14) according to operation of the steering member (2). The control unit (9) includes a fail detecting section (29) for detecting, when the steering actuator (14) is normal, a fail of the transmission mechanism (18) based on a load on the steering actuator (14).

Abstract: It is one object of the present invention to provide a steering device for a vehicle improving a resolution of detecting a steering reaction force thereby to control precisely a reaction actuator and to improve a steering feeling. The steering device for the vehicle is equipped with a reaction actuator 19 acting a steering reaction force on a steering wheel 1. This device further includes a steering angle sensor 11 detecting a steering angle ?h of the steering wheel 1, a controller 20 controlling the reaction actuator 19 according to the steering angle ?h, a torque sensor 12 detecting a steering torque Th acted on the steering wheel 1. The controller 20 controls in a feedback way the reaction actuator 11 based on the steering torque Th in a predetermined range including a middle point of the steering angle. The controller 20 drives, in a open-loop way without feed-backing the steering torque Th, the reaction actuator 19 out of the predetermined range of the steering angle ?h.

Abstract: An electronic control unit receives a detection value from each sensor, and determines a familiarity degree coefficient indicating the degree of driver's familiarity with steering characteristics, using the received detection values. When the coefficient has a value near “0”, a desired actual steering angle is calculated to be a small value, and when the coefficient has a value near “1”, a desired actual steering angle is calculated to be a large value. When the coefficient has a value near “0”, a time constant of an actual steering actuator is set to a large value, and when the coefficient has a value near “1”, the time constant is set to a small value. A reaction torque is determined based on the coefficient.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame comprising an operator's compartment; wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel; a steer-by-wire system associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel about a first axis; and a control apparatus. The steer-by-wire system comprises a control handle capable of being moved by an operator to generate a steer control signal, a selection switch capable of generating one of a first select signal and a second select signal, and a steer motor coupled to the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel about the first axis. The control apparatus may be coupled to the control handle to receive the steer control signal, coupled to the selection switch to receive the one select signal, and coupled to the steer motor to generate a first drive signal to the steer motor to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel about the first axis.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system (10) for use in a vehicle incorporated with a vehicle behavior control system (30), a failure detecting unit (12) detects a failure of the electric power steering system according to the steering torque and actual electric current. A criterion for detecting a failure by the failure detecting unit is changed when the vehicle behavior control system is activated. Thereby, even when the vehicle behavior control system is activated and it causes a corrective current to be supplied to the electric motor, because the failure detection criterion is changed, the failure detecting unit is prevented from confusing the corrective current due to the operation of the vehicle behavior control system with an erroneous current caused by a failure of the electric power steering system. Therefore, an unnecessary interruption of the operation of the electric power steering system can be avoided, and the convenience of the electric power steering system can be enhanced.

Abstract: In a steering control unit, a U-phase feed line branches into paired branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of the branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of a V-phase feed line and a W-phase feed line, and the phase-open MOSFETs are arranged in such a manner that parasitic diodes are in the same orientation with respect to a motor. When an abnormality occurs, all the phase-open MOSFETs are turned off. Then, a closed circuit, which includes phase coils and through which electric currents flow, is no longer present.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering motor, a steering power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the steering motor to a steering axle, a toe angle adjusting motor and a toe angle adjusting power transmitting mechanism for adjusting the toe angle upon rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor. A switching mechanism is provided which operates in such a manner that in the event of failure of the steering motor, the rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor in place of the steering motor is transmitted to the steering power transmitting mechanism to enable a wheel turning, but in the event of failure of the toe angle adjusting motor, the wheel turning is carried out only by the steering motor. A hollow motor is employed for one or both of the steering motor and the toe angle adjusting motor.

Abstract: When a rectangular wave voltage control mode is selected, a control apparatus estimates the output torque of an alternating-current motor based on the outputs of a current sensor and a rotation angle sensor, and executes torque feedback control by adjusting the phase of rectangular wave voltage based on the difference between the torque estimated value and a torque command value. The control apparatus executes a switching interruption that outputs a control command to a switching element of an inverter every 60 degrees of electrical angle, and executes an angle interruption that samples the phase currents of the alternating-current motor based on the output of the current sensor and converts those phase currents into a d-axis current and a q-axis current every predetermined electrical angle that is set beforehand.

Abstract: A steering-by-wire-type steering apparatus for a vehicle which can detect an anomaly of a connecting-disconnecting device which selectively connects and disconnects an input member on a steering wheel side and an output member on a turnable wheel side based on a steering input operation quantity or a steering state quantity.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable wheels of a vehicle (12) upon manual rotation of a steering wheel (14) comprises a front steering motor (36) coupled to a front steerable wheel (18) of the vehicle (12) for turning the front steerable wheel. A rear steering motor (66) is coupled to a rear steerable wheel (22) of the vehicle (12) for turning the rear steerable wheel. A position sensor (34) senses a rotational position of the steering wheel (14) and provides an output indicative of said rotational position. A controller (90) receives the output of the position sensor (34) and controls the front and rear steering motors (36, 66) to turn the front steerable wheel (22) in response to the output from the position sensor (34) indicating rotation of the steering wheel (14) in a first portion of a range of rotation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: To prevent a generation of a large change of a steering reaction force at the time of starting and stopping steering so as to reduce a feeling of strangeness of a driver, while controlling driven wheels with high responsivity with respect to steering. A steering control unit 25 controls a steering motor 7 based on a final target turning angle ?t obtained by an addition of a first target turning angle ?1 and a second target turning angle ?2. A reaction force control unit 26 controls a reaction force motor 3 based on a final target steering reaction force Tt obtained by an addition of a first target steering reaction force T1 and a second target steering reaction force T2. In this case, a second target steering reaction force calculation unit 24 calculates the second target steering reaction force T2 based on a value obtained by a variation restriction of the second target turning angle ?2 based on a steering angular velocity ?t (second turning angle correction value ?2a).

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame comprising an operator's compartment, wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, and a steer-by-wire system associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel. The vehicle further comprises a control apparatus.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering device and control method, a selectively engageable clutch is positioned between a steering wheel and a turning mechanism for turning at least one wheel. The clutch has an engaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the turning mechanism and a disengaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically separated from the turning mechanism for steer-by-wire control. During steer-by-wire control, a reaction force actuator applies a force to the steering wheel, and a turning actuator applies a torque to the turning mechanism. To prevent erroneous clutch engagement caused by an increase in relative angular acceleration between the steering angle and the turning angle, a controller detects an operating condition corresponding to a risk of erroneous clutch engagement and controls at least one of the turning actuator and the reaction force actuator to reduce the relative angular acceleration.

Abstract: An implement includes a caster wheel pivotally attached to the implement to support the implement for movement. A steering link is engaged with the caster wheel, and an actuator is operative to move the steering link from a neutral position to a controlling position. When the steering link is in the neutral position, the caster wheel can pivot about the caster axis through a 360 degree pivot range. When the steering link is moved to the controlling position, the caster wheel is oriented to roll toward a first side of the implement.

Abstract: A first correction coefficient and a second correction coefficient are map-searched based on a steering force applied by a driver to a steering wheel. A steering actuator is controlled based on an actuator driving electric current obtained by adding the product of an automatic steering control electric current and a first correction coefficient to the product of a power steering control electric current and a second correction coefficient. With an increase of the steering force, the first correction coefficient decreases and the second correction coefficient increases, so that a proportion of power steering control increases with respect to a proportion of automatic steering control.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle capable of executing a steer-by-wire (SBW) mode of steering road wheels by a steering mechanism mechanically disconnected with a steering device. The steering apparatus includes a clutch which is composed of a shaft that rotates together with the steering device, an internal gear ring which has a rotation center coinciding with that of the shaft and transmits its rotation to the steering mechanism, an external gear ring partially intermeshed with the internal gear ring, lock members which transmit/disconnect the rotation of the shaft to the external gear, and a lock operating member for displacing the lock members to lock/unlock positions.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system is provided with a driver operating unit, a turning unit, a backup mechanism, a steering reaction actuator, a wheel turning actuator and a controller. The backup mechanism mechanically connects the driver operating unit to the turning unit via a first shaft to transmit an input torque from the driver operating unit to the turning unit when the driver operating unit and the turning unit are mechanically connected by the backup mechanism. The steering reaction actuator applies a steering reaction torque to the driver operating unit. The wheel turning actuator applies a wheel turning torque to the turning unit via a second shaft. The controller controls the wheel turning actuator and the steering reaction actuator. The controller is configured to control the steering reaction actuator based on an operating parameter of the wheel turning actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle with a compound steering system has the ability to reorient both a forward and aft steering axis with respect to a chassis. The compound steering system is controlled in a manner in which one of a forward steering actuator and an aft steering actuator will reach its mechanical limit before the other, when a steering command from an operator input results in an oversteer condition. An oversteer feedback system provides an indication to the operator that the vehicle is in a oversteer condition, such as by increasing the rotational resistance level of the steering wheel to a medium level when in an oversteer condition.

Abstract: A system as described herein relates generally to automotive active front steering control systems having a main processor and a redundant sub-processor. The system provides a way of controlling the electrical and mechanical locking of an actuator motor in a variable gear ratio active front steering system. The method enables the sub-processor to electrically lock the active front steer actuator motor via the main processor to reduce mechanical wear or damage to the variable gear ratio system if the main processor is unable to electrically lock the actuator motor before it mechanically locks the actuator motor. The system also provides an error detecting technique that is robust to false failures and allows the active front steering system to safely transition into a fail safe mode if an error occurs.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus, includes a steering member for rotational operation, a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame, and that regulates an attitude of the steering member located between the housing position and the projection position, and a movable frame that moves together with the steering member, and that constitutes a part of the instrument panel by covering an opening formed in the fixed frame of the instrument panel when the steering member is housed at the housing position.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame comprising an operator's compartment; wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel; a steer-by-wire system and control apparatus. The steer-by-wire system is associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel about a first axis.

Abstract: A steering system including a pair of operating members operable independently of each other, wherein a target wheel-turning amount and a return force for returning operating members to their reference position are determined based on an operation amount of the operating members. At least either a steering gain, set for each pair of operating members upon determination of the target wheel-turning amount, or a return-force gain, set for each pair of operating members upon determination of the return force, is made changeable depending on various parameters. Steering characteristics can be set relatively freely. For example, where the steering gain is made changeable depending on an operating angle of the operating member, determination of the target wheel-turning amount can be made with a changeable degree of contribution of operation of each operating member, which is changeable depending on an operating position of the operating member.

Abstract: A steering assisting system has a variable transfer ratio steering apparatus and an electric power steering apparatus. The variable transfer ratio steering apparatus has an electric motor for a rotation transfer ratio varying operation. When a predetermined failure occurs in the electric power steering apparatus, the motor is driven to assist the steering operation of the steering wheel. Therefore, without providing the electric power steering apparatus in two sets, the power-assisting torque generation can be continued even when the electric power steering apparatus fails to generate the power-assisting torque.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel, a steering angle detector that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel, a steering angular speed calculator that calculates a steering angular speed of the steering wheel, a vehicle speed detector that detects a vehicle speed, a target rudder angle finding device, a modifying device, and an actuator. The target rudder angle finding device finds a target rudder angle based on the steering angle, the steering angular speed and the vehicle speed. The target rudder angle is a sum of a proportional term proportional to the steering angle and a differential term proportional to the steering angular speed. The modifying device modifies the differential term when the steering angular speed is negative to reduce a value of the differential term from that when positive. The actuator turns at least one wheel of the vehicle in accordance with the target rudder angle.

Abstract: An electronic control unit inputs a side slip angle ? of a vehicle body. The unit calculates a dynamic zero point ?o for reducing a lateral force generated in the vehicle due to the side slip angle ? of the vehicle body. The unit calculates a steering angle ?a, which is represented by the difference between the dynamic zero point ?o and a steering angle ? detected by a steering angle sensor. The unit calculates a reaction torque Tz having a predetermined relation with the steering angle ?a. The unit drives and controls an electric motor to generate the calculated reaction torque Tz. Thus, the unit guides a driver to a proper steering-wheel rotating direction.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device and method for preventing steering wheel pull. A selectively engageable clutch is positioned between a steering wheel and a turning mechanism for turning at least one steered wheel. The clutch includes an engaging piece and has an engaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the turning mechanism and a disengaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically separated from the turning mechanism and steer-by-wire controls the at least one steered wheel. When the clutch is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, clutch release control is performed that provides a rotational angle of deviation between a steering wheel shaft connected to the steering wheel and the turning mechanism, the rotational angle of deviation provided in the direction of disengagement.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering member for rotational operation, and a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame. The steering member includes a main body supported by the support mechanism, a pair of grip sections which are movable between the housing position and the projection position together with the main body, and which are supported so as to be movable between a nonoperating position and an operating position by the main body, and a grip section drive actuator which is supported by the main body, and drives the pair of grip sections to the nonoperating position and the operating position.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly is operatively coupled to the steering wheel and includes components (18, 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly includes a steering gear (34) and components (28, 30) for actuating the steering gear in response to the monitored rotation. The mechanism, when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The mechanism when in the second mode of operation, providing a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear sufficient to enable manual actuation of the steering gear and permit actuation of the steering gear in response to the monitored steering wheel rotation.

Abstract: An angular position sensor (100) for determining angular position includes a shaft (105) having a threaded portion (108), and a structure for engaging an external application (119). The shaft (105) includes a first permanent magnet (114). A nut (116) is threaded on the threaded portion (108). The nut (116) is formed from a first magnetic permeable material or includes a second permanent magnet (118). At least one constraint (122) is coupled to the nut (116) for preventing rotational movement of the nut (116) while allowing linear motion of the nut (116). A first magnetic sensor (120) is positioned along a length of the threaded portion (108) of the nut (116) for measuring a linear position of the nut (116). A second magnetic sensor (124) is provided for measuring an angular position of the shaft (105).

Abstract: A power steering apparatus has a steering power assisting system coupled to tire wheels and a variable gear transfer system coupled to a steering wheel. The steering power assisting system includes a torsion bar rotation sensor and a first actuator rotation sensor to calculate a first pinion angle and a second pinion angle based on the detected rotation angles, respectively. The variable gear transfer system includes a steering sensor and a second actuator rotation sensor to calculate a third pinion angle based on the detected rotation angles. Sensor failure is detected by comparing the calculated first, second and third pinion angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a vehicle includes a hand steering device, a road wheel steering device, a steering motor and a connection device. The hand steering device is a device which a driver of the vehicle manipulates for steering road wheels. The road wheel steering device actuates the road wheels. The steering motor, which is attached to the road wheel steering device, produces an assist force for the road wheels. The connection device selectively connects and disconnects the hand steering device and the road wheel steering device. In the apparatus, a ratio of a displacement made by the hand steering device to a displacement generated by the road wheel steering device increases as a speed of the vehicle becomes greater while the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined range of speed, and a gradient of the ratio is adapted to be greater when the speed is lower.