With Fluid Power Assist Patents (Class 180/417)
  • Patent number: 11892066
    Abstract: A transmission may include an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a first planetary gearset, and a second planetary gearset connected to the first planetary gearset. Optionally, the input shaft is connected to a first element of the first planetary gearset for conjoint rotation, the first output shaft is connected to a second element of the first planetary gearset for conjoint rotation, and the second output shaft is connected to a third element of the second planetary gearset for conjoint rotation. A third element of the first planetary gearset may be connected to a first element of the second planetary gearset via a shaft for conjoint rotation, and a second element of the second planetary gearset may be fixed in place on a non-rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Stefan Beck
  • Patent number: 11807316
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus has a first actuator provided as a multi-phase rotating electric machine and disposed on a steering column side of an intermediate shaft and a second actuator disposed on a rack gear side thereof. A first ECU controls a drive of the first actuator and detects an abnormality of the first actuator. The first ECU changes an output of the first actuator based on a notification from a communication bus. The first ECU performs an initial diagnosis of the first actuator at a vehicle startup time for detecting abnormality, by supplying an electric power to the first actuator for not providing a torque to a steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Kano, Daisuke Kobayashi, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11654960
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling a pair of steerable caster wheels includes a left steering command valve, a right steering command valve, and a rear steering control valve. A supply pressure fluid circuit interconnects a pressure source and the rear steering control valve. A command valve supply fluid circuit interconnects the rear steering control valve with both the right steering command valve and the left steering command valve. A left side steering fluid circuit interconnects a left side actuator and the left steering command valve. A right side steering fluid circuit interconnects a right side actuator and the right steering command valve. A fluidic tie rod fluid circuit interconnects both the left side actuator and the right side actuator with the rear steering control valve. A tank return fluid circuit interconnects the rear steering control valve, the left and right steering command valves, and a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David V. Rotole, Ryan J. Goodrich, Thomas D. Morrison, Andrew W. Baker, Tyler K. Farrington
  • Patent number: 11391308
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump driven by an engine; a hydraulic actuator that is driven by hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; a switching valve configured to switch from one to the other of a first state in which the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump is supplied to a first channel and a second state in which the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump is supplied to a second channel; a restriction operation device configured to generate an operation signal that restricts the drive of the hydraulic actuator; and a controller that controls the switching valve. The controller includes: an operation signal acquisition unit configured to acquire the operation signal; and an instruction output unit configured to output, to the switching valve, a control instruction that restricts the drive of the hydraulic actuator with the engine driving, in response to the operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yushi Tanaka, Ryosuke Maeda, Masaaki Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 11155295
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit includes a pressure port connected to a main flow path and a tank port connected to a tank flow path, left and right working ports connected to left and right working flow paths, respectively, a bridge arrangement of variable orifices having a first left orifice connected to the main flow path and to the left working flow path, a first right orifice connected to the main flow path and to the right working flow path, a second left orifice connected to the left working flow path and to the tank flow path, and a second right orifice connected to the right working flow path and to the tank flow path. A variable diagonal orifice is connected to the main flow path and to the tank flow path. The bridge arrangement orifices being closed in neutral position and the diagonal orifice being open in neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventors: Paul Kiran, Niels Arbjerg, Mogens Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 10611403
    Abstract: In order to provide a steering device for a construction/transport/farm machine which can be steered by means of a steering wheel operation and by means of a lever operation (or automatic steering) such that not only can a mechanism for prioritizing the steering wheel operation be achieved with a simple configuration, but the mechanism can also be caused to stably operate, the steering device is provided with: steering cylinders 1; a steering valve 2; a pump 3; a steering wheel control valve 4; an electromagnetic control valve 5 for lever/automatic steering; a steering wheel priority valve 6; and a change-over valve 7 which, upon sensing a load pressure generated when the steering wheel control valve 4 is operated, switches the setting of the steering wheel priority valve 6 by using the load pressure, wherein the change-over valve 7 for switching the setting of the steering wheel priority valve 6 has a two-port two-position configuration whereby a drain oil passage of the steering wheel priority valve 6 is cl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Sadao Irie
  • Patent number: 10563608
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a medium in a vehicle and for limiting a system pressure of the delivery device includes a vehicle pump, which is driven by an electric motor. The electric motor is controlled by a controller, the controller being configured to detect an actual rotational speed of the electric motor and an actual operating current of the electric motor. If the actual operating current of the electric motor exceeds a predefined operating current limit value, the controller is configured to generate a first signal relating to a system pressure being exceeded. The predefined operating current limit value is dependent on the actual rotational speed of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Graf
  • Patent number: 10421485
    Abstract: A power steering system includes a steering column assembly, a steering gear assembly, and a pressure sensor, and a torque sensor. The steering column assembly has a steering shaft and the steering gear assembly is operatively connected to the steering shaft. The steering gear assembly has an input shaft that extends through a valve housing and extends into a rack housing. The pressure sensor is arranged to provide a pressure signal indicative of a fluid pressure of at least one of a first cavity and a second cavity disposed within the rack housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Joel E. Birsching, Martin P. Sheridan, John T. Sigelko
  • Patent number: 9975573
    Abstract: An operation mode of a first actuator engaged with a steering rack is determined. An operation mode of a second actuator engaged with a steering column is determined. The operation mode of one of the first and second actuators is adjusted upon detecting a failure in the other of the first and second actuators. At least one of the steering rack and the steering column is actuated based on the operation mode. In an angle control mode, a predetermined steering angle is provided to the first and second actuators to adjust the steering rack according to the steering angle. In a torque control mode, a steering column torque from a torsion sensor disposed on the steering column is provided to the first and second actuators to adjust the steering rack according to the steering column torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric She, Nathaniel Abram Rolfes, William James Bouse
  • Patent number: 9840273
    Abstract: A steering system for a machine is disclosed. The steering system may include a first pilot system including a first pilot source and a first set of electrohydraulic valves, and a second pilot system including a second pilot source and a second set of electrohydraulic valves. The first pilot system and the second pilot system may be configured to move the steering valve via pilot flow of the hydraulic fluid. The steering system may further include an electrohydraulic selector valve configured to regulate pilot flow to the first set of electrohydraulic valves and the second set of electrohydraulic valves. The electrohydraulic selector valve may be a two-position, five-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Sullivan, Nathanael McRostie, Edward Mate, Beau Kuipers
  • Patent number: 9428217
    Abstract: To suppress the loosening of a bush when an ambient temperature varies. A motor-driven power steering apparatus according to the present invention includes a rack shaft moving steered portions based on the steering in a steering wheel, an end case covering the rack shaft and having an inner peripheral groove along a circumferential direction of the rack shaft on an inner peripheral surface facing the rack shaft and a bush arranged inside the inner peripheral groove of the end case and supporting the rack shaft so as to slide. Here, an outer peripheral surface of the bush includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding toward a bottom portion of the inner peripheral groove at different positions in an axial direction of the rack shaft. The bottom portion of the inner peripheral groove includes a first groove and a second groove receiving the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Tokura, Ryo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9315209
    Abstract: A hydraulically assisted steering system comprises a fixed displacement hydraulic pump fluidly connected to a steering gear to deliver pressurized fluid to the steering gear. The flow of pressurized fluid includes pressure pulses produced by the pump. A bypass valve diverts a portion of the flow of pressurized fluid away from the steering gear before reaching the steering gear. Valve control apparatus electrically connected to the bypass controls operation of the bypass valve. The valve control apparatus includes a piezoelectric element to which the pressure pulses are applied. The piezoelectric element produces electrical signals in response to the applied pressure pulses. The valve control apparatus controls operation of the bypass valve in response to at least one parameter of the electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9199662
    Abstract: A lightweight and low cost gear housing for a steering gear unit is achieved. Together with forming an outward-facing flange shaped convex engagement section 43 around the middle section in the axial direction of a rack shaft 40, a gear housing is constructed that comprises a pinion-side housing 10, a non-pinion-side housing 20, and an intermediate cylindrical section 30. As a result, movement of the rack shaft 40 toward the pinion side and the non-pinion side is restricted by both ends of the pinion-side housing 10. Therefore, portions that require large strength can be limited to the pinion-side housing 10 that is short in the width direction of the vehicle, so by reducing the wall thickness of the intermediate cylindrical section 30, or by making the intermediate cylindrical section 30 using a flexible material, it is possible to make the member lightweight, as well as processing become easier, so it becomes possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NSK LTD
    Inventors: Seiji Ueno, Toshiyuki Arai, Ryota Sugihara
  • Patent number: 9022166
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering arrangement with a hydraulically actuated steering valve arrangement, steering motor connections (CL, CR), which are connected to supply connections (HP, T) via the steering valve arrangement, and a steering unit. It is endeavored to equalize in a simple manner the steering behavior in both directions. For this purpose, it is ensured that the steering valve arrangement has a directional valve and a flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventor: Ole Vincentz Soerensen
  • Publication number: 20150114749
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a retainer assembly for a power steering assist system is provided. The retainer assembly includes a retainer having an inner wall defining an opening, at least one permanent magnet coupled to the retainer, and at least one spiral channel formed in the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Jason A. Dutsky, Sheri L. Bachynski, John W. Kalmar
  • Publication number: 20150102572
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to the wheel, a chassis attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassis, and a suspension component for regulating motion transfer between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component. The chassis attachment component includes a hydraulic rotary actuator for attaching to the vehicle chassis and selectively pivoting the assembly relative to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: James Slawson
  • Patent number: 8925672
    Abstract: An integrated steering control system includes a primary, automatic and rear control valves. A steering wheel operates the primary steering control valve and is of a type which includes a leakage characteristic. Steering wheel movement is sensed and a signal is sent which results in the automatic steering control valve being operated for adding fluid that supplied to a steering cylinder by the primary steering control valve in order to compensate for leakage, the amount of added fluid being a function of vehicle ground speed. An electric actuator with position feedback is used for ground speed control. Whenever the actuator position shows that the ground speed is set to zero and a switch in the hydro-handle slot shows that the handle is in the Park position, the automatic steering control valve is activated to move the steering cylinder to a neutral, straight ahead position, as determined by a sensor in a mechanical linkage of the steering control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Stephen E. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20140360802
    Abstract: A steering gear mechanism has a steering housing and a steering input shaft. The steering housing is sealed and has a receptacle through which the steering input shaft passes into the steering housing. The receptacle is sealed against the steering input shaft. A first opening is provided on the steering input shaft within the steering housing, and a second opening is provided outside of the steering housing. The first and second openings are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Merker, Christian Wutzler
  • Patent number: 8833506
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus including a power cylinder, first and second pumps, a control valve serving for selectively supplying a working fluid supplied from the first or second pump to one of a pair of pressure chambers of the power cylinder in accordance with a steering operation, first and second reservoir tanks, and a return passage changeover valve disposed between the control valve and the first and second pumps, the return passage changeover valve serving for communicating the first and second pumps with the control valve regardless of an axial position of a valve element and communicating one of the first and second reservoir tanks with the control valve in accordance with the axial position of the valve element to thereby carry out changeover between circulating fluid passages for circulating the working fluid to the first reservoir tank and the second reservoir tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sosuke Sunaga, Shogo Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8783408
    Abstract: A pump rotation speed correcting unit includes a valve opening degree command differential value computing unit, a pump rotation speed correction value computing unit, and a correction value adding unit. The valve opening degree command differential value computing unit computes a temporal differential value of a valve opening degree command value that is set by a valve opening degree command value setting unit. The pump rotation speed correction value computing unit computes a correction value of a pump rotation speed command value on the basis of the valve opening degree command differential value. The correction value adding unit adds the pump rotation speed correction value to the pump rotation speed command value that is set by the pump rotation speed command value setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sakamaki
  • Publication number: 20140138178
    Abstract: This invention relates to a steering system arrangement for a vehicle, the steering system arrangement comprising a first portion providing a steering input, and a second portion providing a steering output, the first and second portions being connected by connection means selectively releasable to permit selection of the relative positioning of the steering input and the steering output. An associated method for retro fitting the steering system arrangement to a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: SCALID PTY LTD
    Inventor: Mario Iadanola
  • Patent number: 8708090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power steering system for a vehicle provided with means for actuating the stop & start function in a moving vehicle, especially an industrial or commercial or special vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with hybrid drive of the parallel type, comprising a thermal engine (1), an electric motor-generator (2), a single clutch unit (3) placed between the two engines, a transmission system (6) comprising an automated manual transmission, the method comprising the steps of enabling of the stop phase, activation of the stop phase, maintaining of the stop phase, activation of the start phase, the system comprising a hybrid power steering with coupling of a hydraulic power steering controlled by the thermal engine, and an electric power steering controlled by a control system (EPS) of the electric power steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Iveco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Aimo Boot
  • Patent number: 8695750
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system controllable by left and right steering wheels has two control valves, each valve connected to a respective left and right steering wheel, and a valve arrangement that selectively connects one control valve to a source of high-pressure fluid and disconnects the other control valve from the source of high-pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Hammond, Jeffrey Edward Tipton
  • Patent number: 8666582
    Abstract: A vehicle steering feel improving apparatus is provided for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is capable of running with a road wheel driven by a driving force from a power source. The vehicle steering feel improving apparatus includes a steering operation detecting means that detects a condition that steering operation is being performed to steer a steerable wheel of the vehicle. A driving force fluctuating means repeatedly fluctuates the driving force to the road wheel, while the steering operation detecting means is detecting the condition that steering operation is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Kageyama, Kazuhito Kato
  • Patent number: 8651225
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
  • Patent number: 8636098
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering control valve, including a valve core. When an automobile runs in a straight line or the steering angle is maintained, the valve core of the hydraulic steering control valve is positioned in a middle position to cut off hydraulic pipelines of oil cylinders on two sides of a steering power cylinder or a hydraulic shock-absorbing part, and a piston of the steering power cylinder or the hydraulic shock-absorbing part is unable to move. A self-aligning mechanism is arranged at an input shaft end of the hydraulic steering control valve, and after a driver eliminates the steering torque and loosens the control to a steering wheel, the self-aligning mechanism drives the input shaft or the steering wheel to turn to the middle position, so as to fulfill the self-aligning function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Liming Fu
  • Patent number: 8627917
    Abstract: A steering system, in a state where a first steering means is not operated, a third signal pressure output means outputs a third signal pressure in response to a second signal pressure fed to the third signal pressure output means, and feeding and discharging control means operates based in the third signal pressure, while in a state where the first steering means is operated, the third signal pressure output means stops outputting of the third signal pressure regardless of whether or not the second signal pressure is fed to the third signal pressure output means, and the feeding and discharging control means operates based on the first signal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha KCM, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Kodera, Shinichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8620527
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a vehicle control system. The control system includes a steering control coupled to at least one steerable wheel, the steering control having a first position, a second position and a plurality of positions therebetween. The control system also includes a steering sensor coupled to the steering control and configured to generate steering sensor signals based upon the position of the steering control. The control system also includes a control module coupled to the steering sensor, the control module configured to (i) record a first steering sensor signal value when the steering control is in the first position; (ii) record a second steering sensor signal value when the steering control is in the second position; and (iii) determine a current position of the steering control by comparing the first and second steering sensor signal values with a current steering sensor signal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Acellerated Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Wade Stone, Robert Gordon Lankin
  • Patent number: 8596407
    Abstract: An integral power steering apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator having a piston separating pressure chambers for steering assistance and a limiter valve to be opened by movement of the piston to fluidly connect the pressure chambers. The limiter valve includes an adjuster for adjusting a press-fit position of a spring pin press fit in a plunger. The adjuster includes a movable adjusting member formed with an abutting surface to abut against the plunger to limit rearward plunger movement when the movable adjusting member is at a first adjuster position, and a regulating member to hold the movable adjusting member at the first adjuster position at the time of adjustment, and to enable the movable adjusting member to move to a second adjuster position after adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Ishikawa, Sosuke Sunaga
  • Patent number: 8584791
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering apparatus assists in steering of a vehicle with a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic power steering apparatus includes a flow control valve, a steering torque sensor, a steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and an ECU. The flow control valve changes the supply/drainage amount of hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic cylinder. The ECU sets a supply/drainage mode for supplying/draining the hydraulic fluid with respect to the hydraulic cylinder based on detection results from the aforementioned sensors and controls the flow control valve in accordance with the supply/drainage mode of the hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Sakamaki, Yasuhiro Tomagou, Akihiko Shiina, Tetsuya Ozaki, Ryouichi Kubo
  • Patent number: 8554410
    Abstract: A device and a method for route guidance assistance in a vehicle that is connected to a navigation system. In order to make it easier for the driver to follow a route calculated by a navigation system, an assisting device is provided for route guidance. The assisting device includes a control unit for generating a control signal for haptic feedback to the driver of the vehicle. As haptic feedback, the control unit can output an additional moment on the steering system of the vehicle, for example, the additional moment being negative when the vehicle departs from the travel route while being positive when the vehicle follows the calculated direction of the navigation route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Stählin, Mattias Strauss
  • Publication number: 20130240286
    Abstract: A tractor includes: a driver's compartment; an engine compartment; a partitioning member that partitions the driver's compartment and engine compartment and has a through-hole; a steering wheel provided in the driver's compartment; a power steering unit disposed on the engine compartment side; a steering shaft that extends from the steering wheel and is connected to the power steering unit; an elastic sealing member provided in an inner circumferential portion of the through-hole; and an anti-vibration member. The elastic sealing member includes a supported portion supported to the inner circumferential portion and a ring-shaped lip portion protruding downward from one end of the supported portion. The power steering unit is mounted to the partitioning member via the anti-vibration member, the ring-shaped lip portion is elastically clamped to the upper face of the power steering unit, and the steering shaft is connected to the power steering unit while inserted in the through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Asada, Yoshihisa Tahara, Kiyokazu Fujibayashi
  • Patent number: 8522914
    Abstract: A pump apparatus including a pump housing, a drive shaft, a cam ring movably disposed in the pump housing, a pump element disposed within the cam ring and rotationally driven by the drive shaft to vary a specific discharge quantity which is a discharge quantity of the working oil per one rotation of the pump element in accordance with variation in eccentric amount of the cam ring with respect to the drive shaft, and a solenoid which is drivingly controlled on the basis of a steering condition and a vehicle speed and operated to control the eccentric amount of the cam ring. The solenoid is controlled to execute a flow rate reduction control during cranking of an engine of the vehicle in which the cam ring is allowed to move in such a direction as to reduce the specific discharge quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kimura, Satoshi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 8469139
    Abstract: A power steering system for a ground vehicle includes an accumulator that supplies high-pressure fluid through a control valve to a fluid motor that drives the steerable wheels of the vehicle. A normally open control valve between the accumulator and the fluid motor closes prior to the steerable wheels reaching an axle stop to relieve power assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Sheppard, Kenneth Giurlando
  • Publication number: 20130134765
    Abstract: A steering mechanism for a milling attachment device provides steering capability without impeding cutting depth control. The steering mechanism has at least one wheel that is rotated by an actuating mechanism such as an extending cylinder, synchronized actuators, or the like. The steering mechanism may be integrated with depth control by using a parallelogrammic structure with pivot points to assist in the depth control or may operate independent of and without impeding depth control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Asphalt Zipper, Inc.
    Inventor: Asphalt Zipper, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8439151
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a hydraulic power steering motor. A continuously variable transmission has an input shaft rotatable under the influence of force transmitted from the engine and an output shaft operable to drive a pump. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a first speed when one of the input and output shafts of the continuously variable transmission rotates at a first speed. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a second speed when the one of the input and output shafts rotates at a second speed. A centrifugal sensor is connected with the one of the input and output shafts. The centrifugal sensor transfers rotational movement of the one of the input and output shafts to a linearly displaceable input member of the continuously variable transmission to change the speed at which the pump is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Williams, Mark A. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 8408352
    Abstract: An electronic control unit monitors pressure conditions present at the input to the steering system and other vehicle data signals and then provides override control of a hydro-mechanical flow control device. An electro-hydraulic valve is connected to the supply side of the hydro-mechanical flow control device and reacts to the electronic monitoring of pressure and other vehicle data to alter the counter-balancing forces within the hydro-mechanical flow control device. This causes a by-pass diversion of steering fluid to the source by the hydro-mechanical flow control device and thereby relieves backpressure on the pump when relatively little steering assist is required to be provided by the steering system. The control of steering fluid diversion at such times results in a significant reduction in parasitic losses within the steering system and improves the operating and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick R. Kasten, Darrel A. Recker, Daniel K. Tuttle, Ashraf Zeid
  • Publication number: 20130075187
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (14, 16) includes a hydraulic power steering motor (12). A pump (26) having an outlet port (28) is connected in fluid communication with the power steering motor (12) and operable to supply hydraulic fluid to the power steering motor (12). A continuously variable transmission (50) is connected with the engine of the vehicle and the pump (26). The continuously variable transmission (50) is operable to drive the pump (26) at a first speed when the pressure at the outlet port (28) is at a first pressure. The continuously variable transmission (50) is operable to drive the pump (26) at a second speed when the pressure at the outlet port (28) is at a second pressure different than the first pressure. The first speed at which the pump (26) is driven is greater than the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8376080
    Abstract: A pump apparatus includes: a first housing member which includes a first drive shaft insertion hole; a second housing member which includes a second drive shaft insertion hole; a pump drive shaft; a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion formed in the second housing member; the first and second drive shaft insertion holes being previously co-processed in a state in which the first and second housing member are relatively positioned by abutments between the first and second positioning protruding portions and the first and second abutment portions, and a joining member joining the first and second housing members in a state in which the first and second housing members are relatively positioned by the abutments of the first and second positioning protruding portions and the first and second abutment portions so as to re-create a relative position between the first and second housing members at the co-processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Nakakuki, Takumi Hisazumi, Kunimi Yoshino, Takeshi Ito, Yuji Shibuya
  • Patent number: 8326491
    Abstract: A method and a device for acquiring a value of a defined reference point of a first variable which is measured by an incrementally measuring sensor of a motor vehicle are disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring intermediate values of the defined reference point in at least two detection modules using at least one second measured variable, wherein each detection module is adapted to determine a value of the defined reference point of the first variable in a pre-defined driving situation. A quality level for each intermediate value is determined. The quality levels of the intermediate values are compared. The value of the defined reference point is determined from the acquired intermediate values in accordance with a result of the compared quality levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Michael Gärtner
  • Publication number: 20120285765
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for providing a variable speed output from a mechanical power source and a hydraulic power source is disclosed. The steering apparatus includes a rotatable housing, a hydraulic motor mounted within the rotatable housing. The hydraulic motor includes a rotor and a casing. The steering apparatus further includes a first output shaft connected to the rotor and a second output shaft connected to the casing. The first output shaft is configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged with the rotatable housing. The second output shaft is configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged with the rotatable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Zulu
  • Patent number: 8272472
    Abstract: In a steering operation device, a hydraulic actuator is driven by hydraulic pressure and vary the steering angle of the vehicle. A steering valve adjusts the flow rate of oil supplied to the actuator according to a pilot pressure. A pilot valve adjusts the pilot pressure input to the steering valve according to a difference between a displacement of an operation input shaft and a displacement of a feedback input shaft. A joystick lever is linked to the operation input shaft and moves the operation input shaft according to a tilt angle. A drive device displaces the feedback input shaft. A steering angle sensor detects the steering angle and outputs the angle as a detected signal. A controller sends a command signal to the drive device so as to displace the feedback input shaft according to the detected steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruki Shinagawa
  • Patent number: 8272471
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid actuator, a first steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator, and a second steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid actuator and disposed in parallel to the first steering circuit. The second steering circuit includes a load-reaction feature and an isolation valve with the isolation valve being adapted to enable and disable the load-reaction feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Wade Leo Gehlhoff
  • Publication number: 20120217083
    Abstract: A steering control system for a machine having a traction device is disclosed. The steering control system may have a steering actuator, and a steering sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an actual steering angle of the machine. The steering control system may also have an operator input device, an input sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of desired steering of the machine, and a feedback actuator operatively connected to the operator input device. The steering control system may further have a travel speed sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of a travel speed of the machine, and a controller configured to activate the steering actuator to move the traction device an amount based on the first and second signals and to activate the feedback actuator to urge the operator input device toward the neutral position based on the third signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Chad T. Brickner
  • Patent number: 8201656
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a gear rack supported in a fixed position, a pinion gear in meshing engagement with the gear rack, a steering subsystem supporting the pinion gear and moveable in a translational manner relative to the gear rack and at least one steering arm coupled to steering subsystem and configured to steer a motive member in response to movement of the steering subsystem. The vehicle steering system is configured to remain substantially within a framework of the vehicle while steering one or more motive members of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Archer, Nicholas J. Zepnick
  • Patent number: 8204647
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Nakane
  • Publication number: 20120067664
    Abstract: A pump apparatus includes: a first housing member which includes a first drive shaft insertion hole; a second housing member which includes a second drive shaft insertion hole; a pump drive shaft; a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion formed in the second housing member; the first and second drive shaft insertion holes being previously co-processed in a state in which the first and second housing member are relatively positioned by abutments between the first and second positioning protruding portions and the first and second abutment portions, and a joining member joining the first and second housing members in a state in which the first and second housing members are relatively positioned by the abutments of the first and second positioning protruding portions and the first and second abutment portions so as to re-create a relative position between the first and second housing members at the co-processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Yasuhito NAKAKUKI, Takumi Hisazumi, Kunimi Yoshino, Takeshi Ito, Yuji Shibuya
  • Publication number: 20120059549
    Abstract: A steering assembly for steering a vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a first steering knuckle having a first wheel rotatably mounted thereto, a first swing mechanism for enabling displacement of the first steering knuckle along a first arced path and a first guiding mechanism for pivoting the first steering knuckle when the first steering knuckle is displaced along the first arced path in order to maintain the first wheel oriented tangentially relative to the first arced path. The first arced path is concave relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced from the first frame member, away from a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle, by a distance sufficient to prevent the first wheel from contacting the first frame member when the first steering knuckle is pivoted. There is further provided a method of operating the steering assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GN Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Noel
  • Patent number: 8100220
    Abstract: A mobile material placer with an auxiliary steering system having a direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The auxiliary steering system includes a direct hydraulic drive mechanism coupled to the steering column and which causes the steering column to rotate bidirectionally in response to fluid flow from a hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rexius Forest By-Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Arlen Rexius, David L. Looney, Chris Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 8079439
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering initiator, a steering unit with feedback properties, which can be activated by the steering initiator, the steering unit having a supply connection arrangement with a pressure connection (P) and a tank connection (T) and a working connection arrangement with two working connections (L, R), an auxiliary-force operated steering valve, which is located in parallel with the steering unit between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (L, R), and a feedback suppressing device, which is active, when the steering valve is active. It is endeavored to find a simple manner of ensuring the priority of the steering initiator over the steering valve. For this purpose, the steering initiator interacts with an activation sensor, which deactivates the feedback suppressing device on an activation of the steering initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Aps
    Inventors: Bendt Porskrog, Kjeld Buus Jensen, Finn Visgaard Nielsen, Svend Erik Thomsen