With Electrical Control Patents (Class 180/422)
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Patent number: 8783408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Masahiko Sakamaki
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Patent number: 8781683Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. An engine driven pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is driven by an engine of the vehicle to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A controller increases engine speed when the vehicle is motionless and a steering wheel is rotated. A method for controlling the speed of an engine to provide a predetermined steering assist to a steering apparatus includes determining if the vehicle is motionless and determining if the steering wheel is being rotated. The speed of the engine is increased if the vehicle is motionless and the steering wheel is being rotated to provide the predetermined steering assist to the steering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Daniel E. Williams
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Publication number: 20140180545Abstract: A steering apparatus for a HEV which assists in providing power steering regardless whether an engine is being operated, and a method of controlling the same. More specifically, one or more detectors detect a vehicle speed, a steering angle, and an engine RPM, and a pump is controlled according to the engine RPM based upon signals received from the one or more detectors. Additionally, an electric motor unit (EMU) mounted to a steering column unit separately from the power steering pump, provides power assisting in steering the vehicle. Also a hybrid control unit (HCU) receives a signal from one or more of the detectors to control a power steering pump and an electric motor unit as required.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Jin Seok Bang
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Patent number: 8733493Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system includes a rotation angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of a shaft. A rotary valve includes a valve element that rotates together with the shaft of an electric motor and a housing that has an internal space connected to oil passages. A control unit reflects an output from the rotation angle sensor on control of the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Akihiko Shiina, Keisuke Izutani, Masahiko Sakamaki
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Patent number: 8678129Abstract: A method for selectively charging and discharging a steering accumulator are provided. One vehicle steering system includes a hydraulic pump configured provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in steering the vehicle. The steering system also includes an accumulator configured to hold pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump for use in steering the vehicle in case of need. The steering system includes a charging circuit configured to selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator based on a fluid pressure applied by a first pilot and a second pilot. The steering system includes a charging bypass circuit configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow to a steering control unit and to bypass the charging circuit. The hydraulic pump supplies fluid to the charging circuit and the bypass circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Jerry L. Brinkley, Adam R. Rusciolelli
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Patent number: 8666582Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Kageyama, Kazuhito Kato
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Patent number: 8666598Abstract: A method of controlling a yawing movement of an aircraft running along the ground, the aircraft comprising at least one first landing gear with a steerable bottom part bearing wheels. The method comprises the steps of (1) on the basis of a yaw rate setpoint {dot over (?)}c, determining a wheel-steering prepositioning angle ?p; and (2) using closed-loop control which as its input has the yaw rate setpoint and which generates a command to steer the bottom part in order to steer it through a steering angle ?c equal to the sum of this prepositioning angle ?p and of an angle ?z which is determined taking account of an error between the yaw rate setpoint {dot over (?)}c and the measured yaw rate {dot over (?)}m when the steerable bottom part is steered by the steering angle ?c.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-DowtyInventors: David Lemay, David Frank, Michel Basset, Yann Chamaillard
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Patent number: 8634989Abstract: The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Michael R. Schramm
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Publication number: 20140012470Abstract: A hybrid motor driven power steering system for a commercial vehicle may include a MDPS unit to generate motor output torque depending on driver steering torque, an EHPS unit to generate hydraulic output torque considering the motor output torque of the MDPS unit, a ball nut type gear box to generate output torque which operates a tie rod leading to left and right wheels after being input with the driver steering torque, the motor output torque, and the hydraulic output torque, and two torsion bars to block torque fluctuation rates at respective regions of a joint by detecting a road surface reaction force transferred to a steering column through the ball nut type gear box in at least two different positions. Accordingly, it may be possible to provide a steering capacity required in small-sized, medium-sized and full-sized commercial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jongmin Kim, Soobo Park
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Patent number: 8606463Abstract: A hydraulic steering system for a vehicle includes a first steering member and a second steering member, wherein the first steering member is operationally connected to a first steering valve unit including a first steering valve, and wherein a priority valve controls a flow of a hydraulic fluid to one or more steering cylinders which provide for steering of the vehicle in a desired steering direction, wherein the priority valve gives priority to steering with the first steering member over the steeling with the second steering member. A second steering valve is provided functionally operable in series with a proportional flow control valve, wherein the second steering valve and/or the proportional flow control valve are controlled at least by the second steering member.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventors: Olivier Bichler, Frederic Lastre
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Patent number: 8584791Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Masahiko Sakamaki, Yasuhiro Tomagou, Akihiko Shiina, Tetsuya Ozaki, Ryouichi Kubo
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Patent number: 8584790Abstract: A power steering apparatus including a steering shaft, a sensor coil disposed on an outer circumferential side of the steering shaft and detecting a change in impedance value to determine an amount of relative rotation of an input shaft and an output shaft of the steering shaft, a steering housing including a first housing and a second housing, a sensor substrate disposed on the first housing, a neutral point regulating circuit on the sensor substrate which includes a resistor connected to the sensor coil and variably regulates a resistance value of the resistor so as to regulate the impedance value at a neutral point at which the amount of relative rotation of the input shaft and the output shaft is zero, and an electric motor which is driven and controlled in accordance with an output signal of the sensor coil regulated by the neutral point regulating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, LtdInventors: Teruyuki Ohnishi, Hajime Komuro, Kohtaro Shiino
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Publication number: 20130277136Abstract: A retro-fittable power steering system for a vehicle; said system including an actuator acting on a component of the steering system of a said vehicle downstream of the steering box of said steering system; said system characterised in that said power steering system is activated manually under driver control; said system further characterised in that original steering components of said vehicle remain un-modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Douglas Michael Young
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Patent number: 8561751Abstract: A system and method for selectively charging and discharging a steering accumulator are provided. One vehicle steering system includes a hydraulic pump configured provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for use in steering the vehicle. The steering system also includes an accumulator configured to hold pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump for use in steering the vehicle in case of need. The steering system includes a charging circuit configured to selectively allow the hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator based on a fluid pressure applied by a first pilot and a second pilot. The steering system includes a charging bypass circuit configured to allow the hydraulic fluid to flow to a steering control unit and to bypass the charging circuit. The hydraulic pump supplies fluid to the charging circuit and the bypass circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Jerry Lee Brinkley, Adam Robert Rusciolelli
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Patent number: 8561752Abstract: Power steering systems and methods to improve efficiency and performance of vehicle power steering systems. In one embodiment, there is provided an engine driven positive displacement hydraulic pump, a rotary valve coupled to a steering shaft for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure in a rotary valve inlet and providing a differential pressure to a steering rack piston for a steering boost responsive to a torque exerted on the steering shaft, valving coupled between an output of the hydraulic pump, the rotary valve inlet and the hydraulic pump input for controllably coupling the output of the hydraulic pump to the rotary valve inlet or an input of the hydraulic pump, and a controller coupled to valving to maintain a flow rate of hydraulic fluid coupled to the rotary valve responsive to a pressure sensor output. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Rogers, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Jeffrey T. Gardner
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Patent number: 8554411Abstract: In an electric power steering system, an ECU 11 includes two independent microcomputers 17a, 17b that serve as motor control signal generators, and the microcomputers 17a, 17b perform the same current feedback computation. Switching arms 20a, 20b that constitute a driving circuit 18 operate independently of each other, based on motor control signals generated by the corresponding microcomputers 17a, 17b. Each of the microcomputers 17a, 17b determines whether an absolute value of a current deviation of an actual current I (I1, I2) from a current command value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the current deviation exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality occurs in the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Jtekt CorporationInventor: Noritake Ura
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Publication number: 20130240287Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (14, 16) includes a steering member (12) which is linearly movable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A pinion (28) is disposed in meshing engagement with a rack portion (30) of the steering member (12). A steering column (22) is connected with the pinion (28) and with a vehicle steering wheel (20) such that rotation of the steering wheel results in linear movement of the steering member. An electrically powered steering unit (40) is connected to the steering member (12) for providing steering feel to the operator. A hydraulic power steering motor (60) mechanically connected to the steering member provides steering assist to the steerable wheels (14, 16).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: TRW Automotive US LLCInventors: Daniel E. Williams, Elbert Owens
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Patent number: 8538633Abstract: The power steering apparatus according to the invention is a power steering apparatus with a power steering function to drive an oil pump by a motor to generate hydraulic pressure, and to assist in driver's steering through the hydraulic pressure. The power steering apparatus includes a power source voltage detecting unit which detects the voltage of a power source of the power steering apparatus; a motor rotating speed detecting unit which detects the rotating speed of the motor; and a control stopping unit which stops the power steering function when the voltage of the power source detected by the power source voltage detecting unit exceeds a predetermined power source voltage value, and the rotating speed of the motor detected by the motor rotating speed detecting unit is equal to or less than a predetermined motor rotating speed value.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Nishimura, Motohiro Norikawa, Akira Ejiri
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Patent number: 8528686Abstract: An actuator assembly including, a polar assembly including an inner tooth and an outer tooth, and a magnet disposed between the inner tooth and the outer tooth, the magnet operative to interact with the polar assembly to induce an electromagnetic torsion bar operative to impart a torque on a first shaft connected to the ring magnet.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Ashok Chandy, Mohammad S. Islam
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Publication number: 20130199865Abstract: In a hybrid power steering system, two steering assisters for supporting a steering force when the driver operates the steering wheel. The steering supporting force can be divisionally used according to the increase of speed and weight of a vehicle, thereby reducing the load applied to any of the steering assisters such that operating noise can be reduced and the endurance can be increased. Further, a motor of a lower power specification may be used even in the case of a truck or a bus that requires a relatively high steering force as compared to a passenger vehicle. Accordingly, production costs can be reduced and a sufficient steering supporting force can be obtained, thereby improving the driver's convenience, and enhancing fuel efficiency while increasing energy efficiency. Further, the steering can be safely maintained even when one of the steering assisters is not operating normally while the vehicle is being driven.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: MANDO CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8490742Abstract: A hydraulic power steering unit has an assist force generating unit that uses oil to generate assist force for steering by a steering device, a variable flow oil pump unit that supplies oil to the assist force generating unit, and a controller that controls the oil pump unit. The controller has a command flow setting device that sets a command flow rate Qc of the oil supplied from the oil pump unit to the assist force generating unit in accordance with a vehicle quantity of state such as a vehicle speed, steering angle or the like. The controller also has a flow correcting device that corrects the command flow rate Qc in accordance with the speed of the oil pump unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Yukihiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8479870Abstract: Disclosed is a power steering system comprising: a control valve disposed in the steering mechanism to selectably supply a working liquid supplied from a first pump or a second pump to a pair of pressure chambers of a power cylinder providing a steering force for at least one steered wheel in accordance with a rotational steering operation of a steering wheel; a first switching valve disposed between the first pump and the control valve to switch a communication and an interruption of the working liquid between the first pump and the control valve; and a second switching valve disposed between the second pump and the control valve to switch the communication and the interruption of the working liquid between the second pump and the control valve, a communication state and an interruption state being selectably formed in the second switching valve when the first switching valve is in the communication state.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiro Yoda, Shogo Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8448741Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes a steering input and a feedback to the steering input. In another aspect of the disclosure, an adjustable gain is provided between steering inputs to the system and the steering output from the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Scott J Breiner, Mark J Cherney
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Publication number: 20130112492Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system includes a rotation angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of a shaft. A rotary valve includes a valve element that rotates together with the shaft of an electric motor and a housing that has an internal space connected to oil passages. A control unit reflects an output from the rotation angle sensor on control of the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: JTEKT CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8408352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frederick R. Kasten, Darrel A. Recker, Daniel K. Tuttle, Ashraf Zeid
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Patent number: 8403103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Daniel E. Williams
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Publication number: 20130037341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiko SAKAMAKI
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Patent number: 8374750Abstract: A method is provided for recognizing the fatigue of a driver of a vehicle. In the method a torque variable representing the torque applied to the steering wheel by the driver is detected, and the presence of fatigue of the driver is detected on the basis of the torque variable.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Andreas Reichert
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Publication number: 20130032429Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventor: Marco Aimo Boot
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Patent number: 8365628Abstract: A method for designing a pole piece for a power assist steering system, includes: selecting a number of teeth, k, for the pole piece where k=n/2 and n represents an even number of poles; and selecting a ratio between an angle made by an inner tooth tip and an outer tooth tip, ?tp, and an angle made by a magnet pole width, ?mp, to provide a desired torque function for the steering system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Christian E. Ross, Matthew W. Mielke
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Publication number: 20130030656Abstract: A steering method for an industrial truck includes manually steering at least one steerable wheel with a steering transducer. The at least one steerable wheel is hydraulically connected or mechanically connected with the steering transducer. An angular position of the at least one steerable wheel is detected. At least one additional steerable wheel is motor-steered as a function of the detected angular position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: HUBTEX MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Juergen Keller
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Patent number: 8360195Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering system having a hydraulic actuator (13) for generating a steering movement, a rotary hydraulic valve (4) for hydraulically controlling the hydraulic actuator (13), a first electronic drive (7) for actuating the hydraulic valve (4) and a first coupling element (8) for transmitting torque from the first electronic drive (7) to the hydraulic valve (4) and for preventing a transmission of torque from the hydraulic valve (4) to the first electronic drive (7).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Klemens Schmidt, Udo Herth
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Publication number: 20120305328Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel, a steering gear shaft and a hydraulic master unit, the steering gear shaft being in mechanical active connection with the master unit via a toothing, and also comprising hydraulic lines and a hydraulic slave unit in a steering gear which, for swivelling steerable wheels is mechanically coupled therewith, an electronic control for controlling an electric servomotor being provided which is actively connected to the steering gear, the active connection between the steering shaft and the hydraulic master unit being a toothing with a variable transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AGInventor: Manfred Rombold
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Patent number: 8312958Abstract: Power steering systems and methods to improve efficiency and performance of vehicle power steering systems. In one embodiment, there is provided an engine driven positive displacement hydraulic pump, a rotary valve coupled to a steering shaft for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure in a rotary valve inlet and providing a differential pressure to a steering rack piston for a steering boost responsive to a torque exerted on the steering shaft, valving coupled between an output of the hydraulic pump, the rotary valve inlet and the hydraulic pump input for controllably coupling the output of the hydraulic pump to the rotary valve inlet or an input of the hydraulic pump, and a controller coupled to valving to maintain a flow rate of hydraulic fluid coupled to the rotary valve responsive to a pressure sensor output. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Rogers, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Jeffrey T. Gardner
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Patent number: 8301355Abstract: A cruise control system comprises a passing detection module and a speed regulator module. The passing detection module selectively detects execution of a passing maneuver based on an accelerator pedal position (APP) measured by an APP sensor and actuation of a Set/Coast input to the cruise control system when a vehicle speed is greater than a target speed. The speed regulator module regulates the vehicle speed based on the target speed and updates the target speed to the vehicle speed when the passing maneuver is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventors: Patrick J. O'Leary, Barbara A. Shuler
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Publication number: 20120247864Abstract: A solenoid valve device includes: a solenoid valve that includes a solenoid that is supplied with driving current to generate magnetic flux, and a valve element that is moved by the magnetic flux generated from the solenoid; and a control device that controls the solenoid valve. The control device includes an alternating current component in the driving current and supplies the driving current including the alternating current component to the solenoid, and detects an impedance of the solenoid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryouichi KUBO, Masahiko SAKAMAKI
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Patent number: 8272472Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Haruki Shinagawa
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Patent number: 8251098Abstract: The invention relates to a slide vane (20) for a hydraulic power steering of automotive vehicles with a tubular control sleeve (24). Said control sleeve is connected to an output shaft (28) and comprises first control grooves (32) in its inner surface (34). Further, there is provided a tubular sliding sleeve (26) that is disposed at least in portions within said control sleeve (24). On its outer surface (38), the sliding sleeve (26) comprises second control grooves (36) that may be brought to coincide with the first control grooves (32) of the control sleeve (24), said first control grooves (32) being disposed substantially in the circumferential direction of the tubular control sleeve (24) and said second control grooves (36) substantially in the circumferential direction of said tubular sliding sleeve (26). The relative position of said control sleeve (24) and of said sliding sleeve (26) being relatively variable in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: tedrive Holding B.V.Inventors: Stephan Gröll, Alexander Kogan
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Publication number: 20120199411Abstract: A variable displacement pump includes a pumping part and a cam ring for supplying working fluid to a vehicle steering device. The cam ring is arranged radially outside of the pumping part, and configured to move along with a change in eccentricity of the cam ring, wherein the change in eccentricity causes a change in specific discharge rate. A solenoid is configured to control the eccentricity of the cam ring by being driven with an energizing current conformed to a control setpoint. A base setpoint is calculated based on steering angular speed and vehicle speed. The control setpoint is calculated based on the base setpoint and steering angular acceleration in a manner that the control setpoint increases more quickly than the base setpoint when the base setpoint increases in accordance with steering operation of the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Satoshi NONAKA, Makoto Kimura
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Patent number: 8235163Abstract: A hydraulic steering assistance system for vehicles, including a power steering pump and a variable-ratio gear, particularly a booster drive for the power-steering pump wherein the power steering pump hydraulically powers both the hydraulic steering assistance system and the variable-ratio gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dirk Webert, Doan Van Nguyen
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Patent number: 8224529Abstract: A steering wheel angle detection system having a steering wheel angle sensor, a generator and a controller memory such that when a vehicle ignition is powered off, movement of a steering wheel generates electricity and allows a steering wheel angle sensor to detect the change in steering wheel angle. The change, or an indicator, is stored in non-volatile RAM until a time in which the ignition is powered-on. The generator may be a generator dedicated to the steering wheel angle sensor or it may be an electric motor that is part of an electrically assisted power steering system.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
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Publication number: 20120160594Abstract: Disclosed is a power steering system comprising: a control valve disposed in the steering mechanism to selectably supply a working liquid supplied from a first pump or a second pump to a pair of pressure chambers of a power cylinder providing a steering force for at least one steered wheel in accordance with a rotational steering operation of a steering wheel; a first switching valve disposed between the first pump and the control valve to switch a communication and an interruption of the working liquid between the first pump and the control valve; and a second switching valve disposed between the second pump and the control valve to switch the communication and the interruption of the working liquid between the second pump and the control valve, a communication state and an interruption state being selectably formed in the second switching valve when the first switching valve is in the communication state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Unisia JKC Streering Systems Co, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiro YODA, Shogo Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8200393Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus 1 includes a variable gear ratio actuator 7, an IFS ECU 8, which controls the actuator 7, an EPS actuator 17, and an EPS ECU 18, which controls the EPS actuator 17. The variable gear ratio actuator 7 varies the transmission ratio between a steering wheel and steered wheels. The EPS actuator 17 applies an assist force that assists a steering operation. A microcomputer 43 of the EPS actuator 17 increases an inertia compensation current command Iti* (Iti**), which is a compensation component based on the differential value of a steering torque, during actuation of the variable gear ratio actuator 7, that is, when an ACT angle ?ta is changed.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Kato, Satoru Mikamo
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Publication number: 20120109459Abstract: A hydraulic steering system for a vehicle includes a first steering member and a second steering member, wherein the first steering member is operationally connected to a first steering valve unit including a first steering valve, and wherein a priority valve controls a flow of a hydraulic fluid to one or more steering cylinders which provide for steering of the vehicle in a desired steering direction, wherein the priority valve gives priority to steering with the first steering member over the steeling with the second steering member. A second steering valve is provided functionally operable in series with a proportional flow control valve, wherein the second steering valve and/or the proportional flow control valve are controlled at least by the second steering member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2008Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ABInventors: Olivier Bichler, Frederic Lastre
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Patent number: 8170750Abstract: A vehicle parametric active front steering (AFS) system remedial action is described herein. AFS system modules inter-communicate via messages containing parameters. The AFS system detects a message error, determines an invalid parameter, and takes appropriate remedial action. An error is detected if an error condition is satisfied or if occurrence of incorrect messages reaches or exceeds a certain predetermined frequency. The AFS system takes the remedial action by setting default values of valid parameters corresponding to the invalid parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Robert R. Bolio
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Publication number: 20120097472Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system includes: a hydraulic cylinder in which an interior is partitioned into first and second hydraulic chambers by a piston on a steered shaft; a variable displacement electric pump that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder; a selector valve selectively set in a mode in which the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the first hydraulic chamber and drained from the second hydraulic chamber or in a mode in which the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the second hydraulic chamber and drained from the first hydraulic chamber; a detector that detects torque, steering angle, and/or vehicle speed; and a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryouichi KUBO, Yasuhiro TOMAGOU, Akihiko SHIINA, Masahiko SAKAMAKI, Tetsuya OZAKI
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Publication number: 20120097471Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiko SAKAMAKI, Yasuhiro TOMAGOU, Akihiko SHIINA, Tetsuya OZAKI, Ryouichi KUBO
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Patent number: 8160778Abstract: A hydraulic steering unit 5 generates a control pressure corresponding to the rotational quantity and rotational direction of the steering wheel 109 on the basis of pressurized oil of a pilot pump 13. Signals of pressure sensors 6a and 6b used to detect the control pressure, and a signal of a front operation detection unit 31, are inputted into a controller 132. A controller 32 and solenoid valves 33a and 33b control a stroke of a steering valve 4 so that the stroke becomes larger with increase in control pressure detected by each of the pressure sensors 6a and 6b. In addition, when the operation of a front work device is detected, the controller 32 and the solenoid valves 33a and 33b control the stroke of the steering valve 4 so that the stroke becomes larger than that provided when the operation of the front work device is not detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Mitsuo Kihara, Hiroyuki Azuma, Atsushi Shimazu
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Patent number: 8160777Abstract: When an electrification failure occurs in any of the phase of a motor, a control device of an electric power steering device executes current control for generating, in each of two electrification phases other than a phase with the electrification failure, a phase current that changes in the form of a secant curve or a cosecant curve based on an asymptotic line, which is a predetermined rotational angle corresponding to the phase with the electrification failure, to thereby continuously output a motor control signal. The control device of the electric power steering device executes current restriction for restricting the phase current within a predetermined range. The control device of the electric power steering device further executes control for accelerating rotation of the motor during two phase drive, in order to prevent the occurrence of a stuck steering wheel during low-speed steering, which is caused as a result of the execution of the current restriction.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Terutaka Tamaizumi
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Patent number: 8150579Abstract: A method for determining a speed of a power steering pump used in a power steering assembly of a vehicle that has particular application in a vehicle using a magneto-rheological hydraulic power steering (MRHPS) system for improving the fuel efficiency and ride comfort of the vehicle, and for reliable functioning of the power steering system. The method includes determining an angle of rotation of the steering wheel and a rate of change of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel based on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel of the vehicle. The method further includes determining the speed of the vehicle and the speed of the power steering pump based on the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, the rate of change of the angle of rotation of the steering wheel and the speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Balarama V. Murty, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Kenneth J. Shoemaker, Chandra S. Namuduri, Bradley Bezzina, Ebrahim Handy