With Electrical Control Patents (Class 180/422)
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Patent number: 8095273Abstract: A method includes parallel parking a vehicle between a first object and a second object in response to an available parking distance therebetween. The vehicle includes front steerable wheels and rear steerable wheels. A distance between the first object and the second object is remotely sensed determining whether to apply a one or two cycle parking strategy. An autonomous one cycle parking strategy includes pivoting the front and rear steerable wheels in respective directions for steering the vehicle in a first reverse arcuate path of travel and then cooperatively pivoting the steerable wheels in a counter direction for steering the vehicle in a second reverse arcuate path of travel to a final park position. The autonomous two cycle parking strategy includes performing the one cycle parking maneuver and then changing a transmission gear to a drive gear and pivoting the front and rear steerable wheels in the first direction for moving the vehicle forward to a final park position.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Shih-Ken Chen
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Patent number: 8087489Abstract: An articulated construction vehicle is provided with an articulated, self-propelled body, body-articulating hydraulic cylinders for articulating the self-propelled body, a pilot-operated directional control valve for controlling a flow of pressure oil to the body-articulating hydraulic cylinders, and a steering-wheel-operated control device for outputting a pilot signal to corresponding one of signal-receiving ports of a directional control valve by rotational operation of a steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 8078373Abstract: A method for predicting the dynamics of a vehicle using information about the path on which the vehicle is travelling that has particular application for enhancing active safety performance of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort and to improve vehicle dynamics control. The method includes generating a preview of a path to be followed by the vehicle where the preview of the path is generated based on actual values of a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method further includes obtaining a corrected value of at least one of the plurality of vehicle parameters corresponding to the actual values of each of the plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein the corrected value of the at least one of the vehicle parameters is obtained based on a target path to be followed by the vehicle on the road, and wherein the target path is obtained on the basis of a plurality of road parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Weiwen Deng, Yong H. Lee
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Publication number: 20110297473Abstract: A steering system includes a steer-by-wire (SBW) valve, a main steering pump, a steering actuator, and a steering control unit (SCU). The SCU is in fluid communication with the actuator via a pair of fluid conduits, and includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion contains a first solenoid valve and a cross-over check valve assembly. The lower portion contains a fluid control valve. An ECU generates a steering input signal in response to steering wheel rotation, and transmits the signal to the SBW valve. The SCU controls the first solenoid valve to deliver fluid from the lower portion to the actuator via the cross-over valve assembly in an emergency steering mode, and also controls the first solenoid valve to prevent flow into the actuator and allow recirculation of fluid within the lower portion in a torque feel mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Aaron Kelly Krahn
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Patent number: 8066091Abstract: A steering system, comprising: an input cylinder having a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber; a transmission mechanism, wherein a transmission efficiency for converting and transmitting a linear motion of the input cylinder to a rotary motion of a steering wheel is less than a transmission efficiency for converting and transmitting the rotary motion of the steering wheel to the linear motion of the input cylinder; an output cylinder connected to a steerable vehicle wheel and having a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber; a first hydraulic passage for connecting the first hydraulic chamber to the third hydraulic chamber; a second hydraulic passage for connecting the second hydraulic chamber to the fourth hydraulic chamber; a flow rate control mechanism for exchanging hydraulic oil with: a first hydraulic circuit including the first and third hydraulic chambers and the first hydraulic passage; and a second hydraulic circuit including the second and fourth hydraulic chambersType: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Ito, Atsushi Yokoyama, Mitsuo Sasaki
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Publication number: 20110266084Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Peter H. Sheppard, Kenneth Giurlando
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Patent number: 8050823Abstract: The present apparatus stabilizes the behavior of the vehicle when a lateral disturbance occurs and includes a lateral disturbance detection unit, a target yaw rate computation unit and a vehicle yaw rate control unit. The lateral disturbance detection unit detects a lateral disturbance. The target yaw rate computation unit calculates a driver's steering angle when the lateral disturbance is detected, and calculates a target yaw rate using the calculated driver's steering angle, and vehicle information, including vehicle behavior information and vehicle specification information. The vehicle yaw rate control unit controls a vehicle yaw rate so as to attenuate a turning moment attributable to the lateral disturbance, thereby causing the controlled vehicle yaw rate to converge on the calculated target yaw rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Joong Ryoul Lee, Dong Ho Shin
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Patent number: 8041481Abstract: A power steering system is disclosed herein that includes an electronic control unit that determines a set-point value for a damping moment in the power steering system. The system also includes a first sensor connected to the control unit and operable to determine a sign of a steering angle. The sign of the steering angle refers to a clockwise angle from dead center being designated as positive or negative and a counter-clockwise angle from dead center being assigned the other designation. The system also includes a second sensor connected to the control unit and operable to determine the sign of a steering wheel angular velocity. The sign of the steering wheel angular velocity refers to movement of the steering wheel in the clockwise direction being designated as positive or negative and movement in the counter-clockwise direction being assigned the other designation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventor: Klaus Roth
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Patent number: 8020660Abstract: In a pump device applicable to a power steering apparatus, a pump element is housed within a pump housing and is configured to drain a working oil, an electric motor is configured to drive the pump element, a reservoir tank is installed on the housing and is configured to reserve the working oil supplied to the oil element, a passage is formed within the pump housing and is connected to the pump element, and a control valve is installed in the pump housing, is configured to communicate with the passage, and is configured to control a flow of the working oil caused to flow through the passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Kurata, Takumi Hisazumi, Yasuhito Nakakuki, Mitsuaki Nakada
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Patent number: 8008791Abstract: A right-and-left-wheel differential torque generator makes a deceleration acted on a vehicle body to be corrected in small even when a rotating electric machine for generating a right-and-left-wheel differential torque is operated to generate a yaw moment of the vehicle, for this purpose, a correcting throttle opening is added to a throttle operation by a driver to correct a torque amount of an engine brake causing a power supply, two power generators A, B coupled independently to each of the left and right wheels and a rotating electric machine C for generating a torsional torque are provided, the power generator A absorbs (brake) the torque from one wheel to generate a power, and this power is supplied so that a torsional torque is generated by the rotating electric machine C in a direction toward which the other wheel (coupled with the power generator B) is accelerated.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Yamakado, Atsushi Yokoyama, Masaru Yamasaki
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Patent number: 8002077Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical power steering system for a motor vehicle with a steering housing, in which a gear system is arranged, wherein a bar mounted such as to be displaceable longitudinally in the housing is a gear element for actuating steerable wheels, and wherein the steering housing is closed off by at least one folding bellows element, which is secured on one side to the steering housing and on the other side to the bar. Rapid pressure compensation in the event of temperature change is guaranteed, because a hose is connected at one end such as to communicate with the interior volumes of the steering housing, and when in operation is secured at a second free end above the steering housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AGInventor: Manfred Rombold
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Publication number: 20110190986Abstract: A working fluid medium temperature control system comprises an actuator operable on a working fluid medium, a pump for the working fluid medium, a fluid passage structure for the working fluid medium, an electric motor drivingly connected to the pump, and a control unit for the electric motor, the control unit including an inverter and an inverter controller. The inverter and the electric motor are integrated in such a way that the inverter is in heat transfer communication with the electric motor. The fluid passage structure is in heat transfer communication with the inverter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Takayuki Bitou, Koh Uchida, Katsuhiro Suda, Taisuke Ueda, Toru Inoue, Yoshikazu Takahashi, Hideyuki Kita, Yohei Koike, Nariaki Tazawa
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Patent number: 7980353Abstract: A steering system is provided for controlling the turning angle of the steering wheels of a vehicle. The steering system includes two electro-hydraulic circuits each including an actuator, both actuators being mechanically coupled and acting simultaneously on the turning angle of the wheels. A first circuit is displacement-controlled relative to a position set point while a second circuit is stress controlled. The set point applied of the second circuit includes a component developed from the filtering of the position set point applied to the first circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Renault TrucksInventor: Jean-Baptiste Doray
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Patent number: 7971679Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle is described, wherein a magnetic or electromagnetic actuator, which can be acted on via a controller, is associated with a torsion bar connected to a steering wheel, and by which the torsional stiffness of the system is variable in dependence on the vehicle speed, the steering angle speed and/or the transverse acceleration. In this connection, the electrical power supply of the magnetic or electromagnetic actuator taking place via the controller is interrupted or reduced when a steering angle speed of zero is detected or when a steering angle speed of zero and a vehicle speed of zero are detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventor: Jens Haupt
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Publication number: 20110132681Abstract: A steering control system for directing fluid to steering actuators on a machine include a set of right and left manually-operated pilot pressure fluid control valves and a set of right and left electro-hydraulic (EH) pilot pressure fluid control valves, with both sets being coupled to a main steering control valve for controlling movement of the latter to effect operation of the steering actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Joshua D. Graeve
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Patent number: 7950690Abstract: A steering wheel (13) for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel module (1) supporting electrical/electronic subassemblies (18). The steering wheel module is inserted from a front side of the steering wheel into a center of the steering wheel in order to be attached to the steering wheel. A lower end of the steering wheel module forms a torsion module (8) of a torque detection device for a steering power-assist system. The torsion module is operable to receive and be attached to a steering spindle (14) of a steering column on the back side of the steering wheel in order to attach the steering wheel to the steering spindle when the steering wheel module is attached to the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Hirschfeld, Martin Deitmerg, Ralf Böbel, Klaus Nieding, Frank Bläsing, Holger Lettmann, Rüdiger Menz
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Publication number: 20110094820Abstract: A vehicle by-wire steering system includes a hydraulic default level. A hydraulic feed unit and a hydraulic actuating unit can be connected together by two hydraulic lines such that when an actuator is non-functional, a steering wheel rotational angle is transformed into a corresponding wheel steering angle by the hydraulic feed unit and the hydraulic actuating unit. The hydraulic lines can be connected together by a switchable steering valve, which is designed as a proportional servo valve, of which the flow cross section can be adjusted in essence continuously between the two extremes of completely closed and completely open.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: ANDREAS BOOTZ, NORBERT NITZSCHE
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Patent number: 7931113Abstract: A steering control section has a first steering angle correction amount calculating section, a second steering angle correction amount calculating section, and a motor rotational angle calculating section. The first correction amount calculating section calculates a first correction amount based on a vehicle speed and an actual steering wheel angle. The second correction amount calculating section calculates a second correction amount through multiplying a control gain corresponding to the vehicle speed with a value calculated by low-pass filtering a differential value of steering wheel angle. The motor rotational angle calculating section calculates a motor rotational angle corresponding to the value adding the first and second steering angle correction amount, and outputs it to a motor driving section so as to drive an electric motor for correcting the steering angle. Thereby, an unstable vehicle behavior due to a resonance of a yaw motion caused in the steering operation can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Matsuno, Satoru Akiyama, Shinji Matsushita, Shiro Ezoe, Masaru Kogure, Hajime Oyama
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Publication number: 20110093167Abstract: A power steering system comprises a hydraulic circuit, a pump arranged to pressurize hydraulic fluid and valve means arranged to control the flow of pressurized fluid in the hydraulic circuit to control the steering force provided by the system. The system further comprises a motor arranged to drive the pump and control means arranged to control operation of the motor, and the control means is arranged to determine the position of the motor from a plurality of parameters by means of a position determining algorithm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Connel Brett Williams, Jeffrey Ronald Coles
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Patent number: 7896026Abstract: A filter includes top and bottom support frames, and one or more middle support frames, which are arranged in such a manner that a second stepped area recessed by a predetermined depth from the outer circumferential surfaces of the top and bottom support frames is formed by the top and bottom support frames and the middle support frames. A pressure control valve of an electronically controllable power steering apparatus includes: a hollow valve body having a first stepped area with a predetermined depth, the first stepped area being formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, where a supply port is formed; and the above-mentioned filter, the filter being fitted in the first stepped area of the valve body. The filter can minimize change of pressure at the filter area while assuring smooth supply of the hydraulic fluid, and can reduce the number of parts, the number of fabricating steps, and the material costs of such a pressure control valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Byung-yun Choi
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Patent number: 7891458Abstract: A priority valve 7 is disposed between a hydraulic pump 2 and a steering valve 4 and is used to supply priority steering cylinders 103a and 103b with pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 2 by controlling the differential pressure across a meter-in hydraulic line of the steering valve 4 such that the differential pressure is kept at a target value. A pressure sensor 31 for detecting the load pressures of the steering cylinders 103a and 103b is provided. On the basis of the detected load pressures, the target value set for the priority valve 7 is modified by devices including a controller 32, a solenoid valve 33, a pilot hydraulic line 29, and a pressure receiving unit 24c of the priority valve 7. The above configuration enables suppression of a shock occurring at the start of turning of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kouji Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Azuma, Kentarou Itoga
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Patent number: 7878512Abstract: An alignment changing control device that includes: a motor drive section which adjusts electrical power supplied to a motor of the electric actuator according to an operation command and, when receiving an operation inhibiting signal, limits or stops supplying the electrical power to the motor; a motor temperature estimating section for calculating an estimated temperature of the motor from at least a current supplied to the motor, an outside air temperature and a vehicle speed, based on heat balance relationship; and a comparator which transmits the operation inhibiting signal to the motor drive section when the estimated temperature of the motor calculated by the motor temperature estimating section is higher than a predetermined temperature, which is equal to or lower than an operation allowable temperature of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Horiuchi, Nobuo Sugitani
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Patent number: 7854292Abstract: A power assist steering system for a vehicle, especially for a truck or commercial vehicle, is disclosed that includes a mechanical engine-driven power steering pump that pumps hydraulic fluid to a power steering unit, and an electrical pump adapted to pump hydraulic fluid so as to optimize a power steering flow to the power steering unit and to minimize internal pump flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLCInventor: Mark Alton Eisenbarth
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Patent number: 7853380Abstract: A steering system for a machine having at least one steerable traction device is disclosed. The steering system may have a steering actuator operatively connected to the at least one steerable traction device, and a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a travel speed of the machine. The steering mechanism may also have an operator input device having a deadzone. The deadzone may vary in response to the signal. The steering system may also have a controller in communication with the steering actuator, the operator input device, and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to affect operation of the steering actuator in response to operation of the operator input device only when the operation of the operator input device deviates from the deadzone.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Xiaodong Huang, John J. Krone, Brad A. Edler, Mark L. Westphalen, Yongmin Ma, Brent M. Carr
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Patent number: 7849956Abstract: A method of steering a vehicle with a hydraulic steering system is disclosed. A first control signal is sent to a pilot valve. The pilot valve is operated to direct pilot fluid to a main valve in response to the first control signal. The main valve is opened to a first position in response to the pilot fluid. Fluid is directed through the main valve to a first actuator. Resistance to actuation of the first actuator is detected. The detected resistance is compared to a threshold resistance. A second control signal is sent to the pilot valve when the detected resistance exceeds the threshold resistance. The pilot valve is operated to direct pilot fluid to the main valve in response to the second control signal. The main valve is opened to a second position in response to the pilot fluid. Fluid is directed through the main valve to the first actuator and a second actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Rabie E. Khalil, Xiaodong Huang, Michael J. Mientus, John James Krone
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Publication number: 20100307858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Klemens Schmidt, Udo Herth
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Patent number: 7840324Abstract: An object is to simplify the structure of electric wirings, and to facilitate installation. A vehicular motion quantity sensor and a steering angle sensor are installed in the same casing or mechanically connected directly with the casing. Therefore, it is possible to put together electrical wiring harnesses for transmitting the detection signals from the vehicular motion quantity sensor and the steering angle sensor to an ECU. Moreover, since all of the sensors can be located in the same compartment, the structure of the electrical wiring harnesses can be simplified and can be installed more easily.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Kato, Masahiko Taniguchi, Masanobu Fukami
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Patent number: 7832523Abstract: The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Stephen T. Hung, Michael J. Gabel, John Francis Laidlaw
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Patent number: 7798282Abstract: A hybrid electrical power assist system (EPAS) for an automotive vehicle that utilizes the advantages of a conventional EPAS system to provide power assist based upon several distinct sensor inputs, in a heavy duty vehicle that requires significantly more assistance forces than a conventional EPAS can provide. The hybrid system utilizes a hydraulic amplifier that is connected to receive the torque output from an EPAS motor actuator and responsively provide a fluid under differential pressure through a pair of high pressure lines to a steering piston.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: John C. Crossman
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Patent number: 7793752Abstract: A method of determining a direction of a power boost applied to a power cylinder of a variable effort power steering system includes measuring a pressure of a hydraulic fluid between a pump and a control valve. A first position of the hand wheel is detected and initialized when the pressure is within a pre-defined equilibrium pressure range. A second position of the hand wheel is detected in response to rotational movement of the hand wheel. The first position and the second position of the hand wheel are measured in cumulative degrees rotated left or right of a on-center orientation of the hand wheel. The second position is subtracted from the first position to obtain a differential value representing the direction of the power boost. A negative differential value represents a first direction and a positive differential value represents a second direction of the power boost.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Joel E. Birsching
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Patent number: 7792619Abstract: An electrically driven power steering system for a vehicle comprises a steering sensor for detecting a steering operation of a steering wheel and a power steering control unit, which receives a command signal from a vehicle movement total control unit, calculates a target steering assist torque from a steering signal from the steering sensor and the command signal and drives a steering assist electric motor in accordance with the above calculated target steering assist torque. The power steering control unit further calculates a feasible torque to be generated at the steering assist electric motor, and drives the steering assist electric motor at the feasible torque, when the feasible torque is lower than the target steering assist torque, namely when a driving current to the electric motor should be limited due to an increased temperature of the electric motor and so on.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Nobuhiko Uryu
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Publication number: 20100212994Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle comprising a steering control to effect mechanical steering of the vehicle, the steering control being mechanically connected via a mechanical steering train, to at least one steerable ground engaging wheel. A power assistor apparatus is present for power assisting the mechanical steering of the vehicle when the operator operates the steering control. The system includes a hydraulic steering actuator which is operable by an electronically controlled hydraulic steering control valve to effect hydraulic power steering of the vehicle independently of the operation of the steering control. The electronically controlled hydraulic steering control valve is operable in response to signals from an electronic controller, the hydraulic steering actuator being supplied with pressurised hydraulic fluid from a supply valve arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: JCB Landpower LimitedInventors: Charles David NICKLIN, Gregory Peter Fitton, Richard Frederick George Young
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Patent number: 7743873Abstract: A variable rack stroke system includes a rack housing in which a rack bar is slidably disposed, a casing attached to the rack housing, an annular rotary member, an annular stationary member, and a switch. The annular rotary member includes grooves on an inner periphery thereof that face each other, and first protrusions protruding from the rotary member in an axial direction that have different thicknesses. The rotational phase of the rotary member is adjusted by the motor. The annular stationary member includes protruding parts on an outer periphery thereof that face each other, configured to be inserted into the grooves, and second protrusions protruding from the stationary member in the axial direction, that have different thicknesses and face the first protrusions. The stationary member is coupled with a ball joint to be coupled with the rack bar. The switch adjusts the rotational phase of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jong-Sung Kim
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Publication number: 20100147618Abstract: A steering control apparatus is provided with first and a second steering mechanisms serving to assist a steering force exerted by a driver via a steering wheel. The first steering mechanism employs a first electric motor to apply a rotational torque to a pinion shaft, and the second steering mechanism uses a hydraulic oil pressure to apply a thrusting force to a rack bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsuya OSONOI, Noriki KUBOKAWA, Naotaka CHINO, Takaaki EGUCHI, Koutarou SHIINO, Toshirou YODA
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Publication number: 20100147619Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Ashok Chandy, Mohammad S. Islam
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Patent number: 7739001Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus for improving steering feel when changing the angle of a steered wheel with a motor. An IFS torque compensation unit includes an oversteer IFS torque compensation gain calculation unit, which obtains a larger IFS torque compensation gain as a control target element increases during oversteer control. When an oversteer state occurs, the IFS torque compensation control unit outputs a corrected gain, which is based on the IFS torque compensation gain.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Kato, Shinji Takeuchi
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Patent number: 7735596Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes a hydraulic power cylinder, and a reversible pump driven by a motor and connected by left and right fluid passages with left and right pressure chambers of the power cylinder. The first and second fluid passages are so arranged that pressure losses in the first and second passages are substantially equal to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Sasaki, Toru Takahashi
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Patent number: 7730993Abstract: In a power steering device, a hydraulic power cylinder is configured to assist a steering force of a steering mechanism linked to steerable road wheels, a pump is configured to supply a hydraulic pressure to respective pressure chambers of the hydraulic power cylinder, an electric motor is configured to drive the pump, a torque sensor is configured to detect a steering torque of the steering mechanism, an operating load state detecting circuit is configured to detect an operating load state of the pump based on a viscosity resistance characteristic of a working oil, and an electric motor control circuit is configured to output a drive signal to the motor on the basis of a torque signal from the torque sensor and the operating load state of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Masaki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7729830Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a steering wheel, such as an steering wheel, an adjusting device, a sensor and a control unit. The steering wheel may be actuated by the hand of an operator to set a state variable of the vehicle. The adjusting device applies a force to the steering wheel. A sensor senses a variable representing a state variable of the vehicle and transmits a sensor signal to the control unit. The control unit determines a state variable of the current operating state of the vehicle. The control unit, depending on the current operating state of the vehicle, controls the adjusting device so that a predetermined force is applied to the steering wheel, in order to make the operator aware of an unsafe operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Klaus Hahn
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Patent number: 7717224Abstract: The present invention offers a power steering device for a four-wheel drive, which includes: a first self-aligning torque estimation unit for estimating a self-aligning torque generated in a current vehicle behavior as a first self-aligning torque; a second self-aligning torque estimation unit for estimating a self-aligning torque that is to influence a subsequent vehicle behavior as a second self-aligning torque; a self-aligning torque change amount calculation unit for calculating a difference of the second self-aligning torque from the first self-aligning torque as a self-aligning torque change amount; and an assisting force correction unit for determining and outputting a corrected value of an assisting force to be generated for a steering operation based on the self-aligning torque change amount.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabashiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Yoneda, Yoshinobu Yamazaki, Kazuo Kanazawa, Makoto Shibuya, Hiroyuki Kiryu
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Publication number: 20100108431Abstract: A steering system that with a directional control valve 200 switchingly operating based on a pilot flow rate supplied from a steering motor unit 300 when a steering handle 330 is manipulated, that steers a vehicle 100 according to manipulation of the steering handle 330 by controlling a supply of pressure oil to cylinder actuators C1 and C2 through the directional control valve 200, includes an electromagnetic valve unit 600a, 600b that supplies a correction pilot pressure to the directional control valve 200 so as to correct a pilot pressure generated by the pilot flow rate from the steering motor unit 300 when a command signal is given.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: KOMATSU LTDInventors: Katsumi Makuta, Nobuhisa Honda, Keisuke Taka
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Patent number: 7703561Abstract: In order to reduce a steering torque during stoppage of a vehicle, according to the invention, opposite drive torques in normal and reverse directions are applied to a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel when a driver steers a steering wheel in a state where the vehicle stops, whereby a moment to turn the vehicle is generated, and an assist torque for steering the steering wheel is generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ayumu Miyajima, Toru Takahashi, Naoshi Yamaguchi, Makoto Yamakado, Masanori Ichinose, Takehiko Kowatari, Atsushi Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20100078245Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with an elongate compressed air tank, a chassis assembled with the tank oriented longitudinally in the chassis where the tank is a load-bearing structural chassis member, wheels connected to the chassis, and a powertrain driven by the compressed air and operably connected to one of the wheels. A chassis for a pneumatic vehicle is provided with an elongate compressed air tank, a first series of side support members connected laterally to the air tank, a second series of side support members connected laterally to the air tank, a first side panel connected to the first series of side support members, a second side panel connected to the second series of side support members, wheels connected to the side panels, and a powertrain driven by the air in the compressed air tank and connected to one of the wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Bernard Frank Rolfe, Timothy Ian de Souza, Gregory Ryan Pitts, Stuart James McFarlane Hanafin, Steven Lewis Anthony Agius, Benjamin Paul Adamson, Michael Pio Gordon Pereira, Timothy John Black, Christopher James Hurren, Noel Egan Miller
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Patent number: 7676309Abstract: A motor-driven power steering apparatus is provided with a self-aligning torque computing means for computing a self-aligning torque based on of a steering angle and a vehicle speed, a friction torque computing means for computing a friction torque in accordance with a steering angle change from a steering angular velocity, an apparent steering torque computing means for computing an apparent steering torque from the friction torque and a steering torque, and a steering torque feedback control means for driving and controlling an assist motor in such a manner that a difference between the self-aligning torque and the apparent steering torque becomes 0.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Akihiro Tamaki, Shunya Senda
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Patent number: 7665569Abstract: A power steering system includes a hydraulic power cylinder having a first and a second hydraulic chambers, for assisting a steering force of a steering mechanism, a first and a second oil passages respectively connected to the first and second hydraulic chambers, a reversible pump discharging operating oil and providing oil pressure to the hydraulic power cylinder through the first and second oil passages, and a motor connected to the reversible pump and rotating the reversible pump in normal and reverse directions. A steering load detection unit detects a steering load of a steering wheel for steering of the steered road wheels, and a motor control unit outputs a control signal to the motor to bring an actual oil pressure generated by the reversible pump closer to a desired oil pressure determined based on the detected steering load. A discharge amount per rotation of the reversible pump is smaller than or equal to 5 cc.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimitsu Sakaki, Masakazu Kurata, Toru Takahashi
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Publication number: 20100018796Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to turn steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (16) having an open center control valve (44). A variable displacement pump (110) supplies the steering gear (16) with hydraulic fluid. A controller (104) controls the pump (84). The controller (104) sends a control signal to the pump (110) to control the displacement of the pump (110).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: Philip S. Peterson
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Patent number: 7648003Abstract: In a power steering system comprising a power cylinder for assisting a steering power of a steering mechanism, a hydraulic pump for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the power cylinder, a first oil passage and a second oil passage connecting the power cylinder and the hydraulic pump respectively, a motor for driving the hydraulic pump, and power steering control means for calculating a command value to the motor based on the steering torque, a flow rate of the working oil supplied from a high-pressure side oil passage to a low-pressure side oil passage is restrained at the transition from the end of the steering state (lock end) of the steering mechanism to the returning. The flow-rate restraint increasingly corrects a driving current of the motor in the steering direction or limits the flow rate of the working oil.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ayumu Miyajima, Isamu Tsubono, Takaomi Nishigaito, Toru Takahashi, Mitsuo Sasaki, Toshimitsu Sakaki, Tatsuo Matsumura
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Publication number: 20100006366Abstract: A steering system is provided for controlling the turning angle of the steering wheels of a vehicle. The steering system includes two electro-hydraulic circuits each including an actuator, both actuators being mechanically coupled and acting simultaneously on the turning angle of the wheels. A first circuit is displacement-controlled relative to a position set point while a second circuit is stress controlled. The set point applied of the second circuit includes a component developed from the filtering of the position set point applied to the first circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2006Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Renault TrucksInventor: Jean-Baptiste Doray
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Patent number: 7647150Abstract: A vehicle attitude control device derives a stability factor during turning of a vehicle based on the behavior of the vehicle to take the derivation result as an estimated stability factor (step 112), compares the estimated stability factor with a reference stability factor (steps 114 and 116), varies an attitude control necessary-or-not judgment sensitivity based on the comparison result (steps 118, 130 and 134), and executes the attitude control for the vehicle (step 126).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshio Katayama
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Patent number: 7640088Abstract: A method and system for controlling steering dead band in a mobile machine is described. The method includes measuring the dead band, storing a value corresponding to thereto, and applying the dead band value to a controller of a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is thus controlled according to the dead band value to compensate for the dead band.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Arthur F. Lange