Abstract: A scooter is revealed. The scooter includes a directional-control handle that is assembled over the top of a rotating shaft that moves along with rotation of front wheels. The directional-control handle includes at least three operation handles-a left-side operation handle, a right-side operation handle and a rear-side operation handle. Moreover, a control rod that connects with a horizontally projecting rotation axis of a controller is disposed under the directional-control handle. Thus the control rod can be pulled up or pressed down on the two ends thereof around the rotation axis. Furthermore, a fine adjustment member for adjusting angle is arranged between the directional-control handle and the rotating shaft so as to adjust the angle between the directional-control handle and the rotating shaft. Thereby the scooter is with good control performance and providing better comfort when the user drives the scooter.

Abstract: A tie rod for a vehicle axle assembly is constructed using substantially compliant, flexible, and/or resilient material. Such a resilient tie rod may be provided with a rectangular or otherwise non-circular cross-section. Such a resilient tie rod may be used in combination with an axle assembly of the type having an axle and a steering knuckle rotatably associated with each end of the axle. The tie rod may be rotatably or non-rotatably secured to the steering knuckles.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the absence of contact between the hands of a driver of a vehicle and a steering wheel of the vehicle that have particular application in ensuring the proper functioning of various components of the driver assist steering systems and maintaining driver attentiveness. The method for detecting a no-contact condition between the hands of the driver of the vehicle and the steering wheel includes generating a model of the no-contact condition using a second-order transfer function. The method further includes obtaining a set of model-generated steering dynamics by estimating a plurality of parameters of the second-order transfer function and a set of measured steering dynamics using a plurality of sensors. The set of model-generated steering dynamics and the set of measured steering dynamics are then compared and the no-contact condition is detected based on this comparison.

Abstract: An actuation and control system for a steering mechanism of a mobile vehicle includes a motor including a drive shaft that is rotatable in two opposing directions, a securing structure configured to be secured to the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle, and a linking structure that couples the motor with the securing structure. The system is configured such that rotational motion of the drive shaft is imparted to the securing structure to facilitate control of the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle. The system is relatively easy to assemble and install and in a mobile vehicle and can be used with a variety of different vehicles to facilitate remote and/or unmanned navigational control of a mobile vehicle.

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

Abstract: A toothed rack or threaded rod, in particular for a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle, includes a first rod-shaped part which, as a function element of the toothed rack or threaded rod, includes at least one element for the conversion of a rotational movement into a translational movement, in particular a toothing and/or a threading for the engagement of a threaded nut or of a threaded drive, and a second rod-shaped part which is connected with the first rod-shaped part. The connection of the first with the second rod-shaped part takes place via a separate connection part which includes first and second connection pins, of which the first connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume opening out at the connection end of the first rod-shaped part and the second connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume opening out at the connection end of the second rod-shaped part.

Abstract: An articulated machine and method of operation, the articulated machine having a first frame with a first traction device and a steering apparatus that controls a steering angle thereof, the first frame pivotally coupled to a second frame at an articulation joint, the second frame having a second traction device, a steering sensor configured to provide a steering signal indicative of the steering angle, and an electronic controller configured to automatically control an articulation angle based on the steering signal.

Abstract: The disclosed steering systems allow Ackermann geometry (i.e., the angle of a vehicle's wheels in relation to each other) to vary at any given angle set by the steering wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for actuating a superimposed steering system, a superimposed steering system, a controller, a computer program, and a computer program product. In the method, a steering ratio is produced as a function of the driving speed, with the magnitude of a time delay being adjusted as a function of the driving speed.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has a frame. A rotational section is coupled to the frame. An axle assembly is coupled to the frame. A steering system is coupled to the axle assembly. The steering system has a flexible joint to adjust the steering assembly as the rotational section rotates in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. An engine is coupled to the axle assembly.

Abstract: A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame.

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

Abstract: A mobile system that is capable of providing advertising both indoors or outside is provided. The system may be remotely controlled by a user. Using the remote control the user is capable of changing the height of the advertisement display, on demand, for example, depending on the location and desired height that a user would like to display an advertisement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transmission and steering system of a double-head vehicle, comprising a first steering wheel; a front wheel group; a first signal acquisition and transceiver device which can output steering information according to the steering angle of the first steering wheel; a first motor group; a second signal acquisition and transceiver device which can receive the steering information output from the first signal acquisition and transceiver device; a rear wheel group; and a second motor group; such that through the aforementioned structure, when the first steering wheel is turned, the first motor group may be controlled by the first steering wheel to drive the front wheel group to turn and in the mean time, the second signal acquisition and transceiver device may receive the steering information and transmit it to the second motor group to drive the rear wheel group.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system includes a transmission ratio variable mechanism capable of changing a transmission ratio, and a steering-assist-force imparting mechanism. The transmission ratio variable mechanism is provided with an input member and an output member capable of rotation about a first axis, a first bearing ring for differentially rotatably coupling to each of the input and output member, a second bearing ring for rotatably supporting the first bearing ring via a rolling element, and an electric motor for rotation-driving the second bearing ring. A second axis that is a center line of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring is inclined relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A turf device driven by a traction drum. The traction unit is connected to the tool by an articulable joint which allows the traction unit to rotate horizontally (yaw) and vertically (pitch), as well as roll side-to-side in relation to the tool. The articulation allows the tool and the traction unit to follow undulations in the terrain separately and allows the mobile object to turn by yawing the traction member in relation to the tool.

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

Abstract: The invention discloses an angle sensing system for sensing a rotating angle of a steering wheel. The angle sensing system comprises a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a storage unit. The sensing unit is for sensing the rotating angle of a steering column connected to the steering wheel and outputting a sensing signal according to the rotating angle. When the steering column rotates for a circle, the sensing signal presents a non-continuous status. The processing unit judges the relative angle in a single loop of the steering column according to the sensing signal and the number of loops according to the number of the non-continuous status. The storage unit can save the relative angle and the number of loops. According to the number of loops and the relative angle, the rotating angle of the steering wheel could be sensed.

Abstract: A power steering device for a vehicle includes an input shaft (1) linked to a steering wheel, an output shaft (2) linked to a vehicle wheel, a torsion bar (3) that connects the input shaft (1) to the output shaft (2), and a cylindrical member (13) supported by a housing (12) that is fastened to a vehicle body. The input shaft (1) includes a first input shaft (4) that is inserted into the cylindrical member (13), supported rotatably by the cylindrical member (13), and linked to the steering wheel, and a second input shaft (5) that connects the first input shaft (4) to the torsion bar (3). A connection portion between the first input shaft (4) and the second input shaft (5) is constituted such that a rotation of the first input shaft (4) is transmitted to the second input shaft (5) and the first input shaft (4) is free to move in an axial direction relative to the second input shaft (5).

Abstract: A power steering gear for a heavy vehicle includes a housing and a flow path for a power steering fluid. A heat exchanger is mounted to the housing or is a part thereof. The heat exchanger includes a first flow path for the power steering fluid and a second flow path for a coolant adapted to exchange heat with the power steering fluid. A cooling system for a power steering gear, a heavy vehicle comprising a power steering gear having such a cooling system, and a method of cooling the power steering fluid of a power steering gear on a heavy vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism as a transfer ratio varying mechanism includes primary and secondary sun gears, three primary planetary gears and three secondary planetary gears. The numbers of teeth of the primary sun gear, the primary planetary gears, the secondary planetary gears, and the secondary sun gear are set in such a manner as to satisfy a predetermined particular relationship. By this, three primary planetary gears are disposed at equal intervals in a rotational direction of the primary sun gear, and three secondary planetary gears 22 are disposed at equal intervals in a rotational direction of the secondary sun gear.

Abstract: A front wheel steering control device improves the handling and stability of a vehicle with respect to the steering wheel angles. The front wheel steering control device includes an input device for obtaining the steering wheel angle and the vehicle velocity, a first computing device for computing a yaw-rate for the vehicle which maintains the vehicle gravity center point sideslip angle at zero based on the steering wheel angle and the vehicle velocity that are obtained by the input device, a second computing device for computing a target front wheel actual steering angle for realizing the yaw-rate calculated by the first computing device, a control device for performing a steering control of the vehicle based on the target front wheel actual steering angle calculated by the second computing device. The ideal determination of the vehicle steering gear ratio and the derivative steering gain are relatively easy.

Abstract: A toothed rack or threaded rod, in particular for a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle, includes a first rod-shaped part which, as a function element of the toothed rack or threaded rod, includes at least one element for the conversion of a rotational movement into a translational movement, in particular a toothing and/or a threading for the engagement of a threaded nut or of a threaded drive, and a second rod-shaped part which is connected with the first rod-shaped part. The connection of the first with the second rod-shaped part takes place via a separate connection part which includes first and second connection pins, of which the first connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume opening out at the connection end of the first rod-shaped part and the second connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume opening out at the connection end of the second rod-shaped part.

Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) is provided with a joint pin (2), whose head area (3) is mobile in relation to a receiving joint shell (4). The joint shell (4) is arranged in the mounted position in a receiving space acting as a housing (5). At least one border (10) with axial barriers (11) surrounds the joint shell (4) in some areas and is arranged between the joint shell (4) and the housing (5).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transmission and steering system of a double-head vehicle, comprising a first steering wheel; a front wheel group; a first signal acquisition and transceiver device which can output steering information according to the steering angle of the first steering wheel; a first motor group; a second signal acquisition and transceiver device which can receive the steering information output from the first signal acquisition and transceiver device; a rear wheel group; and a second motor group; such that through the aforementioned structure, when the first steering wheel is turned, the first motor group may be controlled by the first steering wheel to drive the front wheel group to turn and in the mean time, the second signal acquisition and transceiver device may receive the steering information and transmit it to the second motor group to drive the rear wheel group.

Abstract: An antitheft system for use in a vehicle includes an angle sensor for outputting a signal that represents a body angle of the vehicle, an angle variation determination unit for determining an angle variation of the body angle at a predetermined interval based on the signal outputted from the angle sensor, a theft detection unit for determining whether the vehicle is in a theft condition based on a comparison of the angle variation with a predetermined value, and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the angle sensor. The angle variation determination unit compensates the signal from the angle sensor based on the temperature of the angle sensor sensed by the temperature sensor before determining the angle variation.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus (1, 64) comprises a housing (10) for supporting a steer shaft (9) for axial slide movement, a speed reduction mechanism (23), and a motion converting mechanism (24, 76). The housing (10) includes a plurality of split housings (36, 37; 36, 37A, 70) connected to each other. The speed reduction mechanism (23) includes an output gear (22) surrounding the steer shaft (9). The motion converting mechanism (24, 76) includes a rotary sleeve (28) surrounding the steer shaft (9) and rotatable integrally with the output gear (22) and converts the rotation of the rotary sleeve (28) into axial movement of the steer shaft (9). The rotary sleeve (28) is rotatably supported by first and second bearings (30, 31) disposed on opposite sides of the output gear (22). The split housings (36, 37; 36, 37A, 70) include main split housings (37, 37A) rotatably supporting an input gear (21) and supporting the first and second bearings (30, 31).

Abstract: A universal joint yoke includes: a cylindrical portion for fixing a shaft; a slit that is formed in the cylindrical portion and that extends from one end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, which is a first direction; a reinforcement flange that extends from the other end of the cylindrical portion radially outward with respect to the cylindrical portion; and a pair of arms that extend from the reinforcement flange on a side opposite to a side on which the cylindrical portion is provided and that are swingably coupled to another yoke via a coupling shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism (30) in a steering assembly (8) allows asymmetry of a steering wheel (8) to be quickly corrected by the driver without use of tools.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for an automotive vehicle is provided with an electric drive unit that varies a steering ratio between a road wheel angle and a steering wheel angle of the vehicle, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the electric drive unit, and a control unit including a steering ratio characteristic setting block that sets a characteristic of the steering ratio including a steering gain and a steering response rate in accordance with an operating state of the vehicle and, when the temperature of the electric drive unit exceeds a first temperature threshold, adjusts the steering response rate in such a manner that the steering response rate comes closer to a base steering response rate level as the temperature of the electric drive unit becomes increased and a drive block that drives the electric drive unit to vary the steering ratio according to the steering ratio characteristic.

Abstract: An electric servo steering arrangement and method for motor vehicles with a rotational angle sensor configuration for acquisition of the position of the steering movement has a support plate rotating relative or corresponding to the steering movement, with at least one code track and at least one stationary sensor acting on the code track. The code track is disposed about the rotational axis of the support plate and has markings for generating a sequentially changing bit pattern and the 360° of the circumference divided by the number of markings on the circumference defines a clock angle (?). The bit pattern is determined by a phase-shifted disposition of markings with respect to the fixed division of the clock angle (?).

Abstract: A torque steer compensation algorithm utilizing selected vehicle parameters, such as for example engine torque, accelerator pedal position, throttle position, transmission gear, and vehicle speed. Rates of change of the parameters are determined and compared to predetermined thresholds, whereby a torque steer factor is determined. The resulting torque steer factor is subsequently multiplied with a conventional, prior art predicted steering assist signal to arrive at a modified steering assist signal which is output to the coil of the steering column to reduce driver perception of torque steer at the steering wheel.

Abstract: A fixing structure wherein impact transmitted to a housing is efficiently transmitted to a circuit board and strain etc. generated at the housing are not transmitted to the circuit board. The fixing structure includes a circuit board mounting electronic devices, a housing storing the circuit board in the inside, and a plurality of board mounting seats provided at the housing for fixing the circuit board. Part of the plurality of board mounting seats rigidly mount the circuit board to the housing. Due to this, the impact is transmitted well to the electronic devices. The remaining board mounting seats are formed so as to flexibly mount the circuit board to the housing. Due to this, the strain generated at the housing is no longer transmitted to the circuit board and destruction of the circuit board can be prevented.

Abstract: A steering device for steering front wheels of a four-wheeled vehicle is disclosed, comprising a steering wheel, a steering column, a lower column, and a steering gear box. The lower column is coupled via universal joints to the steering column and the steering gear box. The steering gear box includes a housing in which a rack and a screw rod are accommodated. The rack has an end coupled via a spherical joint to a tie rod, which is jointed to the front wheel. The spherical joint includes an anti-loosening washer. The housing has an inside surface forming a step over which a sleeve is fit for being engageable with the anti-loosening washer of the spherical joint to form a constraint to an inward travel of the spherical joint of the tie rod into the housing so as to set a constraint to steering angle of the front wheel.

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

Abstract: In an electric power steering system providing steering assist by applying a power of an electric motor to a steering mechanism via a reduction mechanism, the steering mechanism extending from a steering member to dirigible wheels, a grease (viscous material) is applied to a meshing engagement portion between teeth portions disposed on a motor-power transmission path extending from the electric motor to the steering mechanism via the reduction mechanism, the grease having a viscosity constant C satisfying 0.8 J?p?C where J denotes the inertia of the electric motor, and cop denotes the resonant angular frequency of the steering mechanism including the electric motor and the reduction mechanism. This provides for the prevention of the occurrence of rattling noises caused by a vibration system including the reduction mechanism and the electric motor and the degradation of the steering feeling.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steered tire and a steering control device that controls the steered tire from a first operating position. The steering system further includes a steering control mount that supports the steering control device and is configured to allow the steering control device to rotate to a second operating position opposite the first operating position. An interlock is operable to disable the steering control device as it rotates between the first and second operating positions. A method includes detecting a position of a steering control that is configured to provide a steering function of a vehicle in either of a first operating position or a second operating position, where the first operating position is oriented opposite that of the second operating position.

Abstract: A bush bearing 7 includes a synthetic resin-made bush 17 having a circumferential groove 16 on its outer peripheral surface 15; an endless annular elastic member 18 fitted in the circumferential groove 16 of the bush 17; and a positioning means 19 for determining the position of the bush 17 in a B direction with respect to an inner peripheral surface 12 of a gear housing 6.

Abstract: A vehicle integration control system includes a manager controller and a driving system controller. The manager controller sets a target generation driving force guide value for a driving force outputted from a driving system of a vehicle. The driving system controller controls the driving force on the basis of the target generation driving force guide value. The manager controller includes a driver request value setter and a driving force corrector. The driver request value setter sets a driver request generation driving force value corresponding to the driving force outputted from the driving system on the basis of a driver's input. The driving force corrector corrects the driver request generation driving force value on the basis of a predetermined program to restrain vibration generated in the vehicle when the driving force outputted from the driving system.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus having a drive (101) which is coupled to a second shaft (2) with the longitudinal axis (8) via a disk cam mechanism, the disk cam mechanism comprising the following elements: at least one disk cam (3, 4) with an undulating outer contour (33, 34) disposed for eccentric rotation about the longitudinal axis (8) and with a central opening (30) around which holes 31 are arranged; a first carrier (16), which is arranged on a first shaft (1) and the axis of which lies in the longitudinal axis (8), having driving pins (17) circularly disposed on the carrier and engaging in the holes (31); a rotor shaft (6) arranged for coaxial rotation about the first shaft (1) and connected to the drive (101), carrying at least one eccentric (5) with an eccentricity (22) engaging in the central opening (30) of an associated disk cam (3, 4) to produce a rotating, laterally wobbling motion of the at least one disk cam (3, 4); a second carrier (18), which is arranged on a second shaft (2) and the axis of

Abstract: A gear composed of a polymer blend or a copolymer of PA66 and PA6 which contains a part having a PA66 molecular structure and a part having a PA6 molecular structure in a weight ratio of PA66/PA6=99.9/0.1 to 95.0/5.0 is excellent in durability as well as heat resistance and dimensional stability. A speed reduction gear using the gear has a reduced size, and can be used under a higher torque without a torque increase due to dimensional change of the gear. An electric power steering apparatus using the speed reduction gear has a reduced size, and can be used for a larger automobile.

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

Abstract: A steering ratio control system of a vehicle includes a variable steering ratio mechanism variably adjusting a steering ratio of a steer angle at left and right steered road wheels to a steering-wheel rotation angle, and a braking/driving force control unit individually controlling braking force and/or driving force of the left and right steered wheels. A steering ratio control unit determines a reference steering ratio based on a vehicle's driving state. The steering ratio control unit calculates a steering-ratio correction value needed for canceling torque steer resulting from a difference in braking force and/or driving force between the left and right steered wheels. A final steering ratio is determined based on both of the reference steering ratio and the steering-ratio correction value to drive the variable steering ratio mechanism responsively to the final steering ratio reflecting the steering-ratio correction value.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle (16) comprises a housing (20) having first and second end portions (32, 34) and an intermediate portion (50). A steering member (66) is supported for axial movement in the housing (20). A piston (100) fixed for movement with the steering member (66) has opposite end faces (104, 106). First and second springs (130, 132) engage the end faces (104, 106) of the piston (100) and bias the piston and thereby the steering member (66) in first and second axial directions toward a straight ahead position. Steering linkage (124, 126) connected with the piston member (100) transmits movement of the piston member (100) to steerable wheels (12, 14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reduction gear mechanism includes mutually meshing smaller gear and larger gear with their shafts arranged parallel to each other; a first rotor which rotates together with the smaller gear; and a second rotor which rotates together with the larger gear, so as to generate sliding friction between the first rotor and itself in the reverse rotation direction of one of the smaller gear and larger gear. When a relative speed is generated between the smaller gear and larger gear by reverse rotation of one of the smaller gear and larger gear, resistance is applied to the reverse rotation of one of the gears and the relative speed is decreased to reduce rattling noise which is made when the surfaces of their teeth come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle includes a first sun gear connected to a steering member, a second sun gear which is operated according to operation of the steering member and connected to a steering mechanism for turning vehicle wheels, a first planet gear which is meshed with the first sun gear, and a second planet gear which is rotated integrally with the first planet gear and meshed with the second sun gear. The steering device is constructed in such a manner that at least one of the first and second sun gears is a profile shifted gear, and the first and second planet gears are formed as a cylindrical body which has internal teeth of the same number at both end parts thereof.

Abstract: A personal vehicle comprises a frame with a seat, two large, non-drive wheels connected by an axle at one end of the frame, an elongated swing arm attached to the axle, a pair of caster wheels connected to the frame opposite the large, non-drive wheels and a main drive wheel mounted to a fork and connected to the swing arm. The main drive wheel is located central the vehicle frame, intermediate the frame sides and intermediate frame front and rear sections.

Abstract: An improved differential unit for an integrated hydrostatic transmission (IHT) is provided. The differential unit comprises an input gear, a cross-shaft disposed within a central opening of the input gear, and a pair of clutch members disposed coaxial with the input gear. One of each clutch member is disposed on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. A first plurality of friction members extend from each clutch member. The differential unit also comprises a pair of side couplings, each coaxially disposed within one of the clutch members, and a second plurality of friction members extending from each side coupling. Each clutch member includes a cam surface that comes in contact with the cross-shaft when the differential unit is under normal operating conditions. Alternative embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: A transmission ratio variable mechanism in prior art provided on a steering column needs a spiral cable and hence, not only needs an extra space but is also accompanied by a risk of having a drawback such as the breakage of the cable or the like. A steering wheel shaft 11 and an output shaft 22 are supported in a housing 21 attached to a steering column 13, to be rotatable on the same axis; first and second sun gears 45, 46 different slightly in the number of gear teeth are formed on facing end portions of the steering wheel shaft and the output shaft; first and second planetary gears 53, 54 meshing with the first and second sun gears are supported on a carrier 47; and a worm shaft 58 meshing with a worm wheel 57 connected rotationally to the carrier is constructed to be rotatable by a motor 43 which is provided on the housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the steering wheel shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is provided which includes a variable angle ratio mechanism for changing an angle ratio of a steering angle of a steering member to a turning angle of a steering mechanism, the variable angle ratio mechanism including a first sun gear connected to a steering column, a second sun gear connected to the steering mechanism, and planetary gears each having a first toothed portion and a second toothed portion which are adapted to mesh with the first and second sun gears respectively, and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a tooth face width direction, the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion being formed integrally through forging.