No Mechanical Connection Between Steering Shaft And Steering Gear Patents (Class 180/402)
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Patent number: 11046358Abstract: An estimated axial force computation circuit of a control device has an axial force computation circuit that computes an axial force that acts on a steered shaft on the basis of a current value of a steering motor. The estimated axial force computation circuit has a friction compensation circuit, an efficiency compensation circuit, and a gradient compensation circuit as static characteristic computation circuits that compensate for an effect of the static characteristics of a steering mechanism on the axial force computed. The estimated axial force computation circuit has a filter as a dynamic characteristic computation circuit that compensates for an effect of the dynamic characteristics of the steering mechanism. The filter removes, from the axial force, an effect of the viscosity and the inertia of the steering motor. The axial force after compensation is used to control a reaction force motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Kodera, Masayuki Kita
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Patent number: 11027770Abstract: A steering system for a road vehicle; the steering system comprises: a steering wheel provided with an outer ring, which is mounted so as to rotate around a rotation axis and has no mechanical connection to steering wheels; a support element, which, on one side, can be rigidly fixed on the inside of the vehicle and, on the other side, is connected to the steering wheel so as to support the steering wheel; and a position sensor, which is designed to detect the angular position of the outer ring of the steering wheel around the rotation axis. The support element is telescopic so as to vary its axial size along the rotation axis in order to change the axial position of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: FERRARI S.P.A.Inventor: Franco Cimatti
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Patent number: 11001296Abstract: A motor vehicle including a steering mechanism, a steering gear mechanically decoupled from the steering mechanism, a drive unit for driving the steering gear, and a transmission unit connecting the drive unit in a torque-transmitting manner to the steering gear. The transmission unit including a first torque transmission path and a second torque transmission path wherein the transmission unit has a redundancy.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frank Peter Engels, Florian Rath
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Patent number: 10994772Abstract: A steering system in a vehicle includes a plurality of subsystems provided with a control unit. The control unit includes a storage unit storing steer angle information regarding a steer angle of one of a steering mechanism and a steered mechanism when the steering mechanism or the steered mechanism stops, an abnormality determiner determining abnormality of the motor rotation detection value and the detection circuit in the plurality of subsystems at a start time of a motor based on a comparison of at least two parameters, and a steer angle calculator calculating the steer angle based on the parameters having been determined by the abnormality determiner as not abnormal.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Suzuki, Shuji Kuramitsu, Nobuyori Nakajima, Go Endoh, Haruo Suzuki, Koichi Nakamura, Yosuke Ogi, Atsuko Oka
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Patent number: 10953912Abstract: Example steering wheel systems and torque feedback actuator assemblies for use in steer-by-wire vehicles are described herein. An example steering wheel system includes a steering wheel and a torque feedback actuator assembly. The torque feedback actuator assembly includes a housing and a helical gear rotatably disposed in the housing. The steering wheel is coupled to and coaxially aligned with the helical gear. The torque feedback actuator assembly also includes a motor with a worm gear engaged with the helical gear to provide torque feedback to the steering wheel by driving the helical gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeremy Rawlings, Robert Mrozek, Lodewijk Wijffels, Eugene Lau
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Patent number: 10933909Abstract: A control apparatus calculates an axial force deviation, which is a difference between an estimated axial force and an ideal axial force based on a target pinion angle of a pinion shaft in association with a turning operation of steered wheels. The estimated axial force is based on a state variable that reflects vehicle behavior or a road condition. The control apparatus includes a steering angle ratio change control circuit configured to calculate a target pinion angle serving as a basis for calculation of the command value. The steering angle ratio change control circuit calculates a speed increasing ratio from a steering angle ratio set based on a vehicle speed and a base gear ratio of a steering mechanism, and calculates a correction angle for a target steering angle by multiplying the speed increasing ratio and the target steering angle together.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Kodera, Masayuki Kita
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Patent number: 10913488Abstract: An electric power steering device of a steer-by-wire type includes: a steering input mechanism, which includes a steering wheel to be operated by a driver; a reaction force motor, which is configured to apply a steering reaction force to the steering wheel; a steering motor, which is configured to output a steering force; a steering mechanism, which is prevented from being mechanically connected to the steering input mechanism, and is configured to steer a steered wheel through the steering force generated by the steering motor; and a drive control device, which is configured to carry out drive control for the steering motor and the reaction force motor. At least one of the steering motor or the reaction force motor is constructed of a double-winding motor of a double-inverter type in which each of windings is duplexed, and the respective duplexed windings are individually driven by two inverters.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Satoru Akutsu, Yoshihito Asao
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Patent number: 10914480Abstract: Disclosed is a system to control a climate of a space via a first control loop and a second control loop interacting with the first control loop. The system includes a first controller of the first control loop to generate a first control signal based on a first modified set point and a first feedback signal. The system further includes a second controller of the second control loop to generate a second control signal based on a second modified set point and a second feedback signal. The system further includes a decoupler configured to predict a first effect of the first control signal on the second control loop and a second effect of the second control signal on the first control loop, and generate the first modified set point and the second modified set point to reduce the first effect and the second effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Timothy I. Salsbury, Carlos Felipe Alcala Perez, John M. House, Christopher R. Amundson
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Patent number: 10913492Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system having a steering control, a rotation angle sensor for detecting a position of the steering control, an actuator for producing a counter-torque on the steering control, a steering actuator for adjusting a steering angle depending on the data of the rotation angle sensor on a final control element, wherein the final control element has a mechanical end stop and the actuator implements a software end stop on the steering control, wherein a transmission ratio is set between the rotation angle on the steering control and the steering angle, wherein a positive delta value and a negative delta value are defined for the set transmission ratio, wherein the steer-by-wire steering system is embodied so the adjusted transmission ratio is selected so that a remaining position error of the steering control is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Inventors: Sebastian Kilz, Björn Makkus, Johannes Maria Schäfer
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Patent number: 10889321Abstract: A steering module for a vehicle has a steering input element and a sensor device, which includes at least one sensor, for registering the position of the steering input element, and has a servomechanism which includes a first actuator and acts on the steering input element. The servomechanism is redundantly designed and comprises a second actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Schaeffler Paravan Technologie GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Roland Arnold
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Patent number: 10862382Abstract: A hydraulic steering arrangement is described comprising a steering unit (1), a steering wheel and a steering wheel angle sensor (3) detecting an angle of rotation between the steering wheel and the steering unit (1). Such a steering arrangement should have a simple construction. To this end the steering wheel angle sensor (3) comprises a transmitter/receiver arrangement fixed to the steering unit (1) and a target assembly (4) which is rotateably fixed to the steering wheel by means of a connection geometry (9) and comprises a passive reaction arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApSInventors: Ole Falck Sorensen, Jorgen Krusborg, Soren Winkler Rasmussen, Caspar Pilkington Laugesen
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Patent number: 10858001Abstract: A system for control of a steering system of a vehicle, mechanically coupled to the wheels and including an actuator for applying a force or a torque to the steering system. A force or torque can be superimposed on a force or torque originating from the wheels. The system includes a detection unit disposed on the vehicle and configured for anticipatorily detecting at least one surface condition of a surface section located ahead of the vehicle in the direction of vehicle travel and subsequently driven on by the vehicle. The system including a data processing unit disposed on the vehicle and connected to and communicating with the detection unit. The data processing unit configured for generating control signals for controlling an actuator of the steering system based on the detected surface condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Muhammad Adeel Awan, Frank Peter Engels, Mohsen Lakehal-ayat, Uwe Hoffmann
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Patent number: 10787192Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes operating a steering system in manual steer-by-wire control state and determining that a transition to an automated steer-by-wire control state is to be performed by the steering system. The method also includes entering the automated steer-by-wire control state upon determining that all conditions from a group of state entry conditions are satisfied, and operating the steering system in the automated steer-by-wire control state until determining that any condition from a group of state exit conditions is satisfied. The method also includes entering the manual steer-by-wire control state upon determining that any condition from the group of state exit conditions is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Diomidis Katzourakis, Huibert Mees, Paul W. Choin
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Patent number: 10773748Abstract: One or more embodiments are described for preventing controller windup in a motion control system. An example system includes a regulator that receives an input command to adjust a motion control variable of a mechanical system that includes a motor, the regulator configured to generate a first torque command based on the input command and an output torque from the motor. The system further includes a motor control module that receives the first torque command to generate an input torque command that is sent to the motor. The system further includes an anti-windup module that is configured to generate an anti-windup command based on the first torque command and the output torque, the anti-windup command being added to the input command that is sent to the regulator.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Prerit Pramod, Zhe Zhang, Rakesh Mitra, Rangarajan Ramanujam
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Patent number: 10759472Abstract: Provided is a steering controller configured to switch from an interruption state to a transmission state. In a state where power transmission from the steering wheel to steered wheels is interrupted, a maximum value selection processing circuit outputs a maximum value, out of a steered angle and a steering angle, to a limiting reaction force setting processing circuit. When the absolute value of the maximum value has become equal to or larger than a limitation start threshold value, the limiting reaction force setting processing circuit rapidly increases a limiting reaction force. An operation signal generation processing circuit controls a reaction-force motor to achieve a reaction force command value corresponding to the limiting reaction force. When the absolute value of the maximum value has become equal to or larger than an engagement threshold value, a clutch is engaged to transmit reaction force from the steered wheel-side to the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Kodera
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Patent number: 10731737Abstract: An angle-measuring device is provided for a rotationally-driven linear actuator, which can be implemented into a clutch actuator. A rotor element has an axis of rotation and rotates concentrically with a rotor of a rotary drive for an axially movable linear actuator element. A measurement magnet arrangement is fixed relative to the rotor element and has a polarization. The polarization is oriented in such a way that the magnetic field lines can change with a rotation of the rotor element so as to enable the angle to be precisely determined from at least one measurement position. At one location, a 360-degree sensor is provided for measuring angular positions based on the measurement magnet arrangement. At another location, a revolution-counting sensor is provided for counting a number of revolutions carried out based on the measurement magnet arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Markus Dietrich, Laszlo Man, Peter Greb
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Patent number: 10683030Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering column coupled to the steering wheel, and a fluid-flow control mechanism coupled to the steering column, wherein the fluid-flow control mechanism is configured to adjust a torque on the steering column. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a housing defining a cavity, and a flow control valve in fluid communication with the cavity of the housing. The flow control valve is configured to control a flow of a fluid in the cavity of the housing to adjust the torque on the steering wheel. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a shaft and a piston coupled to the shaft such that translation of the piston causes the shaft to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Satish Panse, Mauro Pacheco Escobedo, Michael C. Gaunt
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Patent number: 10676129Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention a steer by wire steering system includes a deviation detection unit configured to determine a deviation signal that is indicative of a disturbance in one or more components coupled to a rack. The steer by wire steering system further includes a handwheel notification module configured to generate a modification signal based on the deviation signal, in response to the deviation signal being detected for at least a predetermined duration. The steer by wire steering system further includes a handwheel control module that generates an input command corresponding to a reference torque generated by a road wheel actuator, a feedback torque for a driver is generated based on the input command. The handwheel control module further modifies the input command using the modification signal, the modification providing a notification corresponding to the disturbance to the driver.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Tejas M. Varunjikar, Prerit Pramod, Julie A. Kleinau, Michael Eickholt, Rangarajan Ramanujam, Dennis B. Skellenger, Steven D. Klein
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Patent number: 10597068Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system with steer-by-wire functionality may include an upper steering shaft that is mounted in a steering column and can be connected to a steering wheel in a rotationally fixed manner, a lower steering shaft that is connected to a steering gear for pivoting at least one steerable wheel, a manual torque adjuster that is connected to the upper steering shaft, an actuating drive that is connected to the lower steering shaft, and a coupling that in a closed state couples the steering wheel and the steering gear in a rotationally fixed manner. The actuating drive may be disposed on the steering column.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Bernhard Steinkogler, Robert Galehr
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Patent number: 10589775Abstract: A feedback actuator for a steering mechanism for motor vehicles may include a steering adjuster that acts on the steered wheels and is controlled electronically based on steering commands of a drive of the motor vehicle. The feedback actuator may transmit feedback from a road to a steering wheel via a steering shaft. Further, the feedback actuator may have a preloaded belt drive and an electric motor configured as torque-generating means. The feedback actuator may generate a torque to simulate the feedback of the road. The torque may be formed by a sum of a torque from the preloaded belt drive applied to the steering shaft and a torque from the electric motor applied to the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Kristof Polmans, Thomas Kettenberger
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Patent number: 10583856Abstract: A steer-by-wire control method is provided for a steer-by-wire system mounted in a vehicle that is equipped with an engine and a battery. The steer-by-wire control method stores a deviation angle between a steering angle and a turning angle in a non-volatile memory of the steer-by-wire system as a readable value when an ignition switch is switched from ON to OFF. The steer-by-wire control method further reads the deviation angle from the non-volatile memory when the ignition switch is switched from OFF to ON. The steer-by-wire control method further prohibits further reading of the deviation angle from the non-volatile memory after reading the deviation angle from the non-volatile memory and after reading the deviation angle from the non-volatile memory and after starting the steer-by-wire control.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuki Miyashita
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Patent number: 10569802Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering operation mechanism configured to steer a steered wheel, and a steering operation motor configured to apply a drive force for steering the steered wheel to the steering operation mechanism. The steering operation mechanism includes an input shaft to which the drive force from the steering operation motor is input, an output shaft configured to output the drive force from the input shaft to the steered wheel, and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the input shaft and the output shaft to each other. The coupling mechanism includes a first universal joint and a second universal joint that transmit the drive force from the input shaft to the output shaft in a state in which the output shaft is angularly offset from the input shaft. The output shaft constitutes a part of a suspension.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryoichi Tokioka, Yuzo Nonoguchi
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Patent number: 10570002Abstract: Provided is a forklift capable of recognizing an approximate weight of an object to be conveyed supported by a fork without adding special parts. A control unit includes a storage unit which stores load/time information indicating a relationship between a delay time required for an angle of rear wheels to reach an angle corresponding to an angle of the steering wheel and a weight of the object to be conveyed supported by the fork at that time, a delay time detection unit which detects the delay time required for a steering angle of the rear wheels to reach the angle corresponding to the angle of the steering wheel, and a weight identifying unit which identifies the weight of the object to be conveyed supported by the fork on the basis of the delay time detected by the delay time detection unit and the load/time information stored in the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventor: Daisuke Goshima
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Patent number: 10549771Abstract: A steering apparatus for a steer-by-were system includes a driving member rotating in conjunction with a steering wheel and having a first stopper protruding from the driving member; a change gear receiving rotational force from the driving member, changing a rotational speed, and outputting a changed rotational speed; and a driven member receiving the rotational force output from the change gear, rotating at a rotational speed different from that of the driving member, and having a second stopper, which protrudes from the driven member, disposed within a rotation radius of the first stopper. The second stopper comes into contact with the first stopper at a predetermined steering angle during rotation of the driving member.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sang Woo Hwang, Hyeon Seok Cho, Byung Rim Lee, Young Dae Park, Min Jun Kim
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Patent number: 10442459Abstract: A vehicle and a steering system of a vehicle. The steering system includes a steering column emulator that generates an electrical driving signal in response to a driver input, a steering rack assembly that receives the electrical driving signal from the steering column emulator and controls steering of the vehicle as indicated by the received signal, and a backup system. The backup system provides a backup electrical driving signal to the steering rack assembly upon a failure of the steering column emulator, and the steering rack assembly steers the vehicle as indicated by the backup electrical driving signal upon the failure of the steering column emulator.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brian N. Siskoy, Scott R. Kloess, Hossam Almasri, Silviu A. Popescu, Ibrahim A. Badiru
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Patent number: 10436299Abstract: A stationary steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel connected to an axially extending column. The assembly also includes a steering wheel locking component engageable with the steering wheel and moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position locking the steering wheel to prevent rotation and the second position unlocking the steering wheel to allow rotation of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Brian J. Magnus
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Patent number: 10427713Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes: a controller configured to transmit steering control signals on the basis of a first input signal from a torque sensor configured to sense torque of a steering shaft and a second input signal from any one of a location sensor, a camera sensor, a distance sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a vehicle height sensor; a first steering power assist configured to generate steering force by rotating the steering shaft or supplement steering force of the steering shaft rotating forward or backward, using electric power in response to the steering control signal from the controller; and a second steering power assist configured to switch channels for working fluid, depending on forward or backward rotation of the steering shaft, and steer wheels by operating a tie rod or a knuckle using hydraulic pressure of the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Dong Wan Kim, Hong Yong Bhae
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Patent number: 10427714Abstract: A steering-feel control device in a steer-by-wire system may include a pressure member for rotating in a predetermined direction or an opposite direction within a rotation path depending on the rotation direction of a steering wheel, a push block rotatably provided in the rotation path of the given or opposite direction, a first elastic member for providing elastic restoration force in the rotation direction of the pressure member for elastic variation in the rotational displacement between the pressure member and the push block, and a second elastic member for providing elastic restoration force in the rotation direction of the push block for elastic variation in the rotational displacement when the push block is rotated away from the pressure member, the second elastic member having an elastic constant smaller than that of the first elastic member and being provided in a pre-compressed state to have elastic force greater than that of the first elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Sang Woo Hwang, Young Dae Park, Byung Rim Lee, Min Jun Kim, Se Hyun Chang, Hyeon Seok Cho
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Patent number: 10407093Abstract: An electric power steering (EPS) system and methods to attenuate disturbances at the steering wheel by providing a feed forward motor drive input. The EPS includes an electric motor configured to provide a motor drive output responsive to a motor drive input, and an electronic control unit (ECU) being configured to provide the motor drive input, with at least one motor drive component of the motor drive input including compensatory periodic disturbance data. The ECU is further configured to provide disturbance attenuation with the at least one motor drive component from a road wheel signal and vibratory characteristics of a disturbance signal affecting the steering system.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kenneth L. Oblizajek, John D. Sopoci
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Patent number: 10378896Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods and systems for planning the path of an agricultural vehicle. In one embodiment, a first point of a first planned path and a second point of a second planned path are determined. A path plan is then automatically generated connecting the first point and the second point.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventor: Denis Allan Birnie
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Patent number: 10364882Abstract: A clutch for use in a steer-by-wire steering device for a vehicle is configured to switch between mechanically coupling and uncoupling a torque transmission path between a steering member operated by a driver and a wheel-turning unit configured to turn wheels. The clutch includes a position change member and a conduction path. The position change member is configured to change between a first position and a second position to switch between mechanically coupling and uncoupling the torque transmission path. The conduction path includes two points that come into contact with or separate from each other in accordance with positional change of the position change member. The conduction path is connected to an electric circuit configured to detect a change in a resistance value of the conduction path.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Shingo Ishige
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Patent number: 10350954Abstract: A multi-axle transport trailer having a plurality of axles includes a suspension comprising air bags associated with each axle, the air bags in communication with an air source, wherein air bags associated with different axles are capable of having different air pressures therein. The trailer further optionally includes a steering system associated with at least one axle, the axle including a tie rod connected between wheels on both ends of the axle, the steering system comprising cylinders configured to articulate the wheels, and a sensing device configured to monitor movement of the tie rod and facilitate actuating the cylinders to turn the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
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Patent number: 10343710Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a clutch provided on a power transmission path extending from a steering wheel to steered wheels, a reactive-torque motor configured to apply a steering reactive torque to the steering wheel, a steering operation motor configured to steer the steered wheels, and a clutch engagement controller configured to engage the clutch when a steered angle of the steered wheels has reached a steered angle limit value and the steering wheel is rotated by an amount equal to or greater than a first prescribed value in a direction opposite to a direction toward a steering neutral position, with respect to a first steering angle that is a steering angle of the steering wheel at a time when the steered angle reaches the steered angle limit value, in a case where the clutch is in a disengaged state.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiko Sakamaki
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Patent number: 10279836Abstract: A steering system includes: a steering shaft to which a steering member is coupled; a worm wheel attached to the steering shaft so as to be rotatable integrally with the steering shaft; a housing that houses the worm wheel; an output shaft that is coaxial with the steering shaft and rotatable relative to the steering shaft and coupled to a steering operation mechanism; and a clutch mechanism that enables and disables transmission of power between the steering shaft and the output shaft. The clutch mechanism is housed and disposed in an internal space in the housing. A solenoid in the clutch mechanism is disposed on the opposite side of the worm wheel in an axial direction from a mechanical portion of the clutch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Akihiko Shiina
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Patent number: 10272941Abstract: A vehicle steering device, in which a steering member and a steering operation mechanism are not mechanically coupled, includes a reaction force motor that applies a reaction force to the steering member, and a reaction force motor control unit that controls the reaction force motor. The reaction force motor control unit includes a target rotational angle setter that sets a target rotational angle for an output shaft at a position close to the side of the neutral position of the output shaft with respect to the rotational angle of the output shaft corresponding to a steered angle limit value by a rotational angle matching steering torque detected by a torque sensor when a steered angle has reached the steered angle limit value and the steering torque that is larger than the steering torque at the time when the steered angle limit value was reached is applied to a steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiko Sakamaki, Keisuke Izutani
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Patent number: 10266198Abstract: There is provided a motor control device capable of preventing occurrence of a difference in command value between control systems and reducing torque ripples and noise and vibration of a motor, unlike in a case where a motor is controlled by control systems that are independent from each other. In a motor control device, at least one of parameters for a first control system is shared by both of the systems, and a first control calculation circuit and a second control calculation circuit calculate the assist command values based on the parameter. Thus, motor drive circuits of the control systems drive motor coils based on the assist command values. Namely, when the steering torques and the vehicle speeds for the control systems are all normal, assist control circuits of the control systems calculate the assist command values based on the steering torque and the vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji Fujita, Hiroshi Kawamura, Atsuo Sakai
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Patent number: 10246128Abstract: A travel control device for vehicle (10) includes a steering transmission ratio variable device (14), a steering transmission ratio control device (16) configured to carry out such control that an actual relative rotational angle (?re) of the steering transmission ratio variable device reaches a target value (?ret), a power steering device (18), a steering assist torque control device (20) configured to control the power steering device, and a driving support device (22) configured to correct a target steering assist torque so that an actual steering angle of steered wheels (19FL, 19FR) reaches a target steering angle for driving support. When the driving support device is in operation (Step 140), the magnitude of a change in a relative rotational angle generated by the control of the steering transmission ratio variable device is decreased (Step 150 to 200) compared to a case in which the driving support device is not in operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Kojo
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Patent number: 10246121Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes: steering reaction force generation device having a steering wheel and a steering reaction force motor; steering reaction force motor resolver for detecting steering angle; turning device having a steering motor and capable of turning steered wheels, in a state being mechanically disconnected from the steering reaction force generation device; steering motor resolver for detecting turning angle; drive control section for performing drive control of the steering motor; and vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed of vehicle. The drive control section performs drive control of the steering motor if vehicle speed exceeds vehicle speed threshold for the first time after ignition switch is turned on and if specific phase shift based on type and magnitude of phase shift occurs.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Manabu Ikegaya, Kenichi Kirihara, Yoshito Nakamura
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Patent number: 10233888Abstract: In a steer by wire and idle stop vehicle, the idle stop is terminated if the steering wheel (11) is turned by more than a prescribed threshold value. For the purpose of preventing consumption of power by a steering actuator and preventing an unexpected steering action upon termination of the idle stop, the engine restart threshold value (??th) is varied depending on the direction of the change of the steering angle from the start of the idle stop operation. In particular, if the change (??) of the steering angle is in the direction to increase the steering angle from the value (?s) at the start of the idle stop operation, the engine restart threshold value is raised. If the change of the steering angle is in the direction to decrease the steering angle from the value at the start of the idle stop operation, the engine restart threshold value is lowered.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshikatsu Kuramochi
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Patent number: 10232768Abstract: When a start acceptance condition for lane change assist control (LCA) is established (S12: Yes), a driving support ECU starts transmission of a turn signal flashing command to a meter ECU (S13). In this manner, flashing of a turn signal can continue even when a driver separates his or her hand from a turn signal lever. When a turn signal turning-off condition is established under a situation in which the LCA is executed (S15: Yes), the driving support ECU stops the turn signal flashing command that has been transmitted so far (S16). With this, the flashing of the turn signal can be ended even when the driver does not perform a returning operation on the turn signal lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shota Fujii
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Patent number: 10214189Abstract: An electronic control unit for controlling and/or regulating at least one motor vehicle includes at least one integrated microcontroller system for executing software and at least two microcontroller units that each executes at least one independent operating system. The at least one interface is provided for the purpose of interchanging information between the microcontroller units. The electronic control unit includes a first microcontroller unit configured to control and/or regulate of a first motor vehicle system, and a second microcontroller unit configured to use the interface of the first microcontroller unit to provide defaults for the control and/or regulation of the first motor vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHGInventors: Andreas Heise, Kai Schade, Marco Sänger, Reinhard Herr, Michael Zydek, Ralf Hartman, Houman Amjadi
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Patent number: 10207736Abstract: A steering control device (20) for a working vehicle includes an electric motor device (34) that generates an assistance torque to a steering column (33), and an inverter (43). The steering control device (20) includes a load torque sensor (39) that is attached between the electric motor device (34) and a load portion of a steering mechanism unit (21) to detect a load torque applied on a steering system, a steering load torque calculating section (41) that calculates a steering load torque based upon an output value of the load torque sensor (39), and an assistance torque calculating section (42) that adds the steering load torque outputted from the steering load torque calculating section (41) and a target steering torque input from an exterior to calculate an assistance torque to command the electric motor device (34) and command the inverter (43).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Ichinose, Shinjiro Saito
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Patent number: 10160477Abstract: An electric power steering column assembly includes a steering shaft and a travel stop assembly. The steering shaft has a first end that is configured to attach to a steering wheel. The steering shaft has a second end that extends through a steering actuator. The travel stop assembly engages the second end of the steering shaft. The travel stop assembly is configured to inhibit rotation of the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Donald A. Buzzard
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Patent number: 10112593Abstract: A power assist system includes a motor having a rotor shaft, a drive pulley attached to the rotor shaft, a driven pulley, a flexible belt configured to connect the drive pulley to the driven pulley, and a ball screw assembly. The ball screw assembly includes a rotatable ball screw rotatable with the driven pulley, a linearly translated ball nut surrounding the ball screw, and an anti-rotation device arranged to prevent rotation of the ball nut.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Eric D. Pattok, John S. Beam
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Patent number: 10101736Abstract: An example method includes receiving data representing a target rotational position of an output shaft of a brushless motor configured to control a rotational position of the output shaft with continuous resolution, determining a plurality of control signals via an algorithm configured for open-loop control of the rotational position of the output shaft, and providing the plurality of control signals to respective input terminals of the brushless motor to cause the brushless motor to rotate the output shaft to the target rotational position. An example system includes a brushless motor comprising an output shaft, and a control module configured to provide a plurality of control signals to respective input terminals of the brushless motor via an algorithm configured for open-loop control of a rotational position of the output shaft. The system is configured to control the rotational position of the output shaft with continuous resolution.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLCInventor: Paul Beard
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Method and device for determining an angle of rotation and/or a rotational speed of a steering shaft
Patent number: 10065678Abstract: A method of determining an angle of rotation and/or a rotational speed of a motor shaft (110) of a motor (105) which is designed to produce a translational movement of a control element (115, 115a) relative to the motor (105). The method includes a step of reading in a movement signal via an interface with at least one sensor element (120) arranged outside the motor (105) such that the movement signal represents a translational movement of the control element (115) relative to the motor. In addition, the method further includes a step in which, using the movement signal, the angle of rotation and/or the rotational speed of the motor shaft (110) is/are determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Andreas Füßl, Notker Amann -
Patent number: 10053137Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a rear wheel steering device of which the weight is not added to unsprung weight, and which can steer right and left rear wheels independently of each other. The rear wheel steering device includes a first rod connected to the left rear wheel, a first driving portion configured to axially move the first rod, a second rod connected to the right rear wheel, and a second driving portion configured to axially move the second rod. A single housing supports the first rod, the first driving portion, the second rod, and the second driving portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Hironori Tokunaga, Takashi Koike
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Patent number: 10050501Abstract: A brushless motor includes a first motor unit and a second motor unit having a common rotary shaft and coupled to each other in an axial direction in which the rotary shaft extends, and two resolvers configured to respectively detect a rotation angle of the first motor unit and a rotation angle of the second motor unit. The two resolvers are arranged in the first motor unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takumi Nakano, Takeru Matsumoto, Daisuke Miyata, Makoto Morita, Akihiro Yanaka
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Patent number: 10035537Abstract: A front steering module adapted for integration with the subframe of a zero-turn radius vehicle incorporating an electronic steering apparatus. The module provides both front wheel steering and corresponding control inputs for the electronic steering apparatus. The module has a frame member having a pair of steered wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a mounting member for attachment to the vehicle. The module further comprises a steering mechanism and a steering position sensor for providing input to the electronic steering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett, Douglas W. Bell
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Patent number: 10029725Abstract: A torque feedback system for a vehicle includes a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis, a jacket surrounding the shaft, the shaft rotatable with respect to the jacket, and at least one mechanical energy storing element arranged to provide torque feedback when the steering shaft is rotated. The at least one mechanical energy storing element includes a first mechanical energy storing element having a first end engageable with the jacket and a second end engageable with the shaft, and a second mechanical energy storing element having a first end engageable with the jacket and a second end engageable with the shaft. The first mechanical energy storing element provides resistance to rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction, and the second mechanical energy storing element provides resistance to rotation of the shaft in a second rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker