No Mechanical Connection Between Steering Shaft And Steering Gear Patents (Class 180/402)
-
Patent number: 6929085Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes an operating lever, an operating amount sensor that detects the operating amount of the operating lever, an operating reaction force motor that imparts an operating reaction force to the operating lever, a steering mechanism section that steers a steered wheel of a vehicle, a rack position sensor that detects the steered amount of the steered wheel, an operating torque sensor that detects an operating torque, and a control device that determines the control amount for the operating reaction force motor and the control amount for the steering mechanism section in accordance with a deviation between the above operating amount and the above steered amount. The control device includes a feedforward control device that feedforward-controls the steering mechanism section in accordance with the operating torque, and a band-pass filter that increases or decreases the feedforward effect in accordance with the operating frequency.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuo Sugitani
-
Patent number: 6929086Abstract: A steering system selectively operable in one of six modes: steer-by-wire with rear steering, steer-by-wire without rear steering, electronic power assist steering (EPAS) with rear steering, electronic power steering (EPAS) without rear steering, mechanical backup manual steering with rear steering, and mechanical backup manual steering without rear steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a front road wheel actuator system (FRWAS), a rear road wheel actuator system (RRWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between the steerable member and the rack and pinion system while maintaining rear wheel assisted steering.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Muqtada Husain, Brian E. Daugherty, John G. Oynoian
-
Patent number: 6926112Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating an end of travel feedback to the driver of a vehicle where the vehicle includes a steer by wire system. The system includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a motor, and a brake. The steering wheel is configured to control the steer by wire system. The steering shaft is coupled to the steering wheel and rotates in conjunction with the steering wheel. To provide road feel resistance to the driver, the motor is coupled to the steering shaft. Further, the brake is coupled to a shaft of the motor and is adapted to provide mechanical resistance when the road wheel is at an end of travel position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Muqtada Husain, John G. Oynoian, Kyi-Shin Shiah, Robert T. Palmer, Brian E. Daugherty
-
Patent number: 6923288Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle having steerable wheels. The apparatus (10) comprises a rotatable vehicle steering wheel (12) and a first assembly (100) operatively coupled to the steering wheel. The first assembly (100) includes a sensor (30) for sensing applied torque and angular position of the steering wheel (12) and a first electronic control unit (50) for generating a first signal corresponding to the sensed torque and angular position of the steering wheel. A second assembly (100) is operatively coupled to the steerable wheels. The second assembly (100) includes a second electronic control unit (110) for receiving the first signal, a first electric motor (120) controlled by the second electronic control unit, and a steering gear (130) which is actuated by the first electric motor (120) to turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle. A signal transmitting conductor (250) transmits the first signal to the second electronic control unit (110).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: William A. Szabela
-
Patent number: 6918460Abstract: In a steer-by-wire vehicle steering apparatus where a steering operator member is operatively connected to steerable road wheels via an electric wire, a control section controls a steering motor in such a manner that an angle of travel direction of the vehicle and a steering angle of the steering operator agree with each other, and a resistive force generation section generates and imparts a steering resistive force to the steering operator in accordance with an actual steered angle of the steerable road wheels. Thus, the steering apparatus permits the vehicle to be steered with an increased accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takamitsu Tajima, Yasuharu Oyama, Shoichi Sano
-
Patent number: 6913107Abstract: A steer-by-wire system with a fail-safe mechanism is disclosed in which a clutch for the steer-by-wire system installed between a first shaft connected to a steering wheel and a second shaft connected to a steering gear is formed as a mechanism for bringing about wedgelike engagement of taper rollers by simple operation of turning an operating lever, so that when an abnormality detection sensor detects a defect in the steer-by-wire system, the clutch is operated through a clutch switching actuator to interconnect the first and second shafts and so as to make it possible to directly steer the steering gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Koji Sato, Atsushi Yoshioka
-
Patent number: 6913106Abstract: In a vehicle steering system, a steering mechanism includes an input section, and a steering section mechanically separated from the input section, and arranged to steer a vehicle. An actuating section includes a plurality of drive units for producing an actual torque to the steering mechanism. A controlling section includes a plurality of control units to control the drive units, respectively, in accordance with a common torque share calculated by one of the control units.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuusuke Katou, Kazutaka Adachi
-
Patent number: 6910699Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid brake utilizing a positive displacement fluid pump adapted to pump a magnetorheological fluid through a viscosity regulator. The viscosity regulator is adapted to controllably vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid, altering the pumping restriction against the fluid pump, resulting in variable resistance to pump shaft rotation relative to the pump housing. An electronic steering system for a work vehicle utilizing the illustrated magnetorheological brake as a resistance device to provide tactile feedback as a function of steering shaft rotational position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Mark John Cherney
-
Patent number: 6899196Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for an automotive vehicle comprises a driver interface system that includes a steering wheel mounted on a steering column. A reaction torque generator is coupled to the steering column for applying a resistive torque in response to a steering command to create a steering feel. An electromechanical brake, such as a magnetorehological brake, is also coupled to the steering column. During operation, a controller receives an input signal indicative of road wheel response to a steering command and determines when the road wheels have reached a limit, such as by engaging mechanical stops mounted on the vehicle or prevented from movement by curb or other external obstacle. In response, the controller actuates the electromechanical device to prevent rotation of the steering wheel and thereby alert the driver that the road wheels have reached a limit.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Muqtada Husain, John G. Oynoian, Joseph A. Platz, Brian E. Daugherty, Robert T. Palmer, John R. Balint, III
-
Patent number: 6896090Abstract: In a normal state, a reaction force actuator (20) applies an operation reaction force to an steering member (2) through a planetary gear mechanism (6). When failure occurs in a steering actuator (12), the reaction force actuator (20) is turned off, and a plunger (13) locks the rotation of one element (18) which is connected to the reaction force actuator (20), in the planetary gear mechanism (6). In turn, a manual steering mode is set up in which a rotation of the steering member (2) is transmitted to a pinion gear (14) at a transmission ratio of the carrier (16) holding planetary gears (17) and a sun gear (15).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naotake Kanda, Tomoyasu Kada, Kenji Higashi, Ryouhei Hayama, Takeo Iino, Shingo Maeda, Masayuki Ueno
-
Patent number: 6896089Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system 10 for steering road wheels 40A and 40B on a vehicle. The steering system 10 includes a steering wheel 12 rotatable by an operator to command steering of the steered road wheels 40A and 40B, and a steering input shaft 16 mechanically linked to the steering wheel 12. A housing structure 14 is disposed proximate the steering input shaft 16. A male member 46 is provided on the housing structure, and a female receptacle 50 is formed in the steering input shaft 16 for matingly receiving the male member 46. The female receptacle 50 comprises a pair of end walls 52 and 54 for limiting rotational travel of the steering wheel 12. The steering system 10 further has an actuator 26 for rotating the wheels 40A and 40B on the vehicle in response to rotation of the steering wheel 12.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron L. Mills, Michael Patrick Lopez
-
Patent number: 6896091Abstract: A vehicular steering control apparatus controls the wheel steering amount of wheels based on a steering angle and an assist angle obtained by multiplying a steering speed by a gain. If the amount of power control differs between the left wheel and the right wheel, the value of gain is increased. The amount of power control includes, for example, the amount of braking control and the amount of drive control. If the assist angle is increased by increasing the gain, the magnitude of the wheel steering amount relative to the steering angle increases, so that a driver can correct the orientation of the vehicle body by performing a small amount of steering operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Kojo, Junji Kawamuro, Masatoshi Nakatsu, Masato Suzumura
-
Patent number: 6892605Abstract: A hand wheel actuator having a stationary hub is provided by a housing supporting a first shaft via bearings such that it is rotatable about its own axis. The first shaft has an upper end configured for attaching a hand wheel. The actuator also includes a position sensor for detecting an angular displacement of the first shaft from a selected origin and producing a signal indicative of the angular displacement and an electric motor in operative communication with the first shaft for providing feedback to a driver. A steering post is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the housing for maintaining the hub in a fixed position centrally of the hand wheel, so that the hub faces the driver when the hand wheel is operated. The steering post extends along an axis of rotation of the hand wheel and through the first shaft, which is fixed to the hand wheel and rotates therewith.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ratko Menjak
-
Patent number: 6892848Abstract: A steering system with at least one steering wheel actuator and at least one steering actuator which are connected to each other via a controlled system. Minimal steering impulses being superimposed in order to be able to determine the steering tie rod forces that occur.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Ünal Gazyakan, Hartmut Werries, Christoph Pelchen
-
Patent number: 6886656Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus having a steering system capable of flexibly setting a relationship between a steering angle of a steering wheel and a wheel angle of a tire. The first motor controls steering reaction force exerted on the steering wheel. The on-center region determination section determines whether the steering wheel is in a position of an on-center region. The tire reaction force torque detection section detects tire reaction force torque transferred from the tire. The control section calculates a steering torque based on the tire reaction force torque and a torque gain. This torque is detected by the tire reaction force torque detection section. And the control section controls the first motor to exert the steering reaction force corresponding to the above calculated steering torque on the steering wheel. This control section also sets the torque gain in case of determining of on-center region larger than that in case of determining of non-on-center region.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takehiko Fujioka, Theerawat Limpibunterng, Masahiko Kurishige, Hideyuki Tanaka, Hajime Oyama
-
Patent number: 6857496Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) comprises a steering feel motor (14) that is operatively connected to a steering shaft (16) of the vehicle (12). A sensor (20) detects operator applied steering inputs to the steering shaft (16) and outputs a steering signal indicative of the monitored operator applied steering inputs. A controller (28) receives the steering signal and, in response to the received steering signal, controls energization of the steering feel motor (14). A security device (38) is operatively connected to the controller (28) and is actuatable for providing a lock steering signal to the controller (28). The controller (28), in response to the lock steering signal, enters a lock steering mode in which the controller (28) controls energization of the steering feel motor (14) to counterbalance all operator applied steering inputs and thereby prevent steering of the vehicle (12).Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Daniel Williams
-
Patent number: 6845309Abstract: A power steering system includes at least one motor to assist the operator of a vehicle in turning the wheels and steering the vehicle and at least one computer or microprocessor controller. One of the processors adjusts the motor assist torque to reduce the driver effort based on specified requirements defined by boost curves. A second microprocessor controller uses an algorithm to calculate the output of the power steering motor, and compare the relationship between the driver torque and the power assist torque. If the relationship between the two is out of specified bounds, then the power steering assist is deemed inappropriate and the power system may go to a power-off state to assure that the motor does not generate an undesirable torque that has not been requested by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Darrel A. Recker, Dale C. Killins, Ashraf A. Zeid, Robert A. Stopper, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6840346Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle is provided, which has a controller, a first device for detection of an amount of manipulation rendered to the controller, a second device for detection of an amount of steering of steerable wheels, a control unit for controlling an amount of steering based on at least the amount of manipulation and a third device for applying a reaction force to the controller. The apparatus has a feature that it includes the sensor for detection of a speed of the vehicle and the control unit determines the reaction force by multiplying a deviation between the amount of manipulation and the amount of steering by a coefficient for vehicle speed, which is adapted to be larger as the speed of the vehicle detected by the sensor increases.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuo Sugitani, Osamu Tsurumiya
-
Publication number: 20040262072Abstract: A fail-safe steering system for a vehicle, which prevents movable elements of a backup mechanism from being dragged by motions of an associated one of a steering input section and a steering output section under normal operating conditions of the system, is provided. The fail-safe steering system includes two selectively engageable clutch mechanisms operatively connectable between the steering input section and the backup mechanism and between the backup mechanism and the steering output section. The fail-safe steering system also includes a mechanism for keeping the backup mechanism in the neutral condition during backup mechanism being mechanically separated under normal operating conditions of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuo Hara, Hitoshi Ono, Kiyotaka Shitamitsu, Takaaki Eguchi, Yuusuke Katou, Toshiaki Kasahara
-
Publication number: 20040262071Abstract: Steer unit for steer-by-wire comprising angle sensing means (12) for detecting the angular position of a steering wheel (11), processing means (10) connected to the angle sensing means (12) and connectable to a wheel position sensor (22), the wheel position sensor (22) being arranged for providing an output signal representing the position of steered wheels (20) of a vehicle. The processing means (10) are connectable to a steering actuator (21) mechanically coupled to the steered wheels (20), the processing means (10) being arranged for driving the steering actuator (21) dependent on the angular position of the steering wheel (11). The steer unit further comprises friction means (14) for providing a friction force on the steering wheel (11), the friction means (14) being connected to the processing means (10), and the processing means (10) being arranged for driving the friction means (14) in dependence of the wheel position sensor output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Johannes Adrianus Maria Duits, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham, Johannes Van Der Kamp, Klemens Schmidt
-
Publication number: 20040256171Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes an operating lever, an operating amount sensor that detects the operating amount of the operating lever, an operating reaction force motor that imparts an operating reaction force to the operating lever, a steering mechanism section that steers a steered wheel of a vehicle, a rack position sensor that detects the steered amount of the steered wheel, an operating torque sensor that detects an operating torque, and a control device that determines the control amount for the operating reaction force motor and the control amount for the steering mechanism section in accordance with a deviation between the above operating amount and the above steered amount. The control device includes a feedforward control device that feedforward-controls the steering mechanism section in accordance with the operating torque, and a band-pass filter that increases or decreases the feedforward effect in accordance with the operating frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Nobuo Sugitani
-
Patent number: 6827174Abstract: A driver control input device includes left and right control posts each having a hand grip. The control posts are movable forwardly and rearwardly and are sufficiently linked together such that forward movement of one control post will result in an equal and opposite rearward movement of the other control post to facilitate sending non-mechanical steering signals to a steer-by-wire system to which the control input device is attached. Accelerator demand input mechanisms and braking demand input mechanisms may also be positioned on the hand grips for generating non-mechanical acceleration and braking signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Joseph F. Szczerba, Julien Montousse
-
Publication number: 20040238257Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering apparatus for a vehicle includes an elastic member couples a reaction force actuator to a steering wheel. With respect to the elastic member, a side closer to the steering wheel is referred to as a primary side, and a side closer to the reaction force actuator is referred to as a secondary side. A steering wheel position detector is located at the secondary side. Therefore, the apparatus is capable of giving a feel of a steering reaction force equivalent to an ordinary mechanically connected steering apparatus to an operator and secures stability of a control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshihiro Takahashi, Shoji Ogawa, Shinji Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kuroyanagi, Shoji Asai
-
Publication number: 20040238258Abstract: In steering apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a turning section that turns steered road wheels is provided, a clutch is installed in a predetermined position in a midway through a steering system from an operation input section to the steered road wheels to link between the operation input section and the steered road wheels, a steering angle of the operation portion is detected, a turning angle is detected, an elastically deformable member is interposed between the operation portion and the turning portion to transmit a steering torque inputted from the operation input section to the steered road wheels when the clutch causes the operation input portion and the steered road wheels to be connected; and an angular deviation between the steering angle detection value and the turning angle detection value developed due to a deformation of the member is calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hitoshi Ono, Kazuo Hara, Kiyotaka Shitamitsu, Takaaki Eguchi, Yuusuke Katou, Toshiaki Kasahara
-
Patent number: 6820713Abstract: A hand wheel actuator for a steer-by-wire steering system having a steering feel that meets drivers' expectations is provided with a housing having an aperture, a steering shaft extending through the aperture and rotatably supported by the housing, an electric motor, a position sensor and torque sensor, and a mechanical steering feel enhancement device. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is attached to the housing and provides a positive stop function, a return-to-center function, and/or a friction/weight function. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is in mechanical communication with the steering shaft and may exist as a separate unitary subassembly prior to being installed on the housing. The electric motor has an output shaft that is in mechanical communication with the steering shaft for imparting a torque to the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, James M. Card
-
Patent number: 6814177Abstract: A vehicle steering system has a steering grip, in particular a steering wheel, which is operated by the driver, an actuating unit which operates steered vehicle wheels, and a manual force regulator which is coupled via a flexible coupling element with the steering grip and simulates parameter-dependent steering forces on the steering grip. A damping device is provided for reducing the formation of vibrations between the steering grip and the manual force regulator. The damping device interacts with the steering grip either directly or indirectly to damp relative motions between the steering grip and the manual force regulator.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Hubert Bohner, Martin Moser
-
Publication number: 20040211618Abstract: Disclosed is a steer-by-wire system and a control program therefor which are capable of preventing a steering handle from being turned excessively. According to the steer-by-wire system and the control program, when drive electric current to a steering actuator is restrained to restrict the steering of steerable road wheels, the steering reaction force to the steering handle is increased thereby to make the steering handle hard or unable to turn further. Thus, the steering handle can be prevented from being turned excessively. Further, when the steering actuator is heated beyond a predetermined temperature, such is judged as the overload on the steering actuator thereby to restrain the drive electric current to the steering actuator. Therefore, it can be obviated that the steering actuator is overheated to suffer failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shoji Ogawa, Yoshiyuki Shibata, Toshihiro Takahashi
-
Patent number: 6808041Abstract: A method for implementing directional control of a motor vehicle is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining whether a failure of a primary steering system of the motor vehicle exists. If a failure of the primary steering system exists, then a yaw moment is created on the vehicle by causing a differential longitudinal force to be applied with respect to a first wheel on one side of the vehicle and a second wheel on an opposite side of the vehicle, thereby causing the vehicle to turn in a commanded direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jon D. Demerly
-
Publication number: 20040206570Abstract: In a steer-by-wire vehicle steering apparatus including a communication navigation system capable of obtaining an absolute vehicle position, a control device controls a steering motor in response to detection by a detection section in such a manner that an actual angle of travel direction of the vehicle and steering angle of a steering operator member agree with each other. Calculation section calculates an angle of travel direction of the vehicle on the basis of the absolute vehicle position obtained via the navigation system, so that the drive section can be controlled more accurately on the basis of the calculated angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., SHOICHI SANOInventors: Takamitsu Tajima, Yasuharu Oyama, Shoichi Sano
-
Publication number: 20040206569Abstract: A PWM control includes a first PWM control and a second PWM control. In the first PWM control, a first power supply terminal of a first coil is kept non-switched under being connected to a first pole of a direct current power source, and a second power supply terminal of a second coil is capable of being switched under being connected to a second pole of the direct current power source. The second PWM control is performed by switching a first connected condition and a second connected condition by turns. The first connected condition is established with the first power supply terminal connected to the first pole and the second power supply terminal connected to the second pole. The second connected condition is established with the first power supply terminal being connected to the second pole and the second power supply terminal being connected to the first pole.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazumasa Kodama, Yutaka Mori, Junji Kawamuro, Takahiro Kojo, Masatoshi Nakatsu
-
Publication number: 20040200662Abstract: In a steer-by-wire vehicle steering apparatus where a steering operator member is operatively connected to steerable road wheels via an electric wire, a control section controls a steering motor in such a manner that an angle of travel direction of the vehicle and a steering angle of the steering operator agree with each other, and a resistive force generation section generates and imparts a steering resistive force to the steering operator in accordance with an actual steered angle of the steerable road wheels. Thus, the steering apparatus permits the vehicle to be steered with an increased accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., SHOICHI SANOInventors: Takamitsu Tajima, Yasuharu Oyama, Shoichi Sano
-
Publication number: 20040200661Abstract: In a vehicle steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, using a feedback control including an integral control unit in the feedback path, the integral factor of the integral control unit is made variable depending on the condition of the vehicle, road condition and preference of the vehicle operator so that the intensity of the steering reaction from the tires that is applied to the vehicle operator can be optimally adjusted. Thereby, the steering system can reduce the stead-state deviation and improve the stability in holding a steering angle both without any substantial compromise.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuo Sugitani, Osamu Tsurumiya
-
Patent number: 6799654Abstract: A steering shaft supported by bearings has an end suitable for attaching a hand wheel thereto. A position sensor detects the angular displacement of the steering shaft from a central position and produces a signal indicative of such angular displacement. An electric motor and a transmission apply torque to the steering shaft to provide force-feedback to a user. A variable stopper is configured to stop rotation of the steering shaft at an arbitrary location.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Jens Haupt, Jim M. Card, Steven M Thomas
-
Patent number: 6786296Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for steering a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a back-drivable steer-by-wire system including a road wheel actuator assembly coupled to a wheel of the vehicle. The road wheel actuator assembly defines a steering axis and the steering axis is off-set from a longitudinal axis of the wheel by a positive scrub radius. In an embodiment for a method in accordance with the present invention, a method to steer a vehicle after failure of a road wheel actuator assembly in a back-drivable steer-by-wire steering system is disclosed. The method includes the acts of applying a braking force to the wheel and generating a torque on the road wheel actuator assembly by the applied braking force acting through a positive scrub radius.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jürgen Guldner, Markus Krug, Slawomir Bakaus, Kai-Uwe Balszuweit, Hendrikus Smakman, Christian Ebner, Michael Gräf, Schedl Anton, Patrick Mescher, Robert Disser, Jeffrey Heinrichs, Scott Millsap, Brian Murray, Detlef Krukenkamp, Michael Byers
-
Patent number: 6776252Abstract: The present invention involves a steer-by-wire actuating system and method of actuating road wheels of a vehicle with the steer-by-wire actuating system. The system includes a steering linkage assembly including an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gear unit linking the input shaft and the output shaft for linear movement of the output shaft to rotate the road wheels of the vehicle. The system further comprises a microcontroller for controlling an actuation strategy including normal and fault detection modes. The microcontroller is configured to receive a steering signal indicative of steering input at a steering interface. The system further includes first and second power electronic drivers in electrical communication with the microcontroller for electric power supply. The system further includes a first motor and a second motor for simultaneous operation with the steer-by-wire steering device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Andonian, Bing Zheng
-
Patent number: 6778889Abstract: The steer-by-wire steering device includes a steering wheel, an operating angle sensor which detects an operation angle of the steering wheel, an operating element actuator which applies an external force for force feedback to the steering wheel, a tire reactive force sensor, a steering actuator which applies an external force to a vehicle's steering system, and a controller which receives output signals of the operating angle sensor and the tire reactive force sensor and controls driving of the operating element actuator and the steering actuator. A plurality of functions F1=f(b), F2=f(b), F3=f(b) which use a detection signal b inputted from the tire reactive force sensor as a parameter are preliminarily stored in the controller. Then, an optimum function is selected from the plurality of preliminarily stored functions in response to a level of the detection signal b.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hironori Kato, Yoshio Sanpei, Noriyuki Fukushima
-
Publication number: 20040144592Abstract: The present invention involves a steer-by-wire actuating system and method of actuating road wheels of a vehicle with the steer-by-wire actuating system. The system includes a steering linkage assembly including an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gear unit linking the input shaft and the output shaft for linear movement of the output shaft to rotate the road wheels of the vehicle. The system further comprises a microcontroller for controlling an actuation strategy including normal and fault detection modes. The microcontroller is configured to receive a steering signal indicative of steering input at a steering interface. The system further includes first and second power electronic drivers in electrical communication with the microcontroller for electric power supply. The system further includes a first motor and a second motor for simultaneous operation with the steer-by-wire steering device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Andonian, Bing Zheng
-
Publication number: 20040140147Abstract: A system for steering a vehicle whereof steering of all the steerable wheels is controlled by an actuator specific thereto, the system having a controller which has at least a normal mode of operation in which, for each steerable wheel, the controller determines a set point for the normal steering angle and a degraded mode activated in the event of failure of a wheel actuator, in which the controller determines a compensating steering set point for a wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: Conception Et Developpement MichelinInventor: Daniel Laurent
-
Patent number: 6761243Abstract: One aspect of the present invention regards an automotive steering wheel control system having a steering wheel, a magnetorheological damper in communication with the steering wheel and a road wheel control system operably connected to the magnetorheological damper where the magnetorheological damper controls the steering wheel in response to a torque signal from the road wheel control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gregory James Stout, Yixin Yao
-
Publication number: 20040129490Abstract: A vehicle steering control system is provided which is capable of reliably protecting a motor for driving a wheel steering shaft. The offset output characteristic of a current sensor for detecting the electric current applied to the steering shaft drive motor is actually measured prior to the actual use of the steering control system, and offset compensation information is prepared based on the measured value of the offset output characteristic for storage in an EEPROM. Further, an output value of the current sensor and an output value of a reference current measuring system are measured independently of each other with the supply voltage for use in measurement being set to a constant value. Then, current gain compensation information is prepared based on the output values so measured and is stored in the EEPROM. In the later actual use (i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicants: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazumasa Kodama, Masahiro Miyata
-
Patent number: 6757601Abstract: The present invention involves a method of controlling a vehicle steer-by-wire system having two independent road wheels. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a steering wheel control sub-system to generate road wheel reference angles and to produce steering feel for a vehicle driver. The method further includes providing a road wheel control sub-system with a servo control system structure including a multivariable road wheel controlled plant and a multivariable road wheel controller for controlling actual road wheel angles to track to road wheel reference angles. The method further includes generating left and right road wheel reference angles from the steering wheel angle with a road wheel reference angle generator using variable left and right steering ratios and calibration processes based on calibration variables, wherein the road wheel reference angle generator has first and second stages to produce left and right road wheel reference angle outputs.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yixin Yao, Gregory J. Stout
-
Patent number: 6755276Abstract: The invention relates to a power-assisted steering system for non-trackborne vehicles and particularly motor vehicles, having a steering control (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Mercedes Benz Lenkungen GmbHInventor: Bernd Clephas
-
Patent number: 6751539Abstract: In a steering mechanism of steer-by-wire type which includes a first steering unit that is handled by a driver and a second steering unit that steers steered road wheels with the aid of a steering motor, there is employed a control system which input and output detecting sections that detect input and output of the steering motor, a road surface disturbance estimating section that estimates a disturbance of road surface based on both the detected input and output of the steering motor, and a steering reaction force calculating section that, based on the estimated disturbance of road surface, calculates a steering reaction force that is to be applied to a steering wheel of the first steering unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenya Uenuma, Hiroshi Mouri
-
Publication number: 20040104066Abstract: A steering control device (200) is provided with a end-of-movement reaction force generation unit (an end reaction force control portion (20)). An end reaction force generating current i2 which act as return a handle toward a straight-ahead position is rapidly generated in the vicinity of an upper and a lower limit of a vehicle wheel steering range. For example, a reaction force motor (4) may be additionally commanded using a newly generated command current i2. Accordingly, an output torque of the reaction force motor (4) becomes proportional to a new command value in of an Equation in =i1 +12, where i1 is a current command of a reaction force control portion (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsuo Sakai
-
Publication number: 20040094351Abstract: The steering angle correction device controls a steering actuator so that the vehicle steering angle varies in accordance with the steering angle from the center point position of a steering member. The current position of the steering member is determined from the reference position obtained by correcting the steering initiation position, which is the absolute position of the steering member at the time of initiation of control action determined from an output of the absolute position detection sensor, by an amount corresponding to the reference error in the preceding control action, a signal corresponding to the variation in the steering angle of the steering member outputted by a position sensor, and the steering direction of the steering member. The position sensor outputs a position specifying signal when the steering member is in a predetermined specified position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayasu Higashi, Ryouhei Hayama
-
Patent number: 6736234Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of controlling a steering wheel for simulated steering feel on a steering wheel of a vehicle with front road wheels in a steer-by-wire system. The method includes sensing actual torsion on the steering wheel, comparing the actual torsion to a threshold torque value, sensing actual angular velocity of the steering wheel, and comparing the actual angular velocity to a threshold angular velocity. The method further includes generating a simulated steering feel torque on the steering wheel, if the actual torsion is greater than the threshold torque value and the actual angular velocity is less than the threshold angular velocity. The method further comprises returning the steering wheel to the center position at a specified angular velocity, if the actual torsion is less than the threshold torque value and the actual angular velocity is greater than the threshold angular velocity.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bing Zheng, M. Yi-Yang Huang, Yixin Yao
-
Patent number: 6732979Abstract: A system and a method for generating a signal to control a steering mechanism and an aircraft using the system are disclosed. A tiller module includes a moveable tiller base configured to moveably respond to a steering signal. The tiller module also includes a tiller coupling configured to couple the tiller with the moveable tiller base and further configured to generate a tiller differential signal indicative of a steering force applied to the tiller relative to a position of the moveable tiller base. A tiller controller is configured to receive the tiller differential signal and a steering mechanism position signal. The tiller controller is further configured to generate the steering signal to direct a steering mechanism to conform with the steering force and to direct the moveable tiller base of each tiller module to a feedback position representative of a current position of the steering mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jerome R. Kilner, Andrew M. Valaas
-
Patent number: 6729432Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of re-configurable control for a vehicle steer-by-wire system. A steer-by-wire control system includes a steering wheel control system and a road wheel control system for a vehicle. Each control system is provided with a respective controlled plant and a re-configurable controller. The controllers receive output measurement signals from the respective controlled plants and produce control command signals for the controlled plants for re-configurable control of the steer-by-wire system. An adaptive re-configurable control is provided with fault detection and isolation, fault decision, parameter identification for the steer-by-wire controlled plant, and the re-configurable controllers with automatic adjustable structure and/or parameters. The re-configurable controllers automatically adjust their structure and parameters to maintain stability and certain performance requirements despite faults that occur in the steer-by-wire system.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yixin Yao, Behrouz Ashrafi
-
Patent number: 6728615Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of controlling a steer-by-wire system to produce adjustable steering feel for A vehicle driver by providing control of reaction torque on a steering wheel of a vehicle. The method includes a quantitative description for the steering feel which is obtained by establishing a relationship of steering wheel reaction torque and steering wheel angle, road wheel torque, and vehicle speed. The system and method include steer-by wire system closed-loop feedback controls with inner torque loop, steering wheel rate feedback loop, and steering wheel angular position feedback loop to implement providing the steering feel, active steering wheel return with the different rotation rate, steering wheel stop according to the road wheel angular position in a parking state, and directional angle reference generation to road wheels.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yixin Yao, Gregory J. Stout
-
Patent number: 6719088Abstract: A steering actuator can be controlled such that the ratio between amount of operation of an operating member and amount of steering of vehicle wheels changes. Movement of the steering actuator is transmitted to the vehicle wheel such that variation in steering angle is generated. A relationship between behavior index value for operating corresponding to change in behavior of the vehicle caused by change in steering angle, target behavior index value for operating corresponding to amount of operation of the operating member, and target operating torque is stored. The target operating torque is calculated from the stored relationship, the determined behavior index value for operating, and the determined target behavior index value for operating. An operating actuator for generating torque which acts upon the operating member is controlled such that the operating torque of the operating member corresponds to the target operating torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shirou Nakano, Ryouhei Hayama