Hydraulic Patents (Class 180/403)
  • Patent number: 11975757
    Abstract: Disclosed are a walking deviation correction method and a walking deviation correction device for a working machine. The working machine includes: a first pump, a second pump, a first motor and a second motor; the first pump is connected to the first motor, the second pump is connected to the second motor, the first motor is configured to drive a first running wheel, and the second motor is configured to drive a second running wheel. The method includes: receiving a first input from a user; outputting a flow percentage in response to the first input; receiving a second input from the user based on the flow percentage; and adjusting working flow rates of the first motor and the second motor in response to the second input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI SANY HEAVY MACHINERY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yunfei Xiong, Qinghong Chen
  • Patent number: 11442446
    Abstract: A rotary-wing aircraft and system for flying a rotary-wing aircraft. The aircraft includes a servo system for actuating a rotor of the aircraft. A hydraulic system provides hydraulic power to the servo system, and a sensor measures a parameter of the hydraulic system. A processor determines a condition of the hydraulic system from the parameter and enforces an effective flight envelop based on the condition of the hydraulic system in order to fly the aircraft within the effective flight envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Thornberg, Derek H. Geiger, Joseph T. Driscoll, Ole Wulff
  • Patent number: 11359649
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a vehicle includes a first pump for supplying at least one first hydraulic circuit and at least one second pump for supplying at least one second hydraulic circuit with hydraulic medium. The second pump supplies the first hydraulic circuit with hydraulic medium in an emergency mode or when an output pressure of the first pump fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Meid, Christian Brueser
  • Patent number: 11338841
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system for a motor vehicle is proposed, having a steering means which is attached to a steering column, the length and/or inclination of which can be adjusted, and having a steering means actuator which is configured to load the steering means with a torque. The steering means actuator is arranged non-displaceably and fixedly on the vehicle. The steering means actuator is assigned a first shaft, and the steering column is assigned a second shaft, the first and the second shaft having a variable axial offset and/or a variable angular offset at least over a part range of a length and/or inclination adjustment of the steering column. The first and second shafts are connected in a torque-transmitting manner via a compensation device which can compensate for a change in the axial offset and/or the angular offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Maurice Mistler
  • Patent number: 11129331
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a steering control system useful for providing stable control during high-speed operation of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering control system utilizes sensors for detecting a ground drive wheel speed or a swash plate position of hydraulic pumps for determining an angle of curvature used as input for controlling a steering cylinder associated with a first caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Young, Gregory Fasick, Madhu Pankaj, Robert Fackler, Jeffrey Brown Fay, II
  • Patent number: 10960925
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine mounted on a traveling body, a straight-traveling system transmission path including a first stepless transmission device, and a turning system transmission path including a second stepless transmission device, the work vehicle being configured to combine outputs of the straight-traveling system transmission path and an output of the turning system transmission paths to drive left and right traveling units. The work vehicle also includes control sections that control the outputs of the straight-traveling system transmission path and the output of the turning system transmission paths in cooperation with each other, a transmission operation tool that specifies the output of the straight-traveling system transmission path, and a detector that detects the output of the straight-traveling system transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Fujiki, Keisuke Iwamura
  • Patent number: 10899382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic steering device that hydraulically connects a steering cylinder to a supply system, whereby the supply system is hydraulically operatively connectable to the steering cylinder via a steering valve to form a main flow connection and the supply system is hydraulically operatively connectable to the steering cylinder via a flow regulation valve arrangement to form a branch flow connection that circumvents the main flow connection, whereby the flow regulation valve arrangement is triggerable by an electric control unit and the flow regulation valve arrangement comprises valve groups that are triggerable individually, which are respectively connected in the forward flow and return flow of the branch flow connection and a release-shutoff valve is assigned to the flow regulation valve arrangement. It is provided that the release-shutoff valve is connected between the flow regulation valve arrangement and the steering cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS PARCHIM GMBH
    Inventors: Erhard Bergmann, Toralf Käckenmeister, Markus de la Motte
  • Patent number: 10889965
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a pair of cylinders of an articulation system includes a pump, a reservoir, a directional control valve (DCV), a pair of actuator valves (AVs) and an articulation charge circuit (ACC). The DCV is fluidly coupled to the pump, the reservoir and the pair of cylinders via a supply line, a fluid return line and a pair of cylinder supply lines (CSLs) respectively. Each CSL has a load check valve (LCV) therein. The AVs are fluidly coupled with the DCV and the pump via a pilot supply line (PSL) for actuating movement of the DCV. The ACC, associated with the PSL and each cylinder supply line downstream of the associated LCV, charges a corresponding CSL with fluid from the PSL for increasing a pressure in the corresponding CSL when the pressure in the corresponding CSL falls below the pressure of fluid associated with the PSL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Neale Richards, Ernest Everett Stoops, Michael Lemoyne Repscher, Matthew David Roley, Ramalho Stive, Michael Robert Kunde, Dwanz Mwalimu Mwasi, Charles Eric Nail, Bart Jerome Bradford
  • Patent number: 10870445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic steering system for a vehicle, in particular an industrial truck, comprising: a steering cylinder having two chambers and a hydraulic connection at each of the two chambers for activating a steering movement of at least one wheel of the vehicle; at least one hydraulic pump; at least one hydraulic tank for receiving hydraulic oil; and a steering block which comprises: two first hydraulic connections for connecting to the two hydraulic connections of the steering cylinder; at least two second hydraulic connections for supplying hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump to the steering block and feeding the hydraulic oil back into the hydraulic tank; and a controllable valve assembly which receives control signals from a steering angle detection device and is designed to convey hydraulic oil to the steering cylinder on the basis of said control signals; the controllable valve assembly being further designed to be shiftable into at least one neutral position in which it al
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: René Bernau, Rainer Sedlmaier
  • Patent number: 10850723
    Abstract: Self-propelled vehicles that include swiveling caster wheels and independent drive wheels are disclosed. The self-propelled vehicles are selectively steered in a caster wheel steering mode or a drive wheel steering mode. The vehicle includes a steering position sensor to measure the position of the steering system. A control unit varies the rotational speed of first and second drive wheels based at least in part of the signal from the steering position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Nathan D. Dockter, Kent M. Recker, Kent L. Thompson, Curt T. Graham
  • Patent number: 10611401
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes first and second pumps driven by a vehicle engine to supply fluid under pressure to a power steering motor assembly connected with the vehicle wheels. The first pump is sized to provide a fluid flow required by the power steering motor assembly to effect a first vehicle maneuver when the engine speed is at or above a first predetermined speed. A valve directs fluid flow from the second pump to the power steering motor assembly, which when combined with the fluid flow of the first pump is sufficient for the power steering assembly to effect a second vehicle maneuver when the engine speed is at or above the first predetermined speed. A greater fluid flow is required to effect the second vehicle maneuver than to effect the first vehicle maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY AND ELECTRONICS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Samuel A. StHilaire, Qinghe Li, Kevin M. Tilton
  • Patent number: 10589778
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include an engine that is configured to auto-stop and auto-start. The system may also include a controller programmed to power an electrical actuator coupled to a steering mechanism to synchronize a drive angle of the vehicle and a steering wheel angle of the vehicle, in response to a parameter indicative of a likelihood of a wheel slip event exceeding a threshold and the steering-wheel angle being greater than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Siraj Siddiqui, Ahmed Awadi, Hussam Makkiya, Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Garrett Tietz
  • Patent number: 10179604
    Abstract: A steering system is described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A hydraulic charge pressure circuit may be configured to provide charge pressure to one or more hydraulic components of the vehicle and a hydraulic drive pressure circuit may be configured to provide working pressure to one or more other hydraulic components of the vehicle. Hydraulic machines may rotate front wheels in order to drive the vehicle, and a front valve assembly may control steering of the front wheels by controlling the hydraulic machines. The hydraulic machines may be driven to rotate the front wheels by the working pressure from the hydraulic drive pressure circuit, and the front valve assembly may control the front hydraulic machines to steer the agricultural vehicle by controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic charge pressure circuit through the front valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David V Rotole, Thomas D Bebernes, Thomas A Nichols, Kyle R Teach
  • Patent number: 9988044
    Abstract: A method to control a road vehicle with steering rear wheels when driving along a curve. The control method comprises the steps of: determining an actual attitude angle of the road vehicle; determining a desired attitude angle; and changing the steering angle of the rear wheels based on the difference between the actual attitude angle and the desired attitude angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Varisco, Francesca Mincigrucci
  • Patent number: 9988079
    Abstract: An independent steering mechanism of controllable hydraulic locking type for left and right wheels is provided. The independent steering mechanism includes a power steering mechanism, a steering drive mechanism, a hydraulic locking mechanism and an electronic control unit. Power of the left and right steering motors flows through the worm, the worm gear, the gear to drive left and right racks to translate. Outer ends of the left and right racks are connected to left and right tie rods via spherical hinges respectively. Inner ends of the left and right racks are connected to a piston rod and a cylinder barrel via spherical hinges respectively. A left chamber and a right chamber in the hydraulic cylinder are connected to an oil reservoir via an electro-hydraulic valve. The left and right steering motor controllers for the left and right steering motor and the electro-hydraulic valve controller are communicated via CAN bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Jilin University
    Inventors: Bingzhao Gao, Haitao Ding, Hong Chen, Jianwei Zhang, Weinan Tao, Mengjian Tian
  • Patent number: 9989148
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for vehicles is provided. A switching valve (34) that is adapted to provide a communication between an electric oil pump (25) and a drain passage while inhibiting a delivery of the oil from the electric oil pump (25) to the control object (20, C) when an output pressure of the mechanical oil pump (9) is higher than a predetermined level, and to provide a communication between the electric oil pump (25) and the control object (20, C) through a predetermined oil passage when an output pressure of the mechanical oil pump (9) is lower than the predetermined level. The electric oil pump (25) discharges oil before establishing the communication between the electric oil pump (25) and the control object (20, C) as a result of reduction in the output pressure of the mechanical oil pump (9) to be lower than the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Hirofumi Nakada
  • Patent number: 9938691
    Abstract: Delivery ports of a closed circuit hydraulic pump are connected to a head-side chamber and a rod-side chamber of an arm/boom cylinder. A switching valve is arranged between the head-side chamber and a delivery port of an open circuit hydraulic pump. A proportional control valve is arranged between the head-side chamber and a hydraulic fluid tank. At times of cylinder extension, both of the closed and open circuit hydraulic pumps and the switching valve are controlled so that the delivery flows from the closed and open circuit hydraulic pumps are sent to the head-side chamber. At times of cylinder retraction, the closed circuit hydraulic pump and the proportional control valve are controlled so that part of an outward flow from the head-side chamber is returned to the closed circuit hydraulic pump and other part of the outward flow is returned to the hydraulic fluid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Hiraku
  • Patent number: 9919736
    Abstract: A vehicle adaptive steering control apparatus includes a front wheel steering mechanism having a right wheel steering portion and a left wheel steering portion. A left front wheel rotatably is coupled to the left wheel steering portion. A right front wheel rotatably coupled to the right wheel steering portion. A controller in electronic communication with a steer-by-wire steering wheel assembly and the front wheel steering mechanism operates the front wheel steering mechanism to turn the left front wheel and the right front wheel in accordance with Ackerman steering geometry. The controller is also configured to calculate toe angle adjustments for the right wheel steering portion relative to the left wheel steering portion and make the toe angle adjustments to right wheel steering portion and the left wheel steering portion during turning and steering movements effected by the right wheel steering portion and the left wheel steering portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Yanez
  • Patent number: 9867325
    Abstract: A steering system for a work vehicle includes a steering hand pump, a hydraulic main supply line fluidly coupled with the steering hand pump and including a check valve, and a normally open, two position valve. The valve includes an inlet fluidly couplable with a pressurized access point of a hydraulic sub-system, an outlet fluidly coupled with the main supply line on a downstream side of the check valve, and a pilot port fluidly coupled with the main supply line on an upstream side of the check valve. The valve is operable in the closed position based on pressure in the main supply line when the main supply line is pressurized from a pressure source, and operable in the open position and interconnecting the pressurized access point with the main supply line through the outlet when the main supply line is not pressurized from the pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jimmie D. Clifford, Brent E. Smith, Bruce E. Anderson, Jeffrey C. Trowbridge, Guy H. J. Osselaere, Rik Vandendriessche, Carlos J. A. Verheye, Wim Leplae
  • Patent number: 9707998
    Abstract: A method for controlling steering of a vehicle (1) is provided, the vehicle (1) defining two or more steerable axes, and the vehicle (1) comprising a number of wheels (2), each of said wheels (2) being associated with one of said steerable axes in such a manner that steering of a given wheel (2) is obtained by steering the steerable axis associated therewith. The method comprises providing a first, a second and a third steering input. The first steering input defines a point of intersection between a virtual steering axis (4) and a longitudinal center axis defined by the vehicle (1). The second steering input defines an angle between the virtual steering axis (4) and the longitudinal center axis. The third steering input defines a position of a center of rotation (5) along the virtual steering axis (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventors: Poul Ennemark, Morten Hoeck Petersen
  • Patent number: 9511796
    Abstract: A power steering system includes an EPS and a HPS. At normal times, an assist force required by a steering system is computed based on a steering torque and a vehicle speed, and the required assist force is generated by the EPS and the HPS. The torsional stiffness of a torsion bar of the HPS is equal to or substantially equal to the torsional stiffness of a torsion bar of the EPS. Therefore, even if the EPS malfunctions, it is possible to gain the steering feel similar to that when the EPS is operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noritake Ura
  • Patent number: 9499202
    Abstract: A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes a steering mechanism having a pinion gear and a rack, the steering mechanism being configured to translate rotation of the pinion gear into movement of the rack which is configured to affect the position of a steer tire of the autonomous vehicle, thereby affecting the lateral position of the autonomous vehicle; a steering wheel which provides a mechanical input to the pinion gear from an operator of the autonomous vehicle; a steering actuator which rotates to apply torque to the steering mechanism, thereby inducing movement of the rack which affects the position of the steer tire of the autonomous vehicle; and a variable coupling member operatively between the steering actuator and the steering mechanism which is configured to vary the torque that can be transmitted from the steering actuator to the steering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Lewis, Michael H. Laur
  • Patent number: 9475519
    Abstract: A steering stop for a steer-by-wire steering system, includes a steering shaft for functionally connecting to a steering wheel, wherein a pressure chamber is provided for each direction of rotation of the steering shaft. A rotation of the steering shaft produces a reduction in the volume of a corresponding pressure chamber, and the steering stop also comprises a hydraulic valve such that resistance against a further rotation of the steering shaft is generated by the operation of said hydraulic valve when predetermined environmental conditions are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Martin Nagl, Ulrich Pfeiffer, Tilo Koch, Thomas Klinger, Anne Satzke
  • Patent number: 9446755
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steering wheel having the capacity to steer a vehicle; a turning actuator having the capacity to turn a wheel; a backup clutch arranged between the steering wheel and the turning actuator and having the capacity to be able to mechanically connect the steering wheel to the turning actuator; and a clutch disengagement checking unit having the capacity to check whether the backup clutch is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsuo Murakami
  • Patent number: 9421999
    Abstract: A steering system is described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A hydraulic charge pressure circuit may be configured to provide charge pressure to one or more hydraulic components of the vehicle, and a hydraulic drive pressure circuit may be configured to provide working pressure to one or more other hydraulic components of the vehicle. Hydraulic machines may rotate front wheels in order to drive the vehicle, and a front valve assembly may control steering of the front wheels by controlling the hydraulic machines. The hydraulic machines may be driven to rotate the front wheels by the working pressure from the hydraulic drive pressure circuit, and the front valve assembly may control the front hydraulic machines to steer the agricultural vehicle by controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic charge pressure circuit through the front valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David V. Rotole, Thomas D. Bebernes, Thomas A. Nichols, Kyle R. Teach
  • Patent number: 9415765
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steering wheel having the capacity to steer a vehicle; a turning actuator having the capacity to turn a wheel; a backup clutch arranged between the steering wheel and the turning actuator and having the capacity to be able to mechanically connect the steering wheel to the turning actuator; and a clutch disengagement checking unit having the capacity to check whether the backup clutch is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsuo Murakami
  • Patent number: 9308933
    Abstract: There is disclosed a steering system for a vehicle. The system comprises a rotatable steering column co-operable with a steering wheel. A steering member is co-operable with the steering column such that rotary motion of the steering column causes linear motion of the steering member and linear motion of the steering member causes rotary motion of the steering column. An actuator is co-operable with the steering member for linear actuation of the steering member, the actuator being configured for receiving and executing commands from a controller that sends, in dependence on a defined condition, an oscillation command to the actuator to impart an oscillating force to the steering member. A method of providing feedback through a steering system of a vehicle is also disclosed, as are suitable controllers, software and processors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: David Lickfold, Anthony Whittle, Nick Temple, John Kewley
  • Patent number: 9189894
    Abstract: A combination sensor module for a vehicle, having at least two sensor submodules which are situated in the combination sensor module and able to be connected to the electronics system of the vehicle, wherein the at least two sensor submodules are able to be operated independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Marcus Wellhoefer, Mariusz Koc
  • Patent number: 9022166
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering arrangement with a hydraulically actuated steering valve arrangement, steering motor connections (CL, CR), which are connected to supply connections (HP, T) via the steering valve arrangement, and a steering unit. It is endeavored to equalize in a simple manner the steering behavior in both directions. For this purpose, it is ensured that the steering valve arrangement has a directional valve and a flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventor: Ole Vincentz Soerensen
  • Patent number: 9004219
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control system (1), such as a car, a boat, an aircraft and like, or of a driving simulator, such as a videogame console, simulation apparatuses and the like, and with a direction control device (2), such as a steering wheel, a rudder or the like, and with directioning means (21?, 22?, 21?. 22?), said system (1) being characterized by means (6) for detecting a position of said direction control device (2), an adjustment module (7, 7?, 7?) having a frame, mechanically coupled with said direction control device (2), provided with passive actuator and adjustment means (8?, 8?, 8a, 8a?, 8b, 8b?) to adjust resistance to the movement of said direction control device (2), one or more sensors (27) for detection of position of said directioning means (21?, 22?, 21?. 22?), and at least a central control unit (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Palmarix Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Rosenmaier, Jan Klindworth
  • Publication number: 20150083516
    Abstract: A steering method for an industrial truck includes manually steering at least one steerable wheel, detecting an angular position of the at least one steerable wheel, and motor-steering at least one additional steerable wheel as a function of the detected angular position. For a 90° change of a travel direction of the industrial truck, the method comprises steering the at least one steerable wheel and the at least one additional wheel by 90°, manually steering the at least one additional wheel, and motor-steering the at least one steerable wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: JUERGEN KELLER
  • Patent number: 8925672
    Abstract: An integrated steering control system includes a primary, automatic and rear control valves. A steering wheel operates the primary steering control valve and is of a type which includes a leakage characteristic. Steering wheel movement is sensed and a signal is sent which results in the automatic steering control valve being operated for adding fluid that supplied to a steering cylinder by the primary steering control valve in order to compensate for leakage, the amount of added fluid being a function of vehicle ground speed. An electric actuator with position feedback is used for ground speed control. Whenever the actuator position shows that the ground speed is set to zero and a switch in the hydro-handle slot shows that the handle is in the Park position, the automatic steering control valve is activated to move the steering cylinder to a neutral, straight ahead position, as determined by a sensor in a mechanical linkage of the steering control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Stephen E. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8820469
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus that is capable of obtaining a more safe and comfortable handling performance by signal processing of road information and disturbances is performed to realize easy tuning, and vibration absorption level for brake is improved by a filter and a gain unit considering a frequency characteristic and a decelerating acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8783407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel, a steering gear shaft and a hydraulic master unit, the steering gear shaft being in mechanical active connection with the master unit via a toothing, and also comprising hydraulic lines and a hydraulic slave unit in a steering gear which, for swivelling steerable wheels is mechanically coupled therewith, an electronic control for controlling an electric servomotor being provided which is actively connected to the steering gear, the active connection between the steering shaft and the hydraulic master unit being a toothing with a variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Manfred Rombold
  • Patent number: 8781683
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. An engine driven pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is driven by an engine of the vehicle to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A controller increases engine speed when the vehicle is motionless and a steering wheel is rotated. A method for controlling the speed of an engine to provide a predetermined steering assist to a steering apparatus includes determining if the vehicle is motionless and determining if the steering wheel is being rotated. The speed of the engine is increased if the vehicle is motionless and the steering wheel is being rotated to provide the predetermined steering assist to the steering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140151145
    Abstract: A two-phase motor with high space utilization efficiency is provided for driving a hydraulic control valve. A valve drive motor includes a rotor and a stator surrounding the rotor. The rotor has six magnetic poles. The stator includes six stator windings. The U-phase first stator winding and the V-phase first stator winding constitute a pair of two-phase stator windings. The U-phase second stator winding and the V-phase second stator winding constitute a pair of two-phase stator windings. The U-phase third stator winding and the V-phase third stator winding constitute a pair of two-phase stator windings. The two stator windings of each pair are disposed at an angular interval of 180 degrees in terms of an electrical angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko SAKAMAKI
  • Patent number: 8695750
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system controllable by left and right steering wheels has two control valves, each valve connected to a respective left and right steering wheel, and a valve arrangement that selectively connects one control valve to a source of high-pressure fluid and disconnects the other control valve from the source of high-pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Hammond, Jeffrey Edward Tipton
  • Publication number: 20140083792
    Abstract: A steering device for a wheel loader includes a rotatable handle, a tiltable lever, a steering cylinder, a steering valve, a pump, a handle control valve, a lever control valve, and a handle prioritization valve. The steering valve controls a supply direction of operating fluid to the steering cylinder with pilot hydraulic pressure. The pump supplies operating fluid to the steering cylinder via the steering valve. The handle and lever control valves supply pilot hydraulic pressure to control the supply direction to the steering valve according to handle rotation and lever tilt, respectively. The handle prioritization valve shuts off the pilot hydraulic pressure supplied from the lever control valve to the steering valve according to a differential pressure or an absolute pressure in a hydraulic circuit produced due to operating fluid flowing through the handle control valve when the handle is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kota Imanishi, Hiroyuki Chikugo, Shuuji Hori, Mitsumasa Akashi, Akira Hasebe, Shuki Akushichi, Nobumasa Takamatsu
  • Publication number: 20130284532
    Abstract: A steering system can include a steering control valve, primary and secondary sources of pressurized fluid, and a controller. The primary and secondary sources of pressurized fluid can be fluidly connected to the steering control valve. The primary source of pressurized fluid can be configured to sense a load pressure requirement from the steering control valve. The controller can be communicably coupled to the primary and secondary sources of pressurized fluid. The controller can monitor a margin pressure of the primary source of pressurized fluid. The controller can determine an operational status of the primary source of pressurized fluid based on the monitored margin pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. McVey, Beau D. Kuipers
  • Patent number: 8499884
    Abstract: A ring-mount joint between two vehicle units of an articulated bus, with the joint comprising two cantilevers, wherein each cantilever is arranged on one of the vehicle units, with each cantilever comprising a slewing ring, wherein the two slewing rings of the cantilever are mounted in each other so that they can be pivoted, wherein a damping device is provided for damping the rotational motion of the two cantilever relative to each other, wherein in the space enclosed by the inner slewing ring, there is arranged an annular chamber damper, wherein the annular chamber damper comprises two inter-mounted housing parts that are rotatable relative to each other, wherein the one housing part is in connection with the one cantilever and the other housing part is in connection with the other cantilever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Karasek, Ralf Schulz, Günther Schneider
  • Patent number: 8403103
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (14, 16) includes a hydraulic power steering motor (12). A pump (26) having an outlet port (28) is connected in fluid communication with the power steering motor (12) and operable to supply hydraulic fluid to the power steering motor (12). A continuously variable transmission (50) is connected with the engine of the vehicle and the pump (26). The continuously variable transmission (50) is operable to drive the pump (26) at a first speed when the pressure at the outlet port (28) is at a first pressure. The continuously variable transmission (50) is operable to drive the pump (26) at a second speed when the pressure at the outlet port (28) is at a second pressure different than the first pressure. The first speed at which the pump (26) is driven is greater than the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8397858
    Abstract: A steering system includes a steer-by-wire (SBW) valve, a main steering pump, a steering actuator, and a steering control unit (SCU). The SCU is in fluid communication with the actuator via a pair of fluid conduits, and includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion contains a first solenoid valve and a cross-over check valve assembly. The lower portion contains a fluid control valve. An ECU generates a steering input signal in response to steering wheel rotation, and transmits the signal to the SBW valve. The SCU controls the first solenoid valve to deliver fluid from the lower portion to the actuator via the cross-over valve assembly in an emergency steering mode, and also controls the first solenoid valve to prevent flow into the actuator and allow recirculation of fluid within the lower portion in a torque feel mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron Kelly Krahn
  • Patent number: 8224527
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product is encoded with instructions configured to control a controller to perform a process. The process includes setting a target steering angle for the vehicle based on a steering amount of the vehicle, setting a target torque difference between right and left steered wheels based on the target steering angle, and setting a target driving/braking force for the vehicle based on an acceleration amount and a braking amount of the vehicle. The process also includes setting each target torque for the right and left steered wheels based on the target torque difference and the target driving/braking force and controlling driving of the steered-wheel motors based on the target torque. The kingpin point is positioned closer to the vehicle on an inside portion of an inside sidewall of a steered wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Shinmura, Sadachika Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8219284
    Abstract: The present invention provides a steering control apparatus that controls steering of a vehicle of a steer-by-wire type, and includes steered-wheel motors that apply separate torques to right and left steered wheels respectively, a rod member that couples the right and left steered wheels so that the steered wheels can be steered, and a steering controller that controls driving of the steered-wheel motors. In each steered wheel, a center of the contact face thereof and a kingpin point thereof are offset in a lateral direction of the vehicle, and the steering controller controls driving of the steered-wheel motors so as to generate a torque difference between the right and left steered wheels, and provides a steering effort in accordance with this torque difference for each of the right and left steered wheels via the rod member, thereby to steer the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Shinmura, Sadachika Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8162095
    Abstract: A vehicle by-wire steering system includes a hydraulic default level. A hydraulic feed unit and a hydraulic actuating unit can be connected together by two hydraulic lines such that when an actuator is non-functional, a steering wheel rotational angle is transformed into a corresponding wheel steering angle by the hydraulic feed unit and the hydraulic actuating unit. The hydraulic lines can be connected together by a switchable steering valve, which is designed as a proportional servo valve, of which the flow cross section can be adjusted in essence continuously between the two extremes of completely closed and completely open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Bootz, Norbert Nitzsche
  • Patent number: 8100221
    Abstract: A center-closed power steering system provides power steering assistance in engine-off conditions for reduced fuel consumption. The power steering system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine, a high pressure accumulator, a steering gearbox fluidly connected to the accumulator, and a center closed valve mechanically connected to a driver-operated steering wheel. The valve is configured to selectively control flow of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the steering gearbox to provide power steering assistance. The inner shaft of the rotary center-closed valve is provided with a cavity with V-shaped notches on the transition surfaces on lands configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of the valve outer sleeve, in order to provide a smooth transition in flow for power steering assistance, and a better driver feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Mark Spencer Stuhldreher, Charles L. Gray, Jr., David James Haugen
  • Patent number: 8066091
    Abstract: A steering system, comprising: an input cylinder having a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber; a transmission mechanism, wherein a transmission efficiency for converting and transmitting a linear motion of the input cylinder to a rotary motion of a steering wheel is less than a transmission efficiency for converting and transmitting the rotary motion of the steering wheel to the linear motion of the input cylinder; an output cylinder connected to a steerable vehicle wheel and having a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber; a first hydraulic passage for connecting the first hydraulic chamber to the third hydraulic chamber; a second hydraulic passage for connecting the second hydraulic chamber to the fourth hydraulic chamber; a flow rate control mechanism for exchanging hydraulic oil with: a first hydraulic circuit including the first and third hydraulic chambers and the first hydraulic passage; and a second hydraulic circuit including the second and fourth hydraulic chambers
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Ito, Atsushi Yokoyama, Mitsuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7997379
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) with a steering valve (7) located between a supply connection arrangement (P, T) and a steering motor (2). It is endeavored to improve the safety of such a steering. For this purpose, the steering valve (7) has a hydraulic drive (9, 10) with a pilot valve arrangement (11) supplied by a pressure control valve (5), a stop valve (16) being located between the pressure control valve (5) and the pilot valve arrangement (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Aps
    Inventors: Anders Kryhlmand, Ove Pedersen, Niels Bjarne Hansen, Poul Ennemark
  • Patent number: 7980353
    Abstract: A steering system is provided for controlling the turning angle of the steering wheels of a vehicle. The steering system includes two electro-hydraulic circuits each including an actuator, both actuators being mechanically coupled and acting simultaneously on the turning angle of the wheels. A first circuit is displacement-controlled relative to a position set point while a second circuit is stress controlled. The set point applied of the second circuit includes a component developed from the filtering of the position set point applied to the first circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Doray
  • Patent number: RE43662
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a frame carried by a group of wheels. At least one of the wheels is steerably connected to the frame. A steering handle assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. A servo valve has an input shaft connected to the steering handle assembly and an output shaft connected to a pitman arm. A linkage extends from the pitman arm to the steerable wheel or wheels. A pump draws fluid from a reservoir and passes the fluid through the servo valve before the fluid is returned to the reservoir. The servo valve redirects at least a portion of the flow to a cylinder to drive a ram within the cylinder in response to steering movement of the steering handle assembly. The ram, in turn, provides a power assist to the steerable wheel or wheels. A variable speed, constant displacement pump can be used to vary the flow rate in a manner that reduces the flow rate as the vehicle speed increases. Alternatively, a bypass can be used to vary a flow rate through the servo valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: David T. Takamoto, Jack R. Auld, John C. Dunne, Jr., Harry Adam Dupre, III, Eric N. Anderfaas, Dean W. Banks, Gregory E. Mott