Abstract: A turning system is configured to move a turning shaft to turn a left wheel and a right wheel of a vehicle. The turning shaft is configured to couple the left wheel and the right wheel to each other. A torsion bar is engaged with the turning shaft via a steering gear box. The turning system includes: a turning mechanism including (i) an electric turning mechanism including an electric motor configured to rotate a portion of the torsion bar which is located upstream of the steering gear box and (ii) a hydraulic turning mechanism configured to apply a moving force to the turning shaft in an axial direction, the moving force being produced by a hydraulic pressure; and an electric-motor controller configured to control the electric motor based on a frictional force in the turning mechanism and a road-surface reaction force that acts between (a) a tire on the left wheel and a tire on the right wheel and (b) a road surface.

Abstract: A gearbox with motor fixing structure is used to fix a motor on the gearbox. The motor has a body and a shaft protruding from the leading edge of the body. The gearbox with motor fixing structure comprises a box and a metal part. The box has a gear set configured inside. An outer edge of a side wall of the box has a first hole. The metal part is configured inside the box. The motor is embedded in the first hole. The leading edge of the body of the motor is locked on the metal part, and the shaft of the motor passes through the metal part into the box to connect with the gear set.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering assembly for a vehicle comprises: a motor shaft for transmitting torque from a motor; a steering rack; a primary transmission mechanism; a secondary transmission mechanism; a motor coupling; and a rack coupling. The primary transmission mechanism is configured to transmit power from the motor shaft to the steering rack and includes a drive belt. The secondary transmission mechanism is configured to transmit power from the motor shaft to the steering rack upon a failure of the primary transmission mechanism. The motor coupling is configured to transmit power from the motor shaft to the primary transmission mechanism and the secondary transmission mechanism. The rack coupling is configured to transmit power from the primary transmission mechanism and the secondary transmission mechanism to the steering rack.

Abstract: A steerable, self-propelled vehicle includes a rotatable steering column that is connected to control the steering angle of one or more ground-engaging members of the vehicle. The vehicle includes between the steering column and the ground-engaging member a first steering servomechanism having at least a first steering assistance characteristic; a second steering servomechanism having a second steering assistance characteristic also being connected to act on the steering column. A controller is provided for causing the first and second steering assistance characteristics to influence the steering of the vehicle in dependence on one or more one or more control commands generated in the controller.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a steer by wire system includes a first motor and a second motor configured to provide a torque. A first planetary gear set is configured to receive the torque from the first motor and to generate a reaction torque required for steering. A second planetary gear set is configured to receive the torque from the steering wheel and the second motor, and to variably output a gear ratio for an input by the steering wheel depending on a rotation of the second motor. A stopping mechanism is configured to limit a maximum rotation angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering wheel. Also included is a steering shaft operatively coupled to the steering wheel and rotatable therewith. Further included is a steering gear input shaft operatively coupled to an electric power assist steering gear. Yet further included is an electric actuator operatively coupled to the electric power assist steering gear. Also included is a controller in operative communication with the steering shaft and the electric actuator for steering in a primary mode. Further included is an intermediate shaft assembly mechanically coupling the steering shaft to a rack and pinion assembly to steer in a redundant mode when communication between the steering shaft and the steering gear input shaft is not available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planetary gear apparatus. According to embodiments of the present invention, a distance between input and output planetary gears that are coupled to a connecting shaft provided with a resilient support member can be prevented from being reduced by more than a predetermined distance, thereby preventing loose feel caused by an axial movement of the planetary gears by a distance which the resilient support member is extended or compressed.

Abstract: A power supply current monitoring device is used for a load drive apparatus with two systems to drive a load. Each system includes a drive circuit connected in parallel with a battery, a capacitor connected between the battery and the drive circuit, and a relay connected between the drive circuit and a point at which power of the battery is divided between the systems. When overcurrent is detected once in one system, a repetitive monitoring process is performed. The monitoring process finally determines that the overcurrent actually occurs when a predetermined condition is satisfied after repeating a monitoring cycle in which an overcurrent time during which the overcurrent continues after the relay is turned ON is accumulated. The condition is satisfied when the monitoring cycle in which the overcurrent time reaches a predetermined threshold is repeated a predetermined consecutive number of times.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus (100) controls a steering mechanism to limit a behavior of a vehicle in the vehicle (10) equipped with the steering mechanism (200) which can independently steer front wheels and rear wheels. The steering control apparatus is provided with: a controlling device for controlling the steering mechanism such that a rudder angle of the front wheels and a rudder angle of the rear wheels are reverse-phased and such that a rudder angle speed of the front wheels is higher than a rudder angle speed of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A power steering system includes an input shaft operatively connected to an input member, and a sector gear operatively connected to a pitman arm. A first ball screw is formed on the input shaft. A first ball nut circumscribes the first ball screw and is in torque-transfer communication therewith through a plurality of ball bearings. A first rack is rigidly attached to the first ball nut, and is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. A second ball screw is not substantially coaxial with the first ball screw. A second ball nut circumscribes the second ball screw and is in torque-transfer communication with the second ball screw through the ball bearings. A second rack is meshed with the sector gear for torque transfer therewith. An electric motor is configured to selectively supply torque to the sector gear through the second ball screw.

Abstract: When the magnitude |?| of a steering angular velocity w is equal to or greater than a determination angular velocity ?th, an electric motor is estimated to be in a predetermined power use state, and a restriction determination threshold Vonth is set to a first voltage value V1. When the magnitude |?| of the steering angular velocity ? is less than the determination angular velocity ?th, the restriction determination threshold Vonth is set to a second voltage value V2 (>V1). When a state in which a power supply voltage Vx is lower than the restriction determination threshold Vonth continues for a predetermined time t1, a power use restriction instruction is output to specific vehicle electrical loads. Thus, power restriction is properly imposed on the vehicle electrical loads, whereby a delay in control of the electric motor is prevented, and excessive imposition of power restriction is prevented.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering motor, a steering power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the steering motor to a steering axle, a toe angle adjusting motor and a toe angle adjusting power transmitting mechanism for adjusting the toe angle upon rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor. A switching mechanism is provided which operates in such a manner that in the event of failure of the steering motor, the rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor in place of the steering motor is transmitted to the steering power transmitting mechanism to enable a wheel turning, but in the event of failure of the toe angle adjusting motor, the wheel turning is carried out only by the steering motor. A hollow motor is employed for one or both of the steering motor and the toe angle adjusting motor.

Abstract: In a steering control unit, a U-phase feed line branches into paired branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of the branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of a V-phase feed line and a W-phase feed line, and the phase-open MOSFETs are arranged in such a manner that parasitic diodes are in the same orientation with respect to a motor. When an abnormality occurs, all the phase-open MOSFETs are turned off. Then, a closed circuit, which includes phase coils and through which electric currents flow, is no longer present.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle, e.g., an electrohydraulic power steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a servo valve, the relative movement of whose control parts actuates a piston rod of a servo cylinder and changes at least one steering angle of a wheel which is operatively connected to the piston rod, and additionally has an electric servo motor which drives a rack with the servo cylinder for adjusting the steering angle of the wheel in the same direction. In order to provide an electrohydraulic power steering system which is as compactly arranged as possible in the region of its actuator and may be used flexibly for different classes of vehicle, the action of the rack and the piston rod of the servo cylinder is combined, in a parallel arrangement with one another, on an addition member for jointly adjusting the steering angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system is provided with a driver operating unit, a turning unit, a backup mechanism, a steering reaction actuator, a wheel turning actuator and a controller. The backup mechanism mechanically connects the driver operating unit to the turning unit via a first shaft to transmit an input torque from the driver operating unit to the turning unit when the driver operating unit and the turning unit are mechanically connected by the backup mechanism. The steering reaction actuator applies a steering reaction torque to the driver operating unit. The wheel turning actuator applies a wheel turning torque to the turning unit via a second shaft. The controller controls the wheel turning actuator and the steering reaction actuator. The controller is configured to control the steering reaction actuator based on an operating parameter of the wheel turning actuator.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes an electric power supply device that includes a main electric power unit that supplies high-tension electric power and a sub-electric power supply unit that supplies low-tension electric power, the main electric power unit and the sub-electric power supply unit being connected to each other in parallel, and that supplies electric power to the electric motor from one of the main electric power supply unit and the sub-electric power supply unit. An assist ECU calculates a correction coefficient based on which a d-axis target current increases with a decrease in voltage output from the electric power supply device, and calculates a final corrected d-axis target current by multiplying the d-axis target current by the correction coefficient.

Abstract: A steering assisting system has a variable transfer ratio steering apparatus and an electric power steering apparatus. The variable transfer ratio steering apparatus has an electric motor for a rotation transfer ratio varying operation. When a predetermined failure occurs in the electric power steering apparatus, the motor is driven to assist the steering operation of the steering wheel. Therefore, without providing the electric power steering apparatus in two sets, the power-assisting torque generation can be continued even when the electric power steering apparatus fails to generate the power-assisting torque.

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

Abstract: A power steering apparatus has a steering power assisting system coupled to tire wheels and a variable gear transfer system coupled to a steering wheel. The steering power assisting system includes a torsion bar rotation sensor and a first actuator rotation sensor to calculate a first pinion angle and a second pinion angle based on the detected rotation angles, respectively. The variable gear transfer system includes a steering sensor and a second actuator rotation sensor to calculate a third pinion angle based on the detected rotation angles. Sensor failure is detected by comparing the calculated first, second and third pinion angles.

Abstract: A torque control element for a steering system in a motor vehicle, and such a steering system are provided. The torque control element includes at least two electrical units, each of the electrical units being assigned a separate power supply unit, connected via at least one fuse.

Abstract: The ratio of the angular speed of a pinion shaft to the angular speed of a steering wheel is computed. The steering torque Tst transferred to the steering wheel is computed as a multiplication product of the ratio of angular speed and the steering torque Tm of the pinion shaft. The steering torque ?Tst transferred to the steering wheel due to actuation of a steered wheel turning angle variable device is computed as a value obtained by subtracting the steering torque Tm from the steering torque Tst. An electric power steering control device is controlled so as to generate a steering torque fluctuation-reducing assist torque corresponding to the steering torque ?Tst.

Abstract: In order to reduce a steering torque during stoppage of a vehicle, according to the invention, opposite drive torques in normal and reverse directions are applied to a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel when a driver steers a steering wheel in a state where the vehicle stops, whereby a moment to turn the vehicle is generated, and an assist torque for steering the steering wheel is generated.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical actuator, for a steering system of the ‘center take-off’ type in a motor vehicle comprises: two electric motors each having a stator, and a rotor, a screw mechanism having an axially stationary innerscrew coupled to the rotors of the motor for rotating about an axis, and an outer nut rotationally fixed and axially translatable along the axis, a connection block, axially translatable with the nut, for connecting the nut to two tie rods of the steering system.

Abstract: A clutch (10) is a fail-safe mechanism for a steer-by-wire system (100) which, when a defective condition occurs in the steer-by-wire system (100), places the clutch (10) in the engaged state and makes it possible to steer directly by a steering wheel (2) instead of by the steer-by-wire system (100). The clutch (10) is composed of a mechanical clutch section (11, 12, 13, 14), and a solenoid coil (17) for controlling the mechanical clutch section, and is a reverse actuation type clutch such that when the solenoid coil (17) is in the energized state, the mechanical clutch section is in the disengaged state, while when the solenoid coil (17) is in the de-energized state, the mechanical clutch section is in the engaged state.

Abstract: A drive train for a compressor and a hydraulic pump of a motor vehicle, and a method of use are described. The system includes a hydraulic power steering system, an electric superimposed steering system for providing steering assistance, and a motor vehicle drive motor with a common output shaft for driving the compressor and the hydraulic pump. Also provided are means for reducing the power which is supplied to the compressor and to the hydraulic pump via the output shaft, when demands made of the compressor and of the steering assistance system permit reduced power operation. The power which is supplied to the compressor and to the hydraulic pump via the output shaft may be reduced substantially to zero when operation of the compressor is unnecessary and the electric superimposed steering system is sufficient to provide alone the steering assistance.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle includes a first, hydraulic actuator for making available steering power or auxiliary steering power for adjusting the steering angle of one or more steered wheels of the vehicle, and with a second electric actuator for making available a steering power or auxiliary steering power for adjusting the steering angle of the steered wheel. For a power steering system, for which the power dissipated is reduced and the operating temperature lowered, the first hydraulic actuator can be taken out of operation while the vehicle is being driven as a function of the trip and/or vehicle parameters.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motor-driven power steering control apparatus for determining pertinent timings for starting/stopping application of steering assist torque includes a motor for applying an assist torque, a sensor for detecting a steering torque, a driving unit for operating the motor in dependence on a detected steering torque, a command unit for commanding starting and stopping of operation of the motor, and a motor operation decision unit. When stopping of operation of the motor is commanded by the command unit, the motor operation decision unit stops driving operation of the motor while commanding the driving unit to stop application of the steering assist torque when a state in which a steering torque is not greater than a predetermined value for stoppage has continued for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A steering angle ratio control system is provided which includes a steering angle ratio varying mechanism capable of varying a steering angle ratio by an electric drive unit, and a controller for controlling the steering angle ratio varying mechanism based on a steering angle ratio determined by a steering angle ratio determining section. The controller includes an electric drive unit overheat protecting section that determines, when the temperature of the electric drive unit rises beyond a predetermined temperature, a smaller steering angle ratio as compared with a steering angle ratio determined thereby when the temperature of the electric drive unit is lower than the predetermined temperature. A steering angle ratio control method is also provided.

Abstract: A steering system functions in accordance with the “steer by wire” concept and has a normal operating system without positive coupling between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels, as well as an emergency operating system, which functions with positive coupling between the steered vehicle wheels and the steering handle. An auxiliary operating system is additionally provided, which, in response to malfunctions of the normal operating system, assumes its tasks and, in a transitional phase, adapts the performance characteristics of the steering system to those of the emergency system, which is switched on upon conclusion of the transitional phase. Thus, at the transition from the normal operating system to the emergency operating system, the driver is given time to become accustomed to the other steering performance.

Abstract: A steering angle ratio control system is provided which includes a steering angle ratio varying mechanism capable of varying a steering angle ratio by an electric drive unit, and a controller for controlling the steering angle ratio varying mechanism based on a steering angle ratio determined by a steering angle ratio determining section. The controller includes an electric drive unit overheat protecting section that determines, when the temperature of the electric drive unit rises beyond a predetermined temperature, a smaller steering angle ratio as compared with a steering angle ratio determined thereby when the temperature of the electric drive unit is lower than the predetermined temperature. A steering angle ratio control method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning the steerable wheels (17) of a vehicle in response to the turning of the steering wheel (12). The apparatus (10) includes a drive mechanism (16), a first motor (24), a second motor (74), a sensor (78) for sensing that the first motor (24) is inoperative, and a torque sensor (80). In response to the turning of the steering wheel (12), the drive mechanism (16), is actuated, resulting in a turning the steerable wheels (17). The first motor (24), for inputting motion to the drive mechanism (16), is hydraulically powered. The second motor (74), for inputting motion to the drive mechanism (16), is electrically powered. The sensor (78) for sensing that the first motor (24) is inoperative produces an enabling signal and communicates the enabling signal to the second motor (74) to enable the operation of the second motor (74). The torque sensor (80) responds to the turning of the steering wheel (12) and controls the second motor (74) when the second motor (74) is enabled.

Abstract: A steering system for motor vehicles, in which a steering member or steering wheel and the steered vehicle wheels are hydraulically positively coupled for the steering actuation of the wheels. An additional servo system is provided which is responsive to torque transmitted between the steering wheel and master unit of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a fail-safe circuit for, on the basis of an engine running-state signal from an engine running-state sensor, enabling an electric motor to be driven by a motor drive unit so that a steering assist force from the electric motor is applied to the steering system of a vehicle. The fail-safe circuit, when the vehicle velocity detected by a vehicle velocity sensor is above a predetermined value, enables the electric motor to be driven by the motor drive unit even if the engine running-state sensor fails to detect the running state of the engine. Thus, even when a failure arises in the engine running-state sensor during movement of the vehicle, the motor can continue application of the steering assist force to the steering system. The electric power steering apparatus can always provide a good and stable steering feel as long as the vehicle is running even though the running state of the engine is not detected.

Abstract: An automatic steering device for a vehicle is provided to prevent an automatically steered vehicle from going out of its predetermined locus of movement as a result of an abnormal output of a movement distance detecting device. An actuator control device controls a steering actuator based upon the distance of movement detected by the movement distance detecting device and upon a locus of movement of the vehicle stored in a storage device. A judging device compares a vehicle speed estimated by a vehicle speed estimating device with an actual vehicle speed calculated by an actual vehicle speed detecting device from the distance of movement based upon the operating condition (shift range, accelerator opening degree and brake operating amount) of the vehicle detected by an operating condition detecting device.