Abstract: A device includes at least one magnetic field generator placed on a first plane of a right section of a shaft and at least one magnetic field detector placed in a second plane of a right section of the shaft. The detector produces a signal proportional to the torque following the relative angular shift of the field generator in relation to the detector, the magnetic field generator having a magnetic structure supported by support mechanisms connected to the turning shaft. The magnetic field detector is located roughly opposite the magnetic field generator and is supported by support mechanisms connected to the turning shaft.

Abstract: Provision of a power steering system which is capable of preventing a delay in response for outputting a solenoid current instruction value SI. A controller C stores a table of basic current instruction values I1 corresponding to combinations of steering angles and steering angular velocities. The controller C obtains a basic current instruction value I1 from the table, and multiplies the obtained basic current instruction value I1 by a current instruction value I2 determined on the basis of a vehicle speed, and then determines the multiplied value as a solenoid current instruction value SI.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system of the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a steering sensor, a turning subsystem, a vehicle sensor, and a controller subsystem. The turning subsystem further includes a first turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a first road wheel, a first turning sensor to sense first turning factors of the first turning actuator, a second turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a second road wheel, and a second turning sensor to sense second turning factors of the second turning actuator. The controller subsystem is connected to the steering sensor, to the first turning sensor, to the second turning sensor, and to the vehicle sensor. The control subsystem independently controls the first turning actuator and the second turning actuator.

Abstract: For an energy-saving type control, a value of a control low rate QP controlled by a flow control valve V is closer to a value of a flow rate required by an output side such as a power cylinder 8, a steering valve 9 or the like, to suppress a driving torque of a pump P. An excitation current I of a solenoid SOL is specified on the basis of a solenoid current instruction value IT based on a steering torque and a solenoid current instruction value IS defining a standby flow rate.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire control system comprising a master control system, a road wheel system, and a hand wheel system is disclosed. The road wheel system is connected to the master control system and includes a road wheel position sensor and a rack force sensor. The hand wheel system is connected to the master control system and the road wheel system and includes a hand wheel position sensor and a torque sensor. The steer-by-wire system also includes a vehicle speed sensor for producing a vehicle speed signal. In addition a hand wheel actuator configured to receive commands from the hand wheel system and a road wheel actuator configured to receive commands from the road wheel system are utilized. The hand wheel system and road wheel system each include a configurable control topology.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of simulating a steering resistance torque on a vehicle steering wheel of a steer-by-wire system. The steer-by-wire system uses a magnetorheological device and a motor to apply torque on the steering wheel for simulating the steering resistance torque. The method includes sensing an actual angular velocity of the steering wheel, comparing the actual angular velocity with a threshold angular velocity, and calculating a magnetorheological torque signal based on the comparison. The method further includes determining an error signal based on the MR signal and a torque reference signal, and calculating a motor torque signal indicative of motor torque to be applied to the steering wheel. The method further includes applying torque generated by the MR device and the motor on the steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of steering a vehicle, particularly an articulated vehicle, in which a valve element of a main valve is moved so that it releases or closes connections between a supply connection arrangement and a working connection arrangement in dependence of a steering direction and a steering angle. To improve the steering comfort, the movement speed of the valve element is controlled.

Abstract: A method for implementing a vehicle stability enhancement (VSE) system for a vehicle is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a handwheel angle input and adjusting the handwheel angle input in response to a variable steering ratio generated in the vehicle. The adjusted handwheel angle input is inputted into a reference model, the reference model thereby outputting one or more desired vehicle handling aspects.

Abstract: A steering-shaft train between the steering handle and steered vehicle wheels of a vehicle steering system includes an input shaft on the side of the handle and an output shaft on the side of the wheels, as well as a transmitting device, which motively couples these shafts at a transmission ratio controllable by a motor that is mounted in a self-locking manner or arranged to be self-locking. The motor may be positively coupled to the one shaft on the side of the motor shaft and connected to the other shaft on the side of the motor housing, in a rotatably fixed manner.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system uses a semi-active actuator in which a wheel steering motor operates vehicle wheels when a steering wheel is rotated. The steering system includes: a steering operator unit having a steering column with one end vertically connected to the center of the steering wheel, a torsion spring connected between the other end of the steering column and a vehicle body via jigs mounted to both ends thereof, a magneto-rheological brake for providing steering reaction force according to the amount of current, and rotation angle sensor coupled with one end of the steering column for detecting rotation of the steering wheel, and a torque sensor coupled with one end of the steering column for detecting torque of the steering wheel; a current regulator for controlling resistance force against rotation of the magneto-rheological brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to relates a steering system and to a steering method which counteract a mistake that inexperienced drivers frequently make. The invention relates to a system (12, 14, 6) for determining the transversal slip that occurs at the steerable wheels (2). A electronic control system (6) is used to determine an upper threshold value for said transversal slip. If the transversal slip exceeds said threshold value, an augmentation of the angle of lock is counteracted by either limiting said angle of lock and/or outputting a warning signal that can be perceived by the driver.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provision of a power steering system which is capable of preventing a delay in response for outputting a solenoid current instruction value SI. A controller C stores a table of basic current instruction values I1 corresponding to combinations of steering angles and steering angular velocities. The controller C obtains a basic current instruction value I1 from the table, and multiplies the obtained basic current instruction value I1 by a current instruction value I2 determined on the basis of a vehicle speed, and then determines the multiplied value as a solenoid current instruction value SI.

Abstract: Provision of a power steering system capable of giving a driver no discomfort during high-speed travel. A controller calculates or stores a current instruction value I1 in accordance with a steering angle supplied from a steering angle sensor and a current instruction value I2 in accordance with a steering angular velocity; performs multiplication of the steering angle base current instruction value I1 and the steering angular velocity base current instruction value I2 by current instruction values I5, I6 set based on a vehicle speed, respectively; applies current instruction values I7, I8 in accordance with the vehicle speed serving as limit values to the corresponding steering angle base and steering angular velocity base current instruction values resulting from the multiplication; selects a larger value of the two current instruction values below the limit values; and determines the selected value as a solenoid current instruction value SI.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator system (10 or 140) includes a hydraulic actuator (27) having a pair of fluid filled chambers (29, 30) and being operable to provide an actuator output (12) as a function of fluid pressures at the chambers. An electric-hydrostatic actuator (34 or 141) includes an electric motor (35 or 142) responsive to motor control signals for providing an output to a motor shaft (40 or 150), one or more pistons (56 or 166, 170) coupled to the shaft, and one or more hydraulic housings (92 or 160, 162) mounted on the motor and cooperating with the pistons for providing a pair of fluid cylinders (54 or 164, 168) respectively coupled to the fluid chambers at the hydraulic actuator. A solenoid valve (33) is connected between the cylinders, and is responsive to valve control signals for feeding fluid between the actuator chambers and thereby short circuiting the hydrostatic actuator cylinders.

Abstract: A misalignment detection system (12) for steering systems of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a logic device (14) coupled to a vehicle speed sensor (18) and a steering wheel angle sensor (20). The logic device is also coupled to a memory (16) that is used to store a steering wheel ratio map and a historic steering wheel angle or a wheel angle value derived from an automobile manufacturer's wheel alignment specification. The logic device (14) compares the signal from the steering wheel angle sensor (20) with the stored value of either the historic steering wheel angle or the value derived from the manufacturer's alignment specifications at a given vehicle speed to determine error. An indicator (28) may provide an indication to the vehicle operator to signal the presence of the misalignment condition of the steering system.

Abstract: A power steering system is provided which comprises a bypass conduit connecting between first and second communication conduits and having bypass conduit ports. A pair of valves disposed in the bypass conduit for selectively opening and closing the bypass conduit ports in response to the pressure fluid from the pressure source. The valves are adapted to provide communication between the first and second communication conduits when the hydraulic pressure source is inoperative.

Abstract: A slip angle calculating unit calculates a slip angle of a vehicle body corresponding to a steering wheel angle and a vehicle speed, based on a vehicle wheel angle and the vehicle speed, by an observer of a preset vehicle motion model under a motion equation of a vehicle. A front wheel slip angle calculating unit calculates a front wheel slip angle based on the steering wheel angle, a vehicle speed, a yaw rate, and the calculated vehicle body slip angle. A self-aligning torque calculating unit calculates the self-aligning torque based on the hydraulic chamber pressure of the left side and the hydraulic chamber pressure of the right side in a power cylinder. The vehicle speed, an estimated front wheel slip angle, and the self-aligning torque are inputted to a road friction coefficient setting unit, and the road friction coefficient setting unit sets a road friction coefficient by referring to a map based on the input to output the set value.

Abstract: A power steering system according to the invention includes a running speed detector 1 for detecting the running speed of a vehicle, an operating speed detector 11 for detecting the operating speed of a steering wheel which is the turning speed of the steering wheel, a controller 2 for calculating a target steering speed which is a target turning speed for a steering mechanism 14 based on the operating speed so detected and comparing an actual steering speed which is an actual turning speed by the steering mechanism 14 with the target steering speed for calculation of a deviation and a driving device 15 for driving the steering mechanism 14 in response to the deviation so calculated, the controller being configured to change a set ratio of the target steering speed to the operating speed so as to increase or decrease in response to the running speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus, a basic-target-rotational-speed setting portion 42 sets a basic target rotational speed Rb of an electric motor 27 on the basis of the vehicle speed and the angular velocity of steering. A temperature-coefficient setting portion 43 sets a temperature coefficient &agr; which becomes smaller with an increase in the temperature. A target-rotational-speed setting portion 44 sets a target rotational speed R of the electric motor 27 on the basis of the formula R=&agr;·Rb. A motor-drive control portion 45 controls a drive circuit 28 so that this target rotational speed R will be attained.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to offer a steering valve device which can reduce both space of the valve assembly in the vehicle and increment of cost and time for manufacturing the device. The steering valve device has a main valve and a correction valve in a housing. The main valve has a supply port, a drain port, and a pair of a right and a left outlets. The main valve is constructed such that either of the right and the left outlets allows to flow the hydraulic fluid, and the other allows to receive the hydraulic fluid according to an operation of a steering wheel. The correction valve has a communicating passage to communicate the right and the left outlets, and a ball to open and close the communicating passage.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft coupled between the steering wheel and wheels of the vehicle. The shaft is operable for rotating when the steering wheel is turned to thereby turn the vehicle wheels. A vibration damping system for absorbing vibrations in the steering wheel and shaft includes a rotor coupled to the steering shaft to rotate with the shaft and a case surrounding the rotor and a clutch surface proximate the rotor. A magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in the rotor. The rotor is operable to engage the clutch surface and thereby vibrationally couple the steering shaft to the case to absorb vibrations in the shaft, and when a magnetic flux is generated therein, to disengage the clutch surface so that the steering shaft may more freely rotate.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator system (10 or 140) includes a hydraulic actuator (27) having a pair of fluid filled chambers (29, 30) and being operable to provide an actuator output (12) as a function of fluid pressures at the chambers. An electric-hydrostatic actuator (34 or 141) includes an electric motor (35 or 142) responsive to motor control signals for providing an output to a motor shaft (40 or 150), one or more pistons (56 or 166, 170) coupled to the shaft, and one or more hydraulic housings (92 or 160, 162) mounted on the motor and cooperating with the pistons for providing a pair of fluid cylinders (54 or 164, 168) respectively coupled to the fluid chambers at the hydraulic actuator. A solenoid valve (33) is connected between the cylinders, and is responsive to valve control signals for feeding fluid between the actuator chambers and thereby short circuiting the hydrostatic actuator cylinders.

Abstract: For an energy-saving type control, a value of a control low rate QP controlled by a flow control valve V is closer to a value of a flow rate required by an output side such as a power cylinder 8, a steering valve 9 or the like, to suppress a driving torque of a pump P. An excitation current I of a solenoid SOL is specified on the basis of a solenoid current instruction value IT based on a steering torque and a solenoid current instruction value IS defining a standby flow rate.

Abstract: A steering gearbox mechanism for automotive vehicles which allows the connection and disconnection of the steering gearbox assistance mechanism (hydraulic, electric or the like), depending on the vehicle working conditions. Thus, when the vehicle is stopped or circulating at a very low speed, the assistance mechanism assists the steering mechanism allowing the user to carry out the maneuver effortlessly, and when the vehicle circulates at a higher speed, the assistance is disconnected, and the vehicle's engine does not impel the pump since the user can carry out any maneuver without any effort. Summing up, the present invention is referred to a power steering gearbox mechanism for vehicles, comprising an assisted rack bar-and-pinion steering mechanism characterized by comprising a control means that detects the vehicle's working condition, and at a certain speed is capable of sending a signal for disconnecting the steering assistance.

Abstract: For an energy-saving type control, a value of a control low rate QP controlled by a flow control valve V is closer to a value of a flow rate required by an output side such as a power cylinder 8, a steering valve 9 or the like, to suppress a driving torque of a pump P. An excitation current I of a solenoid SOL is specified on the basis of a solenoid current instruction value IT based on a steering torque and a solenoid current instruction value IS defining a standby flow rate.

Abstract: A steering wheel angle sensor detects the rotational speed of a steering wheel. A wheel angle sensor detects the off-center angle of a wheel. A controller drives a motor based on the outputs of the steering wheel angle sensor and the wheel angle sensor. An oil pump generates an oil pressure according to the revolution speed of the motor. A steering valve determines the supply direction of hydraulic fluid to be supplied to a PS cylinder. The PS cylinder changes the angle of the wheel according to the given oil pressure.

Abstract: In a power steering system having hydraulic power support for motor vehicles, a steering gear shaft having a steering wheel is connected to an input element of a steering gear. An output element of the steering gear is connected to wheels of the vehicle to be steered. Two working chambers of a servo motor of a power boosting system can be supplied with a hydraulic medium from a servo pump through a steering valve in accordance with a torque applied in the area of the steering gear shaft input element. Two sensors for detecting an angle of rotation and a torque are provided on the steering gear shaft and on the output element of the steering gear accordingly. After the steering wheel has been released after a steering operation, the wheels to be steered and the steering gear can be returned with hydraulic support. Both the intensity and direction of the hydraulic power support as well as the returning of the wheels to be steered are controlled by a common, electronically controlled electromagnetic valve.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for controlling a steer-by-wire steering system. The system (10) has a steering wheel control subsystem (12) that provides steering feel for the operator, a reference angle (40) to the road wheels and tracks the road wheel angle. A road wheel control subsystem (14) tracks a steering wheel angle and produces a steering wheel reference angle (32) and torque signal (34) to the steering wheel control subsystem (12). The system and method of the present invention implements the same steering requirements for a steer-by-wire steering system as a conventional steering system and can implement advanced and flexible steering functions that cannot be accomplished with a conventional steering system.

Abstract: Two external rings and an internal ring form an assembly that is connected to a column so it rotates with it, to which column the torque to be measured is applied. Elastically deformable members connect the internal ring to one external ring, and the other external ring remaining essentially unstressed. A measurement device, such as, for example, a probe having at least one with Hall effect device, measures relative displacement of the two external rings to determine the torque applied. The invention also concerns the steering devices equipped with such torque sensors, for example, for power or assisted steering.

Abstract: A steering damper has a flow passage control valve for switching and connecting among a pump, a tank and left and right chambers in a power cylinder in correspondence to a steering operation, and left and right cylinder passages (3, 4) for connecting to the left and right chambers. The steering damper is provided with left and right damper portions (10A, 10B) having variable throttle valves (6, 7) arranged in the middle of the respective cylinder passages and limiting an inflow to the flow passage control valve from the power cylinder and pilot operated check valves (8, 9) connected thereto in parallel and allowing an inflow from the flow passage control valve to the power cylinder. A pilot plunger (30) arranging them at positions close to the respective passages and sliding between the left and right damper portions is provided.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump 28 having an electronically modulated solenoid relief valve 100 for controlling fluid flow into the pump 28. An engine control module coupled to the electronic relief valve 100 monitors vehicle speed and steering wheel turning rate change directs the solenoid relief valve 100 to adjust the pressure of fluid displacing a movable cam ring 44 within the pump 28 to provide for greater fluid flow when evasive maneuvers may be required and lesser fluid flow when low steering efforts are needed, thus resulting in energy and fuel savings.

Abstract: A power steering system is provided which comprises a bypass conduit connecting between first and second communication conduits and having bypass conduit ports. A pair of valves disposed in the bypass conduit for selectively opening and closing the bypass conduit ports in response to the pressure fluid from the pressure source. The valves are adapted to provide communication between the first and second communication conduits when the hydraulic pressure source is inoperative.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering apparatus for a vehicle is provided with a main control valve in which a valve opening degree is controlled on the basis of a relative movement between an input shaft interlocking with a steering wheel and an output shaft interlocking with a steering mechanism for turning a steered wheel, a power cylinder mechanism generating a steering assist force, a pump apparatus discharging a fixed flow amount of working oil, a first flow passage including a supply passage communicated with the main control valve, and a control unit controlling an assist control valve. The main control valve controls a supply amount of the working oil in the first flow passage to the power steering apparatus, and the assist control valve controlling a flow amount of a part of the working oil discharged from the pump apparatus is controlled to a set valve opening degree set on the basis of a vehicle speed and an oil pressure of the working oil in the first flow passage, by the control unit.

Abstract: A motor is stopped when a steering angular speed is not greater than a stop threshold VS and a motor electric current value Im is kept within a motor stop range &Dgr;I for a predetermined time period. The value of a steering torque increases as the motor electric current value Im increases. Therefore, the motor can assuredly be stopped when the steering torque is small. Further, when the motor is off, the sensitivity for motor actuation with respect to a change in the steering angle is set higher as the value of the steering angle increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically assisted steering system for a motor vehicle. Because there is associated with the hydraulic system an electromechanical valve 12 which, in the open state, hydraulically indirectly or directly connects the working chambers 3 , 4, it is possible to dispense with conventional mechanical pressure limiting valves, secondary suction valves and limit stop valves.

Abstract: A steering system is provided for motor vehicles, in which, during the normal operation, the driver adjusts an actual steering angle value generator by way of a steering handle. A control and automatic control arrangement correspondingly operates the steered vehicle wheels by a motor-operated adjusting assembly. For an emergency, a forced coupling is provided between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels which switches on automatically. This forced coupling is constructed such that a centering mode can be switched on, during which, when the forced coupling is at least partially switched off, the manual steering wheel can be adjusted until a position is reached. Thereby, in the straight-ahead position of the steered vehicle wheels, the manual steering wheel takes up a defined normal position.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control system for conducting a steering assistance control, in which it is determined whether the vehicle operator has the intention to drive the vehicle by himself. This is done by discriminating the intention using the vehicle lateral deviation, the steering torque and the steering torque change. When it is discriminated that the vehicle operator does not have the intention in two or more discriminations, it is finally determined that the vehicle operator does not have the intention and the vehicle operator is alerted and/or the steering assistance control is discontinued, thereby preventing the vehicle operator from depending on the steer assist torque control excessively.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus that is arranged in that hydraulic force to be supplied to a hydraulic cylinder is in a condition in which the hydraulic force is not raised even though an electric motor performs stand-by operations when a steering angle or an input torque is smaller than a predetermined value, and in that smooth steering is enabled without causing abrupt changes in hydraulic force when the steering angle or the input torgue exceedes the predetermined value and the electric motor is started driving at proper revolutions according to operations of a steering wheel.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus which generates a steering assist force to be applied to a steering mechanism by a hydraulic pressure generated by a pump driven by an electric motor. The apparatus determines a rotation speed of the motor in accordance with a steering angular speed sensed when the steering mechanism is operated. The motor is driven at a lower motor rotation speed when the steering mechanism is operated toward a steering angle midpoint than when the steering mechanism is operated away from the steering angle midpoint.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control system for conducting a steering assistance control in which a basic steering assist torque is determined based on a structural parameter relating to the lane structure such as its curvature. In parallel, corrective steering assist torques are determined based on positional parameters of the vehicle relating to the lane such as a lateral deviation from the lane center line and a vehicle heading angle, and are added to the basic steering assist torque to correct the same. Since the positional parameters are determined based on the image information at or close to the vehicle, this enables to determine the steering assist torque adequately, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the steering assistance control.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus senses a fore-and-aft acceleration of a vehicle which is expressed as a value prefixed with a sign, and a rotation speed Ri of an electric motor is reduced to reduce an assist force in accordance with the acceleration if the value of the sensed vehicle acceleration is positive, and increased to increase the assist force in accordance with the acceleration if the value of the sensed vehicle acceleration is negative (FIG. 4). With this control operation, a consistent steering feeling can be provided even at acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for motor vehicles which is suitable for a steer-by-wire operation, having a steering handle which can be operated by a driver. A servo motor operates steered vehicle wheels. A servo valve operates the servo motor and is constructed as a rotary slide valve arrangement having mutually rotationally movable control parts which, together, are pushed by a spring system into a normal position relative to one another. An actuator is coupled with the control parts for their rotational adjustment relative to one another and operates the servo valve. A desired steering angle value generator is operated by way of the manual steering handle. An actual steering angle value generator is operated by way of the steered vehicle wheels. An automatic control circuit operates the actuator as a function of a comparison of the desired and actual steering angles.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic power steering system comprising an elongated vehicle steering linkage rack with a rotatable steering gear in mesh with rack teeth and extending within an elongated power assist cylinder of a rack housing. A rack piston separates the power assist cylinder into first and second power assist working chambers filled with hydraulic fluid. An electric/hydrostatic steering assist module includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder with a linear drive screw extending lengthwise therein and journalled for bi-directional rotation and against axial displacement. An actuator piston is reciprocable but non-rotatable within the actuator cylinder and separates it into first and second hydraulic fluid filled actuating chambers. The drive screw is threadedly engaged with the actuator piston to produce bi-directional linear movement thereof as rotationally bi-directionally driven by a servo motor carried on the module.

Abstract: A steering system for vehicles can be operated in a normal mode, in which a steering handle actuated by the driver and steered vehicle wheels are connected to one another via a control system, and in an emergency mode, in which the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels are positively coupled. To achieve a steering system which increases the operational reliability of the steering system by simple design measures, a steering-angle control unit for a steering-angle actuator actuates the steered vehicle wheels. The control unit contains a first steering-angle control system, and a manual-torque control unit for a manual-torque actuator actuates the steering handle for the purpose of simulating manual torques. The control unit also contains a first manual-torque control system, and the steering-angle control unit comprises a second manual-torque control system, which is connected redundantly with the first manual-torque control system of the manual-torque control unit.

Abstract: A controller for an electric power assisted steering system comprises a drive circuit (2) for controlling current to a motor (1) and a data processor (8) for controlling the motor current and hence assistance torque. A circuit (9) generates a current limit which is a monotonically decreasing function of vehicle speed. A comparator (6) compares motor current with the current limit and switches off the drive circuit (2) if the current limit is exceeded.

Abstract: An omnidirectional vehicle includes a body, and a plurality of units, each unit including a bearing rotatably supporting a steering shaft around a vertical axis with a rotor plate, and a driving wheel axially supported by a supporter fixed to the rotor plate. The driving wheel is positioned at a location spaced apart for a first offset distance from the steering shaft in the rolling direction of the driving wheel and spaced apart for a second offset distance from the steering shaft in the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction of the driving wheel. A first motor is fixed to the body for driving the steering shaft, and a second motor is fixed to the body for rotating the driving wheel. In the holonomic omnidirectional vehicle, the control system and the driving system are simplified, and interference therebetween is prevented. Also, it is possible to reduce the capacities of the actuators, the electric power for driving the vehicle and the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic power steering system having a motor, a pump, and a control module all formed as an integral unit. The motor is shaft coupled to the pump and the pump housing and the motor housing are sealingly attached to prevent any fluid leakage. The control module is sealingly attached to the pump housing to prevent any fluid leakage. The control module is in electrical communication with the motor in order to drive a motor shaft and operate the hydraulic pump. The entire unit is submersible and can operate when submersed.

Abstract: This invention provides a power steering apparatus for assisting steering by utilizing a hydraulic pump to be driven by an electric motor as a generating source of a hydraulic pressure. A drive voltage determination unit determines a drive voltage so that a rotational velocity of the electric motor detected by a rotational velocity sensor and a rotational velocity detecting circuit becomes a first rotational velocity on the occasion of starting of the electric motor, and determines a gradually increasing drive voltage after the electric motor is started by the determined drive voltage until the detected rotational velocity reaches the second rotational velocity. Therefore, an unnecessary inrush current is not generated in the electric motor, and the rotational velocity of the electric motor does not overshoot.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus is provided, which is adapted to generate a steering assist force by a hydraulic pressure of a pump driven by an electric motor. The apparatus includes: a pulse width modulation control circuit for controlling the electric motor through a pulse width modulation control; a load detection circuit for detecting a load applied on the electric motor; and a control circuit for progressively increasing the PWM duty of the pulse width modulation control circuit up to 100% if the load on the electric motor is not lower than a predetermined level.