Specific Mechanical Feature Patents (Class 180/444)
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Patent number: 11325639Abstract: A steering gear includes a gear wheel, a screw pinion meshing therewith, and a screw pinion shaft that includes the screw pinion. The screw pinion shaft is mounted on one side of the screw pinion in a fixed bearing. The steering gear includes a rotary bearing which comprises an inner bearing shell and an outer bearing shell. The outer bearing shell is connected to an inner ring of a swivel ring. The inner ring is connected to an outer ring of the swivel ring by a torsion web so as to pivot about a pivot axis. The torsion web runs at a distance from a supporting surface. The distance is dimensioned such that the torsion web does not contact the supporting surface when the screw pinion shaft is not loaded with a torque, and partially contacts the same when the screw pinion shaft is loaded with an operating torque.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignees: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jens-Uwe Hafermalz, Ekkehard Kneer
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Patent number: 11318986Abstract: A steering device includes: a first steering mechanism including a first ball nut steering, and a first motor actuator, the first ball nut steering including a first output shaft, a first ball screw, and a first transmitting mechanism, the first motor actuator arranged to provide a rotation force to the first output shaft, a second steering mechanism including a second ball nut steering, and a second motor actuator, the second ball nut steering including a second output shaft, a second ball screw, and a second transmitting mechanism, the second motor actuator arranged to provide a rotation force to the second output shaft, a connection member arranged to connect the first transmitting mechanism and the second transmitting mechanism so as to interlock a movement of the first transmitting mechanism and a movement of the second transmitting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE STEERING SYSTEM JAPAN LTD.Inventors: Takuya Ishihara, Toshiro Yoda
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Patent number: 11318991Abstract: A method is for controlling a wheel steering angle of at least one vehicle wheel of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. The vehicle has a steer-by-wire steering system including at least one wheel steering angle control element, which is provided at least for modifying the wheel steering angle of the vehicle wheel according to a steering demand. In at least one operating mode, in which the vehicle is at a standstill and a steering demand is received, the wheel steering angle of the vehicle wheel is at least substantially maintained at a constant value and a desired wheel steering angle for the vehicle wheel is determined in accordance with the steering demand. In at least one subsequent additional operating mode, in which the vehicle is moving, the wheel steering angle is adjusted to the desired wheel steering angle by the wheel steering angle control element.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Christian Riese, Joachim Zanker, Matthias Ehrmann
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Patent number: 11293523Abstract: A gearbox assembly includes a housing, a first shaft assembly having a worm gear and supported relative to the housing by a first bearing assembly, and a second shaft assembly including a wheel gear which is also supported relative to the housing by a second bearing assembly, the wheel gear engaging with the worm of the worm gear to permit the transfer of torque between the two shaft assemblies, wherein the first shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft carrying the worm gear, and a separate dog drive mechanism secured to one end of the elongate shaft by the first bearing such that in use torque is transferred between the elongate shaft and the dog drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Inventor: Phil Harvey
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Patent number: 11267191Abstract: An additive manufacturing method includes providing a first composite material and forming a composite part matrix using the first composite material and defining a first layer, applying a first fiber reinforcing material to the composite part matrix atop and in contact with the first layer of the composite part matrix such that fibers of the first fiber reinforcing material are oriented in a first direction and form a second layer on the composite part matrix, applying a second fiber reinforcing material to the composite part matrix atop and in contact with the first fiber reinforcing material such that fibers of the second fiber reinforcing material are oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and form a third layer on the composite part matrix, applying the first composite material to the composite part matrix, and curing the composite part matrix to create a composite product.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yucong Wang, David M. Zini, Qigui Wang, Brennon L. White
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Patent number: 11247717Abstract: A power steering assembly includes a housing having a first hole on a first axis. The power steering assembly includes a cartridge in the first hole and having a second hole and a third hole that are both centered on a second axis that is parallel with and spaced from the first axis. The power steering assembly includes a pulley supported by the second hole and the third hole. The power steering assembly includes a motor releasably fixed to the cartridge and operatively coupled to the pulley.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Soungjin Wou
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Patent number: 11198467Abstract: A power steering system includes a rack housing arranged to receive a longitudinally displaceable rack member. The system also includes an assist cover connected to the rack housing, the rack housing and the assist cover defining a cavity. The system further includes an assist assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity. The assist assembly includes a power pack connected to at least one of the rack housing and the assist cover, the power pack having a power pack shaft extending therefrom. The assist assembly also includes a drive pulley having a drive pulley shaft that extends between the rack housing and the assist cover, the drive pulley shaft and the power pack shaft separate shafts and operatively coupled to each other. The assist assembly further includes a driven pulley disposed about the rack member.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Ryan D. Harris, Gabriel J L McCoy, Christopher L. Walsh, Paul E. Kern
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Patent number: 11198470Abstract: A manipulating apparatus for facilitating continuously holding a manipulating unit that is under automatic manipulation is provided. Controlling the movement of the manipulating unit under automatic manipulation facilitates continuously holding the manipulating unit during automatic manipulation, and furthermore, the movement of the manipulating unit enables grasping the state of the manipulation object under automatic manipulation and intervention in manipulation under automatic manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Inventor: Leona Mochizuki
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Patent number: 11192577Abstract: A power steering device includes a bearing configured to rotatably support the tip side of a worm shaft, the gear case housing the worm shaft and a holder housed in a housing hole provided in the gear case and configured to house the second bearing. The holder includes the first holder having a holding part configured to hold the outer periphery of the bearing and the opening part configured to expose a part of the outer periphery of the bearing, the second holder having a guide part configured to guide a movement of the bearing toward a worm wheel as the outer periphery of the bearing comes into contact with the guide part through the opening part and a spring configured to bias the bearing toward the worm wheel via the first holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: KYB CorporationInventor: Takaya Yagyu
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Patent number: 11186311Abstract: A control circuit connected to a control device configured to control a motor connected to a rotation shaft that is convertible into a turning angle of a turning wheel, the control circuit includes a main circuit configured to calculates a rotation number indicating a rotational state of the rotation shaft based on a detection signal from a rotation angle sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of the motor as a relative angle, a detection result communication unit configured to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in the main circuit and output a detection result to the control device, and a pseudo abnormality generating unit configured to set the detection result to be abnormal based on a pseudo abnormal signal from the control device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Masato Oda, Kenichi Kozuka, Hiromasa Suzuki, Masashi Oki
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Patent number: 11173948Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle steering apparatus that includes a main rack housing configured to surround a rack bar, a reduction-unit-side rack housing extending to one side of the main rack housing and connected to a reduction unit for reducing motor power, and an input-unit-side rack housing extending to the other side of the main rack housing and connected to a steering input unit having a pinion gear installed thereto, wherein the reduction-unit-side rack housing is formed with a first resonance reduction rib for reducing resonance.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Seok Hwan Jang
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Patent number: 11173949Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a steering member connected to at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member moves axially to effect turning movement of the at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member has an externally threaded portion. A ball nut assembly is connected with the externally threaded portion of the steering member. The ball nut assembly is rotatable relative to the steering member to axially move the steering member. A first gear member is rotatable in response to rotation of a steering wheel. A second gear member disposed in meshing engagement with the first gear member rotates in response to rotation of the first gear member. The ball nut assembly rotates relative to the steering member in response to rotation of the second gear member.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY AND ELECTRONICS US LLCInventor: Kevin E. Boyle
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Patent number: 11168761Abstract: An inner wheel element (15a) is embedded in an outer wheel element (16a), such that a continuous range from an inner diameter side circumferential surface configuring an inner surface of a first annular concave part (22), through an outer circumferential surface of the inner wheel element (15a), to an inner diameter side circumferential surface configuring an inner surface of a second annular concave part (38) in a surface of the inner wheel element (15a) is covered over the entire circumference. Accordingly, a structure is achieved which easily secures a holding power of the synthetic resin outer wheel element with respect to the inner wheel element.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Haruhiko Kiyota, Takeshi Yamamoto, Kaname Yasuda, Tomohiro Arai, Junichi Takano, Kazuki Hotta
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Patent number: 11161540Abstract: A power steering system for a motor vehicle, having a steering column integrating an upper shaft and an intermediate shaft rotatably linked and movable in translation relative to one another, an upper tube and a lower tube rotatably linked and movable in translation relative to one another, the upper shaft being movable in rotation and linked in translation within the upper tube, and an assist module integrating an output shaft linked in rotation with the intermediate shaft via a torsion bar, a reducer having a worm screw driven by an assist motor and which meshes on a worm wheel linked to the output shaft; and an angle measuring device having an inductive sensor carried by an annular support having a central orifice dimensioned so as to let the upper tube pass, a lower target securely mounted around the output shaft and an upper target.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: JTEKT EUROPEInventors: Roch Monnet, Laurent Rey, Philippe Chauvrat, Raphaël Vadon, Boris Catherin, Philippe Vercoustre
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Patent number: 11148712Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus. The present embodiments provide a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus, comprising: a first bearing configured to be coupled to one end of the worm shaft on one side where a motor shaft is connected, among both ends of the worm shaft; a second bearing configured to be coupled to the opposite end of the worm shaft; a plug bolt configured to have a seating groove formed on a support surface for axially supporting the first bearing and configured to have an outer circumferential surface coupled to a gear housing; and a damper configured to support an end of the first bearing and configured to be coupled to the seating groove of the plug bolt.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Jin Seok Oh
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Patent number: 11152835Abstract: An electric actuator includes a motor portion, a circuit board, a speed reduction mechanism, a busbar holder that holds a busbar, and a housing. The housing has a motor case and a compartmental wall. The compartmental wall has a through-hole which penetrates the compartmental wall in an axial direction. The busbar holder has a base portion and a projecting portion which projects from the base portion in the axial direction and is disposed in the through-hole. An end portion of the busbar at one side projects from the busbar holder toward one side in the axial direction and is connected to the circuit board, and an end portion of the busbar at the other side projects into the through-hole from a side surface of the projecting portion of the busbar holder and is connected to a coil of a stator.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: NIDEC TOSOK CORPORATIONInventors: Shun Kato, Youngdae Kang, Hiroaki Takahashi
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Patent number: 11131343Abstract: Provided is a resin bush capable of slidably supporting a shaft when the bush has been fitted in a housing; particularly, a resin bush suitable for use in an environment in which the effects of a difference in thermal expansion coefficients are likely to be prominent, such as a high-temperature environment, even when the housing and the shaft are made of a material such as a metal that has a different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the resin bush. In the resin bush (1), which is molded by extrusion molding, a slit (12) is formed from one axial end surface (11a) towards another axial end surface (11b). A recessed section (13) for a gate (a gate position), which is provided to the one axial end surface (11a), is provided in a position that is deviated from being symmetrical with the slit (12), at least with respect to a center axis O of a bush body (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, OILES CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Kobayashi, Akihiko Okimura, Tetsuya Katamine
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Patent number: 11104371Abstract: A steering device includes: a coupling including a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and an elastic member, the elastic member which is made from a resin, and which includes an elastic member base portion, a first rotation direction elastic portion, a second rotation direction elastic portion, a third rotation direction elastic portion, a fourth rotation elastic portion, and an axial elastic portion, the axial elastic portion which is provided to the elastic member base portion, and which is arranged to be bent in a direction to be inclined with respect to the first axis when a clearance between the first shaft member assembly and the second shaft member assembly in the direction of the first axis is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventors: Osamu Yoshida, Kiyotaka Shirakubo, Satoshi Doi, Yumi Ayukawa
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Patent number: 11084520Abstract: A steering apparatus for use in a vehicle equipped with a steer-by-wire system includes a shaft, a first reaction force member, and a second reaction force member. The shaft is configured to be able to rotate with rotation of a steering wheel disposed in a vehicle compartment. The first reaction force member is configured to apply a first reaction force in a direction opposite to a direction of the rotation of the shaft. The second reaction force member is configured to be able to apply and stop applying a second reaction force to the shaft. The second reaction force is different from the first reaction force and applied in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotation of the shaft. The second reaction force member applies the second reaction force when there is a decrease in the first reaction force.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichiro Tsukasaki
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Patent number: 11088594Abstract: A motor includes a rotor, a stator, a housing, a heat sink, a substrate, a connector, and a cover. The connector includes a connector shell with a shell projection or shell recess. The heat sink includes a heat sink body and a heat sink protrusion. The heat sink protrusion includes a heat sink recess or heat sink projection. The shell projection or shell recess, and the heat sink recess or heat sink projection are fitted through a gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Nidec CorporationInventors: Takashi Hattori, Yusaku Yoshida, Toshiya Okamoto, Takahiro Kizu, Yuichi Nishikawa
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Patent number: 11081940Abstract: A drive motor includes a torque sensor on an outer circumference of a shaft. The drive motor includes a rotor, a rotor shaft arranged inside the rotor, and an output shaft that is joined to the rotor shaft by a joint having a loose element. In the drive motor, the output shaft outputs rotational force of the rotor shaft to the output side. The torque sensor is arranged on an upstream side of the joint in a range not overlapping with the joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shingo Soma, Yutaka Arimura, Daisuke Hoshino, Tatsuya Ohzu, Yosuke Tanaka
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Patent number: 11073204Abstract: A bearing adjustment assembly includes a worm engaged with a worm gear. The assembly also includes a worm bearing located proximate an end of the worm. The assembly further includes a compensation mechanism engaging the worm bearing, the compensation mechanism being adjustable to bias the worm bearing to maintain or adjust a gear mesh load between the worm gear and the worm.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Daniel J. Diffin, Jeffrey E. Beyerlein, Jason T. Rutkiewicz
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Patent number: 11046355Abstract: The present disclosure provides a steering control apparatus including: a steering wheel; a column including a column shaft and a worm wheel reduction gear; a reactive force generator including a worm shaft, a coupling bearing, and a reaction motor; a solenoid including a rod that can be coupled with a second coupling groove of the coupling bearing and a housing connected to the rod; and a controller that checks a state of a vehicle and outputs a turn-off signal performing control such that the rod protrudes to the outside of the housing and is coupled with the second coupling grooves of the coupling bearing or a turn-on signal performing control such that the rod enters the inside of the housing and is decoupled from the second coupling grooves of the coupling bearing based on a result of checking.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: SeulKi Yeom, Jung Sik Park
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Patent number: 11050323Abstract: A motor assembly may comprise: a motor rotor shaft; and a flange attached to the motor rotor shaft, at least a part of an inner surface of the flange contacted with a first part of a circumferential surface of the motor rotor shaft, wherein the motor rotor shaft comprises: a toothed pulley directly machined on a second part of the circumferential surface of the motor rotor shaft to be coupled with a drive belt, the toothed pulley of the motor rotor shaft having a diameter smaller than the first part of the motor rotor shaft contacting the flange; and a step part disposed between the first and second parts of the motor rotor shaft, the step part of the motor rotor shaft having a diameter gradually increasing from the toothed pulley to the first part of the motor rotor shaft contacting the flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Troy Strieter, Hee Kwon Jo
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Patent number: 11027764Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically regulating activation of one or more driving modes of a vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel sensor connected to a steering wheel and configured to detect whether two hands of a driver are in contact with the steering wheel. The system, includes a driving mode button configured to receive an indication from the driver to activate a driving mode, the driving mode adjusting at least one vehicle performance setting including a throttle sensitivity setting, a shift control setting, a traction control setting, or a stability control setting. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to adjust the at least one vehicle performance setting in response to receiving the indication from the driver to activate the driving mode and receiving an indication from the steering wheel sensor that the two hands of the driver are in contact with the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Justin J. Chow
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Patent number: 11025139Abstract: A motor includes a stator, a rotor rotatable relative to the stator, a circuit board fixed to the stator, and a heat sink disposed on the circuit board, a side surface of the circuit board facing the heat sink has an insulating region and a metal heat dissipation region without solder mask. The thermal resistance between the circuit board and the heat sink can be reduced by the metal heat dissipation region, thereby improving the heat dissipation of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Yue Li, Youqing Xiang, Xiaojun Yan, Minghua Xiong, Bailin Bo, Zhanqi Zhang, Qingliang Lang, Yun Chen, Jian Zhao, Yanfei Liao
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Patent number: 10995832Abstract: Provided is an electric actuator, comprising: a driving motor (2); a motion conversion mechanism (6) configured to convert a rotary motion of the driving motor (2) to a linear motion in an axial direction parallel with an output shaft (2a) of the driving motor (2); and a transmission gear mechanism (5) configured to transmit a driving force from the driving motor (2) to the motion conversion mechanism (6), wherein a double-row bearing (24) configured to support the motion conversion mechanism (6) is arranged on an opposite side of the driving motor (2) with respect to the transmission gear mechanism (5), and wherein a relationship of L<Dm/2+Db/2 is satisfied, where Dm is an outer diameter of the driving motor (2), Db is an outer diameter of the double-row bearing (24), and L is an axis-to-axis distance (L) between the driving motor (2) and the motion conversion mechanism (6).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsunori Shimizu
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Patent number: 10988173Abstract: A method for operating a transportation vehicle function based on a natural frequency and/or a moment of inertia of a steering wheel arrangement in a steering system including prespecifying an electromotive steering intervention to move the steering system by providing a steering intervention force or a steering intervention torque; ascertaining a natural frequency and/or a moment of inertia of the steering wheel arrangement depending on the response of the steering wheel arrangement based on the electromotive steering intervention; and operating the transportation vehicle function based on the ascertained natural frequency and/or the ascertained moment of inertia of the steering wheel arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Inventors: Lars Goering, Tobias Rüger, Timo Dobberphul
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Patent number: 10981593Abstract: A method of fabricating a ball nut assembly is provided. The method includes providing a ball nut having a keyway slot. The method also includes forming a polymer pulley having an inner surface defining a bore, a cut-out formed in the inner surface, and a torque member extending radially inward from the inner surface, wherein the keyway slot is configured to receive the torque member therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: James J. Shavrnoch, Troy P. Strieter, Tony M. Dodak, Jeffrey M. Otto, Conrad G. Vorwerck
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Patent number: 10953919Abstract: Embodiments relate to a vehicle including a chassis that is moveable in a driving direction, two rear wheels moveably carrying the chassis on the rear side seen in the driving direction, two front wheels moveably carrying the chassis on the front side seen in the driving direction, a steering wheel for turning a steering column around a rotation axis for steering the front wheels, and a steering angle sensor for measuring a rotation angle of the steering column around the rotation axis with an encoder that is stationary to the steering column and with a magnet sensor that is disposed axially displaced distance from the encoder on the rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Bourns, Inc.Inventors: Sommer Andreas, Johann Jahrstorfer, Miguel Cano, Benno Pichler
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Patent number: 10948369Abstract: A torque sensor includes a sensor housing, a first sleeve attached to a first rotating member that rotates with respect to the sensor housing, a magnet attached to the first sleeve, a second sleeve attached to a second rotating member coupled to the first rotating member via a torsion bar, a carrier attached to the second sleeve, a yoke attached to the carrier and opposing the magnet in a radial direction orthogonal to a shaft direction that is a longitudinal direction of the first rotating member, and a magnetic flux collecting member attached to the sensor housing and opposing the yoke in the shaft direction. The carrier opposes an opposing end surface of either one of the first sleeve and the magnet in the shaft direction. A length of a gap between the carrier and the opposing end surface in the shaft direction is smaller than a length of a gap between the yoke and the magnetic flux collecting member in the shaft direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Taishi Shigeta
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Patent number: 10919565Abstract: A noise reduction structure of an electronic power steering apparatus including a worm shaft rotated by a motor, a worm wheel engaged in the worm shaft and rotating a steering shaft, and a housing surrounding the worm shaft includes a cylindrical damper unit formed as an elastic member in an inner side of the cylindrical damper unit for absorbing a shock transmitted to the worm shaft and rotatably connected to the worm shaft, a rubber holder coupled to a semi-cylindrical damper holder formed on a side surface of the damper unit for making a close contact between the worm shaft and the worm wheel, and a plug unit including a plug holder formed on a lower end of a side surface of the plug unit for coupling to the rubber holder and fixed to the housing on the other side of the plug unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Sung-Shik Cho
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Patent number: 10889318Abstract: A steering device includes a rolling-element bearing that rotationally supports a rotating member in a housing. The rolling-element bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, first rolling elements, and second rolling elements. The first rolling elements and second rolling elements are disposed in parallel in the axial direction between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner ring includes a first split race having a first inner peripheral track surface and a second split race having a second inner peripheral track surface. The steering device further includes a fixing structure configured to fix the rolling-element bearing to the outer periphery of the rotating member in a state where a load is applied to the first split race, the first rolling element, the outer ring, the second rolling element, and the second split race.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshio Kondo, Masashi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10883554Abstract: A braking assembly is disclosed comprising a shaft, a brake cage being rotatable with the shaft, an earth ring extending circumferentially around the brake cage, at least one engagement member coupled to the shaft, and a braking mechanism configured for selectively applying a force to the brake cage for slowing or preventing rotational movement of the brake cage such that the shaft rotates relative to the brake cage, and wherein the braking assembly is configured such that when the shaft rotates relative to the brake cage, said at least one engagement member is urged to engage the earth ring such that rotation of the shaft is inhibited or prevented. The earth ring may be replaced with an output shaft such that the assembly operates as a clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventor: Jeremy Kracke
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Patent number: 10883594Abstract: An urging member urges a first end of a worm shaft toward a worm wheel via a first bearing. The worm shaft includes a tooth flank forming portion and a non-tooth flank forming portion formed between the first end and the tooth flank forming portion. In a housing, a shaft housing portion that houses the worm shaft includes a substantially straight portion and a reduced diameter portion. The substantially straight portion has a substantially constant bore diameter, and extends in an axial direction of the worm shaft. The reduced diameter portion is arranged on the first end side with respect to the substantially straight portion, and has a bore diameter reduced from a position that overlaps tooth flanks in the axial direction to a position that overlaps the non-tooth flank forming portion in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hirofumi Ueda, Naofumi Kawamura
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Patent number: 10870447Abstract: A brake system for providing tactile feedback in a vehicle steering system. The brake system includes an input shaft, and a rotor responsive to the shaft to rotate in response to input steering wheel inputs. A friction element imparts a base load to the rotor, and an electromagnetic coil imparts a variable load to the rotor. A housing of the brake system includes a fixed component and an intermediate component threaded together to set the base load. An adjustable component of the housing is threaded to the intermediate component to calibrate the variable load. The friction element is disposed between, and engages, both the rotor and the intermediate housing to impart the feedback loads.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Michael Thompson, Eric A. Keen, Gary H. Wenzel
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Patent number: 10858036Abstract: A steering system includes a pinion shaft that meshes with a rack shaft, an input shaft, a torsion bar that couples the input shaft and the pinion shaft together, a fixing pin that fixes the torsion bar to the input shaft, a housing having a first housing portion that houses a part of the input shaft, and a cover member having a cylindrical portion externally fitted to the input shaft protruding from the first housing portion, and a disc portion that covers an end face of the first housing portion. A through hole where the fixing pin is inserted is formed in the input shaft. On the cylindrical portion of the cover member, a plurality of annular lips are provided, except for a portion that faces each of openings of the through hole, on one side and the other side in an axial direction with respect to the portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuya Fujita, Shin Yano
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Patent number: 10850764Abstract: In a ball screw device, an inner peripheral rolling groove of a nut includes, between openings of mounting holes, a constant pitch circle diameter region where a pitch circle diameter is constant and gradually-changing pitch circle diameter regions where the pitch circle diameter gradually increases, in the ranges from opposite ends of the constant pitch circle diameter region to the respective openings. At least the constant pitch circle diameter region has a surface hardness greater than or equal to a predetermined value, among the constant pitch circle diameter region and the gradually-changing pitch circle diameter regions excluding edges at the boundaries between the respective openings and the inner peripheral rolling groove, and the edges at the boundaries between the respective openings and the inner peripheral rolling groove have a surface hardness less than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Masashi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10843664Abstract: A gear side feeding terminal (73U, 73V, 73W) connected to a motor side feeding terminal (36U, 36V, 36W) provided to the end portion of a stator (32) in the axial direction of the stator (32) from the axial direction of a rotor (38) is provided on a control board (70) for controlling the rotor (38), housed in a gear case (61) so as to be stacked on a speed reduction mechanism (SD) from the direction crossing the axial direction of the rotor (38). In this manner, the wiper motor is composed of a brushless wiper motor (20), and it is unnecessary to provide the gear side feeding terminal (73U, 73V, 73W) so as to avoid the control board (70). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electric noises, and provide a wiper motor reduced in size and weight, and since it is unnecessary to form a clearance in the control board (70), it is possible to provide a wiper motor further improved in degree of freedom for designing the control board (70).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Hirokazu Shoda, Yukiyoshi Iso, Osamu Nakamura
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Patent number: 10822017Abstract: A steering wheel actuator is attached to a steering wheel column. The steering wheel actuator includes a gear assembly for turning a steering wheel on the steering wheel column, a motor for rotating the gear assembly, and an enclosure. A control system in the enclosure controls the motor to automatically steer the vehicle. The control system may receive global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals from a GNSS antenna and GNSS receiver located in the enclosure and automatically steer the vehicle based on the GNSS signals. The control system also may receive inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals from an IMU located in the enclosure and automatically steer the vehicle based on the IMU signals. The control system also may receive user input signals from a user interface located on the enclosure and automatically steer the vehicle based on the user input signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLCInventors: Jim Tan, Alan Robert Joughin, Jean-Marie Eichner, Glen Sapilewski, Andreas F. Ramm, Husam Kal
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Patent number: 10822019Abstract: A rack-assist-type electric power steering apparatus may include: a motor pulley provided on or coupled to a shaft of a motor; a nut pulley provided on or coupled to an outer circumferential surface of a ball nut coupled to a rack bar via a ball; a belt coupled to the motor pulley and the nut pulley, the belt comprising provided with one or more first magnetic bodies; and a rack housing enclosing or housing at least a portion of the motor pulley, the nut pulley and the belt are housed. The rack housing may comprise one or more second magnetic bodies provided on an inner circumferential surface thereof facing or opposite to the belt. Alternatively, the rack housing may comprise a support portion protruding from an inner surface of the rack housing, and one or more second magnetic bodies may be provided on a surface of the support portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Jong Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 10811934Abstract: An electromechanical actuator package for supplying toque to a handwheel, may comprise: a motor comprising a motor rotor shaft; a belt drive mechanism connecting the motor rotor shaft to an actuator output via a drive belt, the actuator output directly or indirectly connected to the handwheel; a circuit board; and a housing enclosing the motor, the belt drive mechanism and the circuit board, wherein the circuit board is positioned between one end of the motor rotor shaft and an inner surface of the housing. The actuator output may protrude from the driven pulley in a direction away from the circuit board and pass through an opening formed in the lower surface of the housing. Alternatively, the actuator output may protrude from the driven pulley toward the circuit board and pass through openings formed in the circuit board and the upper surface of housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Troy Strieter, Joshua Grove
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Patent number: 10780912Abstract: A steering device includes: a rack shaft; a rack housing housing the rack shaft; a motor unit having a motor case of which one end is coupled to the rack housing; a moving force application mechanism that moves the rack shaft by an output of the motor unit; and a support member that is fixed to the rack housing and supports the motor case. The rack housing has a fixing projection in which a bolt hole extending in a height direction is formed. The support member has an arc-shaped support part that extends along an outer circumferential surface of the motor case, and a pair of fixing pieces that protrudes from the support part toward a rack shaft housing section. Ends of the pair of fixing pieces are fastened with a bolt to the fixing projection of the rack housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Yuta Kimura, Hiroaki Murakami
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Patent number: 10775250Abstract: A torque sensor of the present invention includes: a ring-shaped deformation body; first to fourth displacement electrodes deformable due to elastic deformation of the ring-shaped deformation body; first to fourth fixed electrodes arranged at positions opposite to those of the first to fourth displacement electrodes; and a detection circuit that outputs an electrical signal representing torque based on a variation amount of capacitance values of first to fourth capacitive elements formed by the first to fourth displacement electrodes and the first to fourth fixed electrodes, wherein the detection circuit outputs, as the electrical signals representing the acting torque, a first electrical signal corresponding to a difference between “a sum of a capacitance value of the first capacitive element and a capacitance value of the second capacitive element” and “a sum of a capacitance value of the third capacitive element and a capacitance value of the fourth capacitive element” and a second electrical signal corresType: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro Okada, Miho Okada, Nobuhisa Nishioki
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Patent number: 10718686Abstract: An exemplary method for determining rattle noise of a vehicle steering system includes providing an intermediate shaft assembly including a first shaft member coupled to a second shaft member by a first joining member, a third shaft member coupled to the second shaft member by a second joining member, the first shaft member coupled to a first motor and the third shaft coupled to a second motor, providing a first sensor coupled to the first joining member and a second sensor coupled to the second joining member, sensors configured to measure an acceleration of the first joining member and the second joining member, applying a first torque and a second torque to the intermediate shaft assembly, receiving first acceleration data from the first sensor and second acceleration data from the second sensor, and analyzing the first and second acceleration data to determine a rattle noise of the intermediate shaft assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brent P. Miles, Hunter D. Poole
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Patent number: 10683918Abstract: Provided is a ball screw device in which a deflector can securely be prevented from falling into a nut when the deflector is attached. A ball screw device includes a ball screw shaft, a nut, rolling elements, a ball recirculation path, and a deflector. An attachment hole has a pair of first faces. The deflector has a pair of second faces that respectively face the pair of first faces in a state in which the deflector is housed in the attachment hole. The first faces of the attachment hole and the second faces of the deflector have a locking structure in which the first faces and the second faces respectively lock each other in an improper state in which a part of the deflector is inserted into the attachment hole in a posture different from a posture of the deflector housed in the attachment hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Shuhei Yamashita, Satoshi Fujita
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Patent number: 10683901Abstract: A clutch assembly is disclosed. The clutch assembly includes a rotational component including a hub configured to rotate relative to a mounted component; and a clutch configured to selectively transmit rotational input from the mounted component to the hub. The clutch includes a first ring including a first surface; a second ring including a second surface; a cage defining a plurality of pockets which are bounded by the first surface and the second surface; and a plurality of rollers each positioned in a respective one of the plurality of pockets. The first ring includes a pair of ramps in each pocket. The second ring rotates relative to the first ring when the plurality of rollers are in a neutral position between the pair of ramps, and the second ring rotates with the first ring when the plurality of rollers are positioned on either of the ramps.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Todd Sturgin, Nicholas Hrusch
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Patent number: 10668942Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (2) provided with a power-steering device (1) which includes at least one steering rack (3) and an assistance motor (4) arranged to drive said steering rack (3), as well as at least one on-board computer (13) inside the vehicle (2), intended for controlling said assistance motor (4), the computer (13) being placed mostly, and preferably entirely, below the rack (3), preferably in a shell (20), inside of which the rack (3) is translatably guided, and inside of which a space for the computer is arranged for said purpose.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: JTEKT EUROPEInventor: Laurent Rey
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Patent number: 10661822Abstract: A first end portion of a worm shaft and a first bearing that supports the first end portion are housed in a first end housing portion in a housing. The first end portion is urged toward a worm wheel by an urging member. A rotation regulation portion housing recess is formed in a portion that defines the first end housing portion on an inner surface of the housing. An elastic member includes an arc-shaped buffer portion that is interposed between the portion that defines the inner surface and an outer peripheral surface of the first bearing, and a rotation regulation portion that extends from the buffer portion and is housed in the rotation regulation portion housing recess. The rotation regulation portion includes a hollow portion which suppresses load transmission from the rotation regulation portion to the buffer portion during rotation regulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Naofumi Kawamura, Hirofumi Ueda, Kaname Joushita
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Patent number: 10661823Abstract: A feedback actuator for a motor vehicle may include a steering adjuster that acts on steered wheels of the motor vehicle and is controlled electronically based on steering commands from a driver of the motor vehicle. The feedback actuator may transmit feedback from a road on which the motor vehicle is traveling to a steering wheel via a steering shaft. Further, the feedback actuator may have a preloaded crank drive and an electric motor configured as torque-generating means. The feedback actuator may produce a torque to simulate the feedback of the road, and the torque may be formed by a sum of a torque from the preloaded crank drive applied to the steering shaft and a torque from the electric motor applied onto the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Claudio Delmarco, Felix Brandl, Claudio Virzi