Specific Mechanical Feature Patents (Class 180/444)
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Patent number: 9991838Abstract: A drive control unit in which a drive control system for a motor is made redundant so that a motor having two coil sets is individually driven and controlled for each coil set includes an inverter substrate on which a first inverter circuit that drives each coil of a first coil set, and a second inverter circuit that drives each coil of a second coil set are formed; a control substrate on which a first control circuit that includes a microcomputer which controls the first inverter circuit, and a second control circuit that includes a microcomputer which controls the second inverter circuit are formed; and a housing in which the inverter substrate and the control substrate are arranged in parallel to each other. The first control circuit is positioned on the front surface side, and the second control circuit is positioned on the rear surface side of the control substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Hitachi Automotive System, Ltd.Inventor: Xiaofei Yue
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Patent number: 9975574Abstract: In the damper device, when the large diameter portion does not apply an impact force on the flange portion, the elastic body is disposed in one of the housing and the cylindrical portion with a gap and when the large diameter portion applies the impact force on the flange portion, the elastic body is compressed by the restricting surface and the flange portion in an axial direction to be deformed into a state that the elastic body is brought into contact with all of the housing, the restricting surface, the cylindrical portion and the flange portion to be filled in the gap. The impact receiving member is restricted from a movement relative to the housing by the deformed elastic body when the end portion of the cylindrical portion is advanced into the relief portion and the impact receiving member keeps a non-contact state with the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, NOK CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Ohashi, Yuki Hanada, Masahide Nitano
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Patent number: 9963165Abstract: A ball nut assembly receives rotational motion from a belt and converts rotational motion into linear motion of a steering rack. The ball nut assembly includes a support bearing having an outer race and an inner race, the inner race including one of a spline and a recess. A driven pulley is fixedly coupled to or formed integrally with the inner race. The driven pulley and the inner race rotate in response to movement of the belt. A ball nut includes the other of the spline and the recess, the spline being received in the recess such that rotation of the inner race causes rotation of the ball nut. An elastic material is located in the recess and contacts both the inner race and the ball nut.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Anselm Yau-Ching Lam
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Patent number: 9956985Abstract: A steering shaft assembly is disclosed with an outer shaft operatively connected to a one of a steered member or a steering control. The outer shaft has an open end and a receiving chamber associated with the open end. The steering shaft assembly also includes an inner shaft operatively connected to another of the steered member or the steering control. The inner shaft has an engaging portion axially slideably received in the outer shaft receiving chamber. The inner shaft engaging portion also includes a polymer coating disposed on an outer surface of the inner shaft engaging portion. The coating has an outer surface that slideably engages with a surface of the outer shaft receiving chamber, and which has comprises projections and recesses along the coating outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Gregory D. Brzezinski, Terry E. Burkhard
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Patent number: 9933461Abstract: A current-sensing assembly that includes a power module, for providing switchable power, having a current output extending through and directly away from the top exterior surface of the power module, a Hall sensor, capable of measuring current traversing through a conductor, having an opening, and the current output extending through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventors: Ryan Lee Buffenbarger, Hao Huang, Chad Joseph Brown
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Patent number: 9932064Abstract: A power steering system for a motorcycle is provided. The motorcycle includes a front fork having a first vertical bar and a second vertical bar. The power steering system include at least one motor. A first belt portion includes a first end secured to the first vertical bar and a second end operatively connected to the motor. A second belt portion includes a first end secured to the second vertical bar and a second end operatively connected to the motor. A power source is electrically connected to the motor by wiring through a switch. The switch includes a switch knob operable to activate the switch from an off position to a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the motor pulling the first belt portion and the second mode includes the motor pulling the second belt portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: Royce Merrell Dyar
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Patent number: 9929618Abstract: An inverter-integrated electric compressor for which an inverter device is integrally incorporated, with a main circuit board being housed while the four corners thereof are supported by boss parts at locations above high-voltage electrical components and semiconductor switching elements. The multiple high-voltage electrical components are arranged in parallel along one side of the main circuit board at one side of an inverter housing part, with one side of the main circuit board being supported from below by the upper surface of these components. The multiple semiconductor switching elements are arranged in parallel along the other side opposing the one side of the main circuit board, at the other side of the inverter housing part, with the other side of the main circuit board being supported from below by multiple lead terminals extending upwards.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE THERMAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Makoto Hattori, Masahiko Asai, Hiroyuki Kamitani, Koji Nakano
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Patent number: 9926002Abstract: A housing structure includes: a first housing having a fitting inner tubular portion that has an inner tubular end surface and a first bolt fastening portion that has a first bolt aligning surface formed at a position away from the inner tubular end surface in the radial direction, the first housing supporting a first end of an assist shaft via a first bearing; and a second housing having a fitting outer tubular portion having an outer tubular end surface and a second bolt fastening portion that has a second bolt aligning surface that mates with the first bolt aligning surface, the second housing supporting a second end of the assist shaft via a second bearing. A first gap is provided between the inner tubular end surface and an inner tubular opposite surface, and a second gap is provided between the outer tubular end surface and an outer tubular opposite surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro Zaike, Yusuke Hamaguchi, Yosuke Takebayashi
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Patent number: 9919729Abstract: A power steering system is provided with a communicating hole and yet ensures the strength of a housing. Space between the housing and a wheel turning shaft is divided into two. Space located on one axial side of the bearing supporting a nut and the plurality of balls disposed in the nut is a first chamber, and space located on the other side is a second chamber. The communicating hole allowing communication between the first and second chambers is formed in the nut to open in the nut-side ball screw groove, avoiding a region in which the balls circulate, or in a member disposed radially further outside than the nut and radially inside than the inner wall of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS STEERING, LTD.Inventors: Satoru Muto, Keisuke Kitamura, Tatsuyoshi Maruyama
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Patent number: 9920794Abstract: A torque limiter is configured from a ring body and a spring-form part provided in the ring body. The ring body includes a band-form metal plate and is bent approximately into a C-shape along the circumferential direction of a motor shaft and a lock holder. The spring-form part is formed so as to be capable of radial elastic deformation. The spring-form part is configured from main protrusions arranged in a compressed state between the motor shaft and the lock holder, and from sub-protrusions arranged in a non-compressed state. Further, grease is stored in a part or all of the concavities formed by the main protrusions and the sub-protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOGO SEISAKUSYO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshihiro Asakura, Masatoshi Fujimoto, Toshiaki Ogata, Yukihiko Kanayama, Hirotsune Suzuki, Yuji Nakamura, Yuzo Hirakawa, Kenji Hayashi, Hiroyuki Toyoda
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Patent number: 9912212Abstract: In this motor drive device, a motor case which stores a motor and a controller case which stores a controller of controlling the motor are unitarily coupled to each other in a direction of the rotating shaft of the motor. In addition, a connection portion for an external connector included in the controller is also provided in the direction of the rotating shaft of the motor. Such a structure achieves a small and compact structure which can be connected in the direction of the rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: NIDEC ELESYS CORPORATIONInventor: Osamu Maeshima
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Patent number: 9889877Abstract: A housing structure includes: a first housing having a fitting inner tubular portion that has an inner tubular end surface and a first bolt fastening portion that has a first bolt aligning surface formed at a position away from the inner tubular end surface in the radial direction, the first housing supporting a first end of an assist shaft via a first bearing; and a second housing having a fitting outer tubular portion having an outer tubular end surface and a second bolt fastening portion that has a second bolt aligning surface that mates with the first bolt aligning surface, the second housing supporting a second end of the assist shaft via a second bearing. A first gap is provided between the inner tubular end surface and an inner tubular opposite surface, and a second gap is provided between the outer tubular end surface and an outer tubular opposite surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro Zaike, Yusuke Hamaguchi, Yosuke Takebayashi
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Patent number: 9856965Abstract: A metal core for a resin gear and a resin gear composite member are provided. The metal core includes a boss portion into which a shaft is press-fitted, a ring portion to which an outer peripheral resin is joined, and a connecting portion via which the boss portion and the ring portion are coaxially provided. The boss portion is arranged on one side of the connecting portion at an inner circumference of the connecting portion and extends annularly in an axial direction. The ring portion is arranged on the same side of the connecting portion at an outer circumference of the connecting portion and extends annularly in the axial direction. The boss portion, the connecting portion, and the ring portion are formed of an integrally continuous material. The boss portion is thicker than the connecting portion and the ring portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: NETUREN CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobumoto Ishiki, Ryosuke Suzuki
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Patent number: 9796406Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle including a steering wheel arranged offset toward one side in a vehicle body right/left direction, and an electric power steering unit. The electric power steering unit includes a link mechanism operably connected to the steering wheel and extending from a right/left center side of the steering wheel toward a vehicle body right/left center side to be operably connected to a wheel side, an assist device for the link mechanism, a control lever arranged adjacent the vehicle body right/left center in the vicinity of the steering wheel, a rotation shaft operably connected to the control lever to be rotated about a right/left axis that extends in the vehicle body right/left direction, and a control cable operably connected to the rotation shaft. A base end portion of the control cable is more offset toward the one side than the assist device.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Takagi, Hiroki Bessho, Takafumi Komatsu, Kensuke Okabe, Takeshi Satozono
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Patent number: 9797456Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantageType: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Randle Engineering Solutions LTDInventor: Steven James Randle
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Patent number: 9789900Abstract: A modular steering system is adapted to be installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a steering column. The modular steering system includes an input unit, a first output unit, and a second output unit. The input unit includes an input shaft that extends along a first axis, that is adapted to be connected to the steering column, and that is adapted to be driven rotatably by the steering column about the first axis. The first output unit includes a first output shaft that extends along and is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The second output unit includes a second output shaft that extends along and is rotatable about a third axis. The second axis and the third axis cooperatively define an angle therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing CenterInventors: Hsien-Yu Kuo, Chih-Jung Yeh
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Patent number: 9789898Abstract: An angle superimposition apparatus for a vehicle steering device with a planetary gear. The apparatus includes—a first shaft and a second shaft, which are arranged in a longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable relative to one another about the common longitudinal axis thereof. —A carrier arrangement is fixedly arranged to the body shell, on which carrier arrangement the first shaft and the second shaft and a rotor shaft are at least partially mounted and positioned so as to be rotatable. —An auxiliary drive with a stator is arranged on the carrier arrangement and with a rotor shaft, having a rotor, mounted rotatably and arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis and one of the shafts. —A planetary gear having a worm, which is arranged as a sun wheel so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and is arranged on the rotor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AGInventor: Robert Galehr
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Patent number: 9783225Abstract: An electric power steering device includes a restricting portion that is provided on at least one of surfaces of a housing and a worm wheel, the surfaces facing each other. The restricting portion is configured to restrict movement of the worm wheel to maintain a meshing relationship between a worm and the worm wheel that allows torque transmission between the worm and the worm wheel, when fixing of the worm wheel to an output shaft of a power assist actuator in an axial direction of the output shaft is released and the worm wheel is moved in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Shingo Ougita, Tatsuya Kawai, Toshinobu Maeda, Naohiro Sato, Yasutaka Fukumoto
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Patent number: 9777776Abstract: A joint structure includes first and second engagement members, and an elastic member. The first engagement member includes a first body and a first engagement claw. The second engagement member includes a second body and a second engagement claw. The elastic member is disposed between the first and second engagement portions in a circumferential direction. When a relative rotation angle between the first and second engagement members is less than a predetermined angle, the first and second engagement claws are not in direct contact with each other in the circumferential direction, and a rotational force is transmitted through the elastic member while the elastic member is being elastically deformed. When the relative rotation angle is equal to the predetermined angle, the first and second engagement claws are in direct contact with each other in the circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Akihiro Kogure
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Patent number: 9777826Abstract: A worm biasing structure that biases a worm toward a worm wheel in a biasing direction, includes: a radial bearing that supports the worm in a radial direction; a bearing holder that has a holder hole for accommodating the radial bearing; a biasing member for biasing the radial bearing toward the worm wheel; and a housing that has a housing hole for accommodating the bearing holder, a pair of guide surfaces is formed as defined herein, when the bearing holder is accommodated in the housing hole and the radial bearing is not accommodated in the bearing holder, a distance between the pair of guide surfaces is smaller than or equal to an outer diameter of the radial bearing, and a gap is formed between an outer surface on the outer side of the guide surface and the housing hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuusuke Anma, Masaru Ishiwata, Makoto Watanabe
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Patent number: 9758190Abstract: It is desired to reduce the manufacturing cost of a vehicle while ensuring stability of travel of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a steering force generating means, and a steering device (10, 20) for steering right and left wheels (w). The steering device (10, 20) includes tie rods (12 and 22) connected, respectively, to the right and left wheels (w), and configured to steer the respective right and left wheels, a pair of rack bars (53 and 54) connected to the respective tie rods (12 and 22), and a rack bar moving means (60) capable of moving, by a same distance, the pair of rack bars (53 and 54) in one of opposite directions or in one and the other of the opposite directions, respectively, whereby the pair of rack bars (53 and 54) are moved simultaneously with each other under the steering force generated by the steering force generating means.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Hirokazu Ohba, Yuya Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9744988Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus is configured to provide steering assistance as rotary torque of a driving toothed-pulley fixedly fitted to a rotary shaft of an electric motor is transmitted through a toothed belt to a driven toothed-pulley that rotates together with a ball screw nut in an integrated manner. The electric power steering apparatus is configured such that the amount of axial travel of a rack shaft is limited when a rack end and a housing come into contact with each other in the axial direction. The electric power steering apparatus includes a tilt allowing portion configured to cause the ball screw nut to tilt relative to a ball screw shaft such that the distance between the center of rotation of the driven toothed-pulley and that of the driving toothed-pulley increases when the rack end and the housing come into contact with each other in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Masahide Nitano, Masafumi Takahashi, Kiyoshi Uchiyama, Masashi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9744987Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention a worm shaft subassembly for supporting a worm shaft is provided. The worm shaft has a worm shaft radial load, a worm shaft axial load, and a worm shaft axial travel. The worm shaft subassembly includes at least one damping member to support the worm shaft axial load. The at least one damping member has at least one damping member axial load. The at least one damping member limits the worm shaft axial travel. The worm shaft subassembly also includes a bearing to support the worm shaft radial load and the at least one damping member axial load.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Brad S. Sundholm, Jason Rutkiewicz, Nik Von Matt, Steve Klein, Donald J. Smith
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Patent number: 9739361Abstract: A vehicle steering column assembly includes a first shaft having a first shaft cavity extending from an end of the first shaft. Also included is a second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft, the second shaft having a second shaft cavity disposed therein. Further included is a torsion bar disposed within the first shaft cavity and the second shaft cavity. Yet further included is a stop tooth extending from the first shaft. Also included is a worm gear defining a slot with a slot wall, a first portion of the slot wall configured to engage a first side of the stop tooth to define a first radial boundary of the worm gear, a second portion of the slot wall configured to engage a second side of the stop tooth to define a second radial boundary of the worm gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: William D. Cymbal, Jeffrey E. Beyerlein, Joel A. Bickel, Daniel J. Diffin, Alan G. Turek
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Patent number: 9731750Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear unit includes a rack shaft and a cylindrical portion. The rack shaft is configured as a hollow pipe as a whole by bending an elongated metal plate such that widthwise end edges of the metal plate are butted to each other. A cylindrical portion is fitted on an end portion of the rack shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Seiji Ueno, Osamu Wada
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Patent number: 9695918Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a gap expanding method of a ball screw for preventing an increase in torque relative to an electric motor due to a protruding bulge caused by generation of a scar on the traveling side of the screw shaft of the ball screw, and to provide a control rod drive mechanism incorporating the gap expanded ball screw. In a ball screw disposed in a control rod drive mechanism, the ball screw has a screw shaft and a ball nut engaged with the screw shaft via travelling balls, and the balls are each configured to have a diameter smaller than that of the existing ball, thereby expanding a gap between a ball traveling side of the screw shaft and the ball and a gap between the ball and a ball traveling side of the ball nut.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuichi Matsushita, Toshihiro Kodama, Kiyoshi Harada, Hirokazu Akatsuka, Takahiro Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 9650078Abstract: A side by side vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame, a vehicle seat frame positioned in a mid portion of the frame, and a powertrain. Side by side seats are supported by the seat frame; and one or more storage units are positioned under the side by side seats. The side by side vehicle also has a rear suspension comprising at least one rear alignment arm coupled to each side of a rear of the vehicle frame, where the alignment arms are coupled to the vehicle frame at front and rear connection points. A distance between the front connection points is greater than a distance between the rear connection points, and at least a portion of the powertrain is positioned between the front connection points of the alignment arms.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Angus M. Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Shawn D. Peterson, Richard D. Ripley, Brent A. Erspamer, Steven M. Schiebel
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Patent number: 9643642Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering reaction force generating device including a steering reaction force motor, a turning device including a turning motor, a clutch device including an electromagnetic solenoid configured to mechanically engage and disengage the steering reaction force generating device and the turning device, a turning motor temperature sensor configured to detect a motor temperature value of the turning motor, a current integrated value acquiring unit configured to acquire a current integrated value of the turning motor, an abnormality diagnostic unit configured to diagnose whether the turning motor temperature sensor is normal, and a drive control unit configured to control the drive of the electromagnetic solenoid on the basis of the current integrated value of the turning motor acquired by the current integrated value acquiring unit if the abnormality diagnostic unit diagnoses the turning motor temperature sensor as being in an abnormal state.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Toshikatsu Kuramochi
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Patent number: 9637164Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a ball nut having an outer diameter and keyway slot therein, and a pulley positioned on the ball nut. The pulley includes a cylindrical outer surface, a bore extending through the pulley such that the pulley includes an inner surface, and at least one torque member formed on the inner surface and projecting radially inward to be received by the keyway slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: 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: 9638267Abstract: A driving force transmission device includes an inner ring; an outer ring; a roller pair constituted by a first roller and a second roller; an elastic member; a first cage including a first pressing portion; a second cage including a second pressing portion; a first guide member; a second guide member; and an electromagnetic clutch including an armature connected to the first and second guide members. Along with rotation of the first cage toward the circumferential second side, the first pressing portion presses the first roller toward the circumferential second side. Along with rotation of the second cage toward the circumferential first side, the second pressing portion presses the second roller toward the circumferential first side.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoya Yamatani, Gento Aramoto, Tsuyoshi Okumura
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Patent number: 9638595Abstract: An eccentric guide surface portion (48), which has a shape of a partially cylindrical surface, is formed at a front end portion of a second cylindrical surface portion (32a), into which a torque detecting coil unit (31a) is fitted and fixed, of an inner peripheral surface of a housing body (16a) that is joined and fixed to a front end portion of a steering column. The center of curvature of the eccentric guide surface portion (48) is offset to a side opposite to a connection hole (39a), which is formed at the housing body (16a), in a radial direction so that a connection terminal (36a) of the torque detecting coil unit (31a) is connected to a circuit board (40a). Accordingly, a torque measuring unit for an electric power steering device, of which the size and weight are reduced while good assembly workability is ensured, is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Taishi Shigeta
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Patent number: 9616768Abstract: Method for controlling an electrical machine (14), in particular for an electric or hybrid drive train (12) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the electrical machine (14) can provide a torque (T) both at positive and at negative speeds (n), having the steps of:—using a characteristic curve (M; G) to check whether a torque desired value (72; 74) can or may be provided by the electrical machine (14), wherein the characteristic curve (M; G) represents a limit torque with respect to the speed (n) and has a first section (A1; A4) for positive speeds and a second section (A2; A3) for negative speeds. In this case, the first section (A1; A4) and the second section (A2; A3) are arranged in the same quadrant (I; IV) of the characteristic curve (70).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Alexander Scheidle, Martin Wirth
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Patent number: 9610971Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus capable of being both lightweight and rigid. A lightweight electric power steering apparatus is achieved wherein a gear housing (45) that houses an electric assist mechanism, a lower support bracket (54) for fastening the gear housing (45) to the vehicle body, a sensor housing (56) that houses a torque sensor (57), an outer column (30) of a steering column (6c), and an upper support bracket (59a) for fastening the middle section of the outer column (30) to the vehicle body can all be integrally formed of synthetic resin, improving the strength of the joined sections of these members.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Shibazaki, Tamotsu Waga, Kiyoshi Sadakata, Seiichi Moriyama
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Patent number: 9580101Abstract: An electric power steering system includes an electric motor and a worm speed reducer. The worm speed reducer includes a worm shaft, a worm wheel, and a ring member. The worm wheel includes an annular tooth portion and an annular support formed of a material that is softer than a material of a shaft. The ring member includes an outer periphery press-fitted with the annular support so as to form plastically deformed portions in part of the annular support, and an inner periphery with which the shaft is press-fitted. The ring member is formed of a material with a hardness equivalent to a hardness of the material of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Naofumi Kawamura
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Patent number: 9567002Abstract: A steering locking system is provided for a motor vehicle that includes a pin, a locking disc to receive the pin, an actuation device, and a control unit. The actuation device is configured to control movement of the pin. The control unit is configured to control rotation of the locking disc and movement of the pin via the actuation device. Further, the control unit is configured to permit movement of the pin into the pocket after the occurrence of a predetermined event. The steering locking system can further include a motor operatively associated with the locking disc. The control unit may be configured to control the motor at a first power level to maintain the motor in a state of readiness and to control the motor at a second power level, different from the first power level, when the locking system detects a torque applied to the steering system.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeremy Alan Rawlings, Oliver Nehls, Lodewijk Wijffels, Joshua Guerra
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Patent number: 9558676Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simulating the movements of a virtual vehicle, a user being in physical contact with a simulator including a force-feedback haptic interface, wherein said physical contact corresponds to at least one physical point of contact between the haptic interface and the body of the user that is representative of a virtual point of contact between the user and the virtual vehicle. Said method comprises at least two steps. A first step involves determining a linear acceleration vector (formula (I)) and a linear velocity vector (formula (II)) at the virtual point of contact between the user and the virtual vehicle, said vectors being representative of the movement of the vehicle at said point.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S.), INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE EN INFORMATIQUE ET EN AUTOMATIQUEInventors: Nizar Ouarti, Anatole Lecuyer, Alain Berthoz
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Patent number: 9559564Abstract: A torque amplifying apparatus includes a rotor, a set of rotor magnets, a set of stator magnets, and an assembly of a lever and a crank member. The rotor magnets are disposed diametrically across the rotor. The rotor is rotated by an electric motor connected to the rotor to generate a rotating magnetic field around the rotor via the rotor magnets. The stator magnets are slidably positioned at a predefined distance from the rotor on outer guides, and slide in reciprocating motion in response to the rotating magnetic field, where a first stator magnet positioned diametrically opposite to a second stator magnet reciprocates in opposing directions. The lever is connected to each stator magnet to rotate a crank member, where the first stator magnet and the second stator magnet rotates the crank member to amplify and transmit the torque from the electric motor to the crank member.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Inventor: Amen Dhyllon
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Patent number: 9548637Abstract: A linear actuator with an electric drive device includes a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator is arranged in a fixed location in a drive housing and the rotor is mounted for rotary motion relative to the stator and with a transmission arrangement which is arranged coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drive device to convert the rotary movement of the rotor into a linear movement, wherein a threaded spindle of the transmission arrangement is non-rotatably connected to the rotor and positively coupled to a spindle nut slidably accommodated in the drive housing and connected to a torque tube, which extends along the axis of rotation, and wherein a brake device is assigned to the rotor and/or to the threaded spindle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KGInventors: Martin Rapp, Erwin Bezjak, Martin Fuss, Eric Angue, Michael Schottner
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Patent number: 9527524Abstract: A power steering apparatus of the disclosure includes a rack shaft; a steering wheel-side pinion shaft that rotates as a steering wheel is turned; an assist side pinion shaft that is driven to rotate by a drive unit, thereby assisting the rotation of the steering wheel-side pinion shaft; and a gear housing that accommodates the rack shaft, and has a second leg portion fixed to a vehicle. The gear housing includes a first housing that accommodates a meshing portion between the rack shaft and the steering wheel-side pinion shaft; a second housing that accommodates a meshing portion between the rack shaft and the assist side pinion shaft; and a third housing that is provided with the second leg portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Kaduto Sato
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Patent number: 9527523Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission device of an electric power steering apparatus. The power transmission device includes: a driving shaft of a motor having an accommodation part formed at a rotation center thereof; a coupling member inserted into the accommodation part and having an axial through-hole formed therethrough; and a gear shaft including a coupling part formed on one side thereof to be coupled to the axial through-hole, and a gear part formed on the other side thereof. According to the present invention as described above, in a power transmission device of an electric power steering apparatus, it is possible to reduce rattle noise generated as backlash increases due to wearing-out of a gear or generated due to impact transmitted from a road surface through a vehicle wheel and a steering shaft while improving a driver's steering feeling by reducing a locking feeling and a rotational resistance between a driving shaft of a motor and a gear shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Han Sang Chae, Jung Sik Park
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Patent number: 9520756Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator comprising a housing, an electric motor, a roller drive and a rotor rotation angle sensing unit received in said housing. The rotor of the electromechanical actuator is mounted within the housing and configured to rotate in bearing supports. Openings for supplying and removing lubricant are arranged in the housing in the vicinity of the bearing supports, the opening allowing to replace lubricant without disassembling the actuator, thus simplifying maintenance and operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Joint stock company DiakontInventors: Mikhail Evgenievich Fedosovsky, Vadim Igorevich Dunaev, Evgeny Valerievich Mysov
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Patent number: 9505433Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes a worm gear that transmits a rotational force of an electric motor to a steering mechanism through engagement of a worm shaft and a worm wheel and a backlash adjustment mechanism that reduces backlash between the worm shaft and the worm wheel. The backlash adjustment mechanism has a ball bearing mounted to the worm shaft, a slider movable in a movement direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the worm shaft, a first sliding surface provided on an outer circumferential side of an outer race of the ball bearing, and a second sliding surface provided on the slider and brought in sliding contact with the first sliding surface such that forward movement of the slider in the movement direction causes relative sliding of the first and second sliding surfaces to bring the worm shaft closer to the worm wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS STEERING, LTD.Inventor: Susumu Kimoto
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Patent number: 9499191Abstract: The invention relates to a superposition drive for a superimposed steering system of a motor vehicle, with a drive shaft and a drive gear cooperating with the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is pivotally mounted with respect to the drive gear. A lever element pivotally mounted with respect to the drive gear, which is designed and arranged such that pivoting of the lever element entails pivoting of the drive shaft or vice versa pivoting of the drive shaft entails pivoting of the lever element, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: TAKATA AGInventor: Thomas Marotzke
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Patent number: 9499194Abstract: In a speed reducer of an electric power steering system, a first bearing supports a first end portion of a worm so that the first end portion is movable in an axial direction. Elastic members elastically support the worm in the axial direction. A second bearing supports a second end portion of the worm. An urging member oscillates and urges the worm. The sum of first frictional resistance in the axial direction between an inner ring of the first bearing and the worm and second frictional resistance in the axial direction between the urging member and an outer circumference of an outer ring of the second bearing is less than engagement frictional resistance in the axial direction of the worm.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Wataru Yamada, Hirotsugu Kusano, Arata Kikuchi, Yoshitomo Nagai
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Patent number: 9499192Abstract: A steering device includes: a pinion shaft that has a pinion on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a rack shaft that has a rack that engages with the pinion; a rack housing that has a recess on an inner circumferential surface thereof and accommodates the rack shaft; a rack guide that has a protrusion smaller than a width of the recess in axial directions of the rack shaft, and is disposed inside the recess, the rack guide contacting an outer circumferential surface of the rack shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the rack housing, and guiding the rack shaft along an axis of the rack shaft; and a spacer that contacts one side and the other side of the protrusion in the axial directions of the rack shaft, and is disposed between an inner surface of the recess and an outer surface of the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Mitsuharu Minami
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Patent number: 9481391Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes steering mechanisms that direct left and right front wheels of a vehicle equipped with the electric power steering apparatus according to rotation of a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is coupled, a first motor and a second motor that give an assist torque to the steering mechanisms, and a controller that controls the assist torques generated by the first motor and the second motor. The controller causes the first motor to generate the torque in a direction of the steering operation when a generation of the assist torque is started. The controller causes the second motor to generate the torque after a rotation of the first motor is detected. The torque of the second motor is smaller than the torque of the first motor and opposite from the direction of the steering operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehisa Tomizawa, Toshi Ishida
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Patent number: 9479026Abstract: A linear actuator with an electric drive device includes a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator is arranged in a fixed location in a drive housing and the rotor is mounted for rotary motion relative to the stator and with a transmission arrangement which is arranged coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drive device to convert the rotary movement of the rotor into a linear movement, wherein a threaded spindle of the transmission arrangement is non-rotatably connected to the rotor and positively coupled to a spindle nut slidably accommodated in the drive housing and connected to a torque tube, wherein bearing means for a rotatable mounting of the rotor are provided in opposite end regions of the drive housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KGInventors: Martin Rapp, Erwin Bezjak
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Patent number: 9469337Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in the vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a steering member operatively connected to a vehicle steering wheel; an electric motor for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of the vehicle steering wheel; a planetary gear assembly operatively coupled to the electric motor; and a pinion assembly operatively disposed between the planetary gear assembly and the steering member whereby operation of the electric motor is operative to effect axial movement of the steering member, wherein the electric motor includes an output shaft which defines a motor axis and the pinion assembly includes an output shaft which defines a pinion axis, wherein the pinion axis is coaxial with the motor axis and perpendicular with respect to an axis of the steering member.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventors: Brian A. Urbach, John F. Santori
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Patent number: 9463825Abstract: A motor vehicle steering gear with a gear rack and a drive pinion that meshes with it, which drive pinion comprises a rigidly attached drive projection in a rotational bearing that is on a front face and eccentric to the pinion teething for coupling a motor vehicle steering spindle, said rotational bearing being guided in a direction transverse and parallel to a diametrical plane formed by the pinion teething, such that when the pinion is rotating, compensation strokes for the rotational bearing are specified in a direction transverse to the gear rack, said compensation strokes being caused by the eccentric attachment of the drive projection, a retaining projection rigidly attached at a front face concentrically to the pinion teeth, the retaining projection being rotatably in engagement with the retaining piece that is guided within a gear housing parallel to the gear rack teeth, is and that during pinion rotation compensation strokes parallel with and at a constant distance to the gear rack teeth are specifiType: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: SchmitterGroup AGInventors: Friedhelm Gunther, Marco Schmidt, Ralf Dirscherl
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Patent number: 9457834Abstract: A first bearing rotatably supports an opposite end part of a shaft, which is opposite from a worm. An O-ring is installed between the first bearing and an inner wall of a bearing box. A radial direction of the rotatable shaft, along which the worm and a worm wheel are placed one after another, is defined as an X-direction, and another radial direction of the rotatable shaft, which is perpendicular to the X-direction, is defined as a Y-direction. A distance, which is measured along the Y-direction between two opposed parts of an inner wall of the bearing box that are opposed to each other along the Y-direction, is larger than a distance, which is measured along the X-direction between two opposed parts of the inner wall of the bearing box, which are opposed to each other along the X-direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroki Tomizawa