Automotive steering system
US5307891A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 3, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D7/1509
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle steering system for vehicles with steerable front wheels and steerable rear wheels. A specially elongated pinion steering shift includes two groups of pinion gears. One of the first group of pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the front wheels; and, simultaneously, one of the second group of pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the rear wheels. A vehicle user can selectively shift the steering shaft to four distinct operating positions. Each operating position provides a specific steering mode, including: a first steering mode for steerage of front wheels with rear wheels neutral, a second steering mode for steerage of rear wheels with front wheels neutral, a third steering mode for coincidence-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels, and a fourth steering mode for reverse-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels. This invention can be similarly applied to a steering system with worm shaft and ball nut, or other types of steering systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.