Automatic steering system
US5835870A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/28
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system installed on a steering mode switchable vehicle, for allowing a smooth mode shift from an automatic steering mode to a manual steering mode. During the automatic steering mode, a differential motor is activated to drive a tire drive mechanism, and a lock mechanism is operated to lock a steering wheel. In order to shift from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode, an ultrasonic motor, disposed at the coupling portion of the steering wheel and a steering shaft, is activated so that only the steering wheel is turned to make its turning amount coincide with the actual steering angle. Only after the detection of the angle coincidence are the ultrasonic motor and the differential motor turned off and the lock mechanism released. The steering mode is then shifted to the manual steering mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.