Steering mechanism with planetary gear system and drive for impressing specific hand torque on the steering wheel

US7144346B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ThyssenKrupp Presta Steertec GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Jochen Hermann · Geislingen, DE
• Klaus Von Hammel · Hamburg, DE
• Roman Frank Starbek · Eßlingen, DE
• Harwin Niessen · Bad Mergentheim, DE
• Martin Vohmann · Jeffery Road, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 2, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2006
• Expiry date: Apr 8, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D15/029
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A motor vehicle steering mechanism is provided and includes a steering wheel fixedly connected to a steering column, a steering pinion meshing with a rack, a planetary gear system connected to the steering column and the steering pinion, wherein during a normal trouble-free driving operation the housing of the gear system is freely rotatable; an angle sensor detects the position of the steering column and/or steering wheel and generates a signal representative thereof, wherein a first drive applies torque directly to the steering column, and a second drive acts on the steering pinion or rack. The signal from the angle sensor is an input signal for an electronic control system that controls the second drive. A torque adjuster controls the first drive such that a hand torque corresponding to a driving situation is Produced for achieving a defined driving sensation for the driver on the steering wheel.