Steering apparatus for vehicle
US7500537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/003
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering apparatus for a vehicle is set to a steer-by-wire mode with an electromagnetic clutch being in a disconnected state. In response to steering operation applied to a steering wheel, first and second electric motors turn left and right front wheels. When a failure arises in one of first and second turning control systems including the first and second motors, the turning characteristic of the left and right front wheels is gradually changed from a turning characteristic for steer-by-wire to that for steer-by-mechanical connection. When a failure arises in the first and second turning control systems or after the turning characteristic is changed, the electromagnetic clutch is brought into a connected state, whereby the steering apparatus is switched to a steer-by-mechanical connection mode. Even when the steer-by-wire mode is switched to the steer-by-mechanical connection mode, a driver is not given an unnatural sensation, and excellent steering stability is maintained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.