Determination of a force acting on a steering mechanism

US8352125B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF Lenksysteme GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Stefan Gruener · Auenwald, DE
• Thomas Werner · Portland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 24, 2011
• Grant date: Jan 8, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 24, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D6/008
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Provided is a way of using an estimator to determine a force (Fz), which acts from the outside on a steering gear of a steering device in a vehicle by way of a steering linkage, wherein a motor for generating a steering torque is assigned to the steering device. This is achieved by estimating the force (Fz) acting from the outside as a function of an effective motor torque (tor_RAeff), wherein the effective motor torque (tor_RAeff) is determined as a function of a motor torque and an efficiency, the efficiency being determined as a function of the estimated force (Fz).