Steering apparatus for a steered vehicle
US9104227B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H2025/066
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering apparatus comprises a rotatable steering shaft and a sensor which senses angular movement of the steering shaft. An electromagnetic actuator actuates a stop mechanism to releasable engage the steering shaft. There is a microcontroller which causes the electromagnetic actuator to actuate the stop mechanism to fully engage the steering shaft and prevent rotation of the steering shaft in a first rotational direction, which corresponds to movement towards the hardstop position, while allowing rotational play between the steering shaft and the stop mechanism in a second direction, which corresponds to rotational movement away from the hardstop position, when the sensor senses that the steering shaft has reached a hardstop position. A driver applies a reserve polarity pulse to the electromagnetic actuator when the stop mechanism is fully engaged and the steering shaft is rotated, as permitted by the rotational play, in the second rotational direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.