Trw Automotive U.S. LLC

James Johnson

Kevin E Boyle

William A Szabela

An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes an axially movable steering member. The steering member turns the steerable vehicle wheels upon axial movement of the steering member, A connector arm connected to the steering member is movable with the steering member. A first fastener connects the connector arm to the steering member and prevents relative movement between the steering member and the connector arm. A second fastener connects the connector arm to the steering member.

Apparatus for turning steerable vehicle wheels

A steering system for turning multiple sets of steerable wheels comprises three steering gears operatively connected to the steerable wheels. Each steering gear includes a control valve assembly and has an associated hydraulic motor. The first control valve assembly directs pressurized fluid to a first hydraulic motor and also directs pressurized fluid to a second hydraulic motor. The third control valve assembly directs pressurized fluid to a third hydraulic motor. When a torque below a predetermined value is applied to an output shaft of the second steering gear, the output shaft rotates in response to movement of the first control valve assembly, and the second control valve assembly remains in a neutral condition. When a torque above the predetermined value is applied to the output shaft of the second steering gear, the output shaft rotates to cause the second control valve assembly to assume an actuated condition to direct pressurized fluid away from the second hydraulic motor.

Steering system for turning multiple sets of steerable wheels

A steering gear clutch includes a housing and an input shaft rotatably supported by the housing. An output shaft operatively connected with a steering gear is rotatably supported by the housing. The output shaft is rotatable relative to the input shaft. The input shaft rotates together with the output shaft relative to the housing when a torque below a predetermined value is applied to the input shaft. The input shaft rotates relative to the output shaft and the housing when a torque above the predetermined value is applied to the input shaft. The input shaft may rotate relative to a shaft portion of the output shaft and the housing through a predetermined angle. The input shaft and the shaft portion may rotate together relative to the housing when the input shaft has rotated through the predetermined angle.

Steering gear clutch

An approved apparatus () for turning steerable wheels () of a vehicle includes a pinion () which is disposed in meshing engagement with a rack portion () of a steering member (). A steering column () is connected with a pinion () and with a vehicle steering wheel (). A ball nut assembly () is connected with an externally threaded portion () of the steering member (). A first motor () is connected with the steering column () at a location between the pinion () and steering wheel (). A second motor () is connected with the ball nut assembly (). A closed loop assembly () may be provided to control operation of the first motor (). An open loop assembly () may be provided to control operation of the second motor ().

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Lafayette, IN, United States of America

James Johnson