Trw Limited

Steven A Peppler

William A Szabela

A vehicle steering apparatus ( ) includes a steering wheel motor ( ) which is connected with a steering wheel ( ) of a vehicle. The steering wheel motor ( ) is energizable by electric current to resist rotation of the steering wheel ( ). A variable resistor ( ) is connected in parallel with the steering wheel motor ( ) and is adjustable to vary the electric current which energizes the steering wheel motor. A road wheel steering motor ( ) is connectable with steerable road engaging wheels of the vehicle. The road wheel steering motor ( ) is energizable by electric current to effect turning movement of steerable road-engaging wheels in response to rotation of the steering wheel ( ). The variable resistor ( ) is connected in parallel with the road wheel steering motor ( ) and is adjustable to vary electric current which energizes the road wheel steering motor.

Vehicle steering apparatus

An apparatus ( ) for turning the steerable wheels ( ) of a vehicle in response to the turning of the steering wheel ( ). The apparatus ( ) includes a drive mechanism ( ), a first motor ( ), a second motor ( ), a sensor ( ) for sensing that the first motor ( ) is inoperative, and a torque sensor ( ). In response to the turning of the steering wheel ( ), the drive mechanism ( ), is actuated, resulting in a turning the steerable wheels ( ). The first motor ( ), for inputting motion to the drive mechanism ( ), is hydraulically powered. The second motor ( ), for inputting motion to the drive mechanism ( ), is electrically powered. The sensor ( ) for sensing that the first motor ( ) is inoperative produces an enabling signal and communicates the enabling signal to the second motor ( ) to enable the operation of the second motor ( ). The torque sensor ( ) responds to the turning of the steering wheel ( ) and controls the second motor ( ) when the second motor ( ) is enabled.

Hydraulically powered steering apparatus with electrically powered backup

A steering apparatus (,) for use in a vehicle (,) having a steerable road wheel (,) includes a steering member (,) supporting the road wheel for rotation relative to the steering member. A vehicle suspension part (,) supports the steering member (,) for pivotal movement about a steering axis (,). The vehicle suspension part (,) has a housing portion (,) defining a chamber (,). A piston (,) is located in the chamber (,) and divides the chamber into first and second chamber portions (,). The piston (,) is movable in response to changes in fluid pressure in the chamber portions (,). An output shaft (,) is rotatable in opposite directions in response to movement of the piston (,) in opposite directions. The output shaft (,) is connected to the steering member (,) to pivot the steering member about the steering axis (,) upon rotation of the output shaft.

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West Lafayette, IN, United States of America

Steven A Peppler