US4408673A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speed-controlled servo-assisted steering apparatus
Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
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Filing: 1981-06-29
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Granted: 1983-10-11
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Expires: 2001-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A servo-assisted power steering means is proposed in which one of the two track rod joints of the steered wheels is embodied as a linear force transducer. An electric or electronic switch is disposed in the tie rod or in the steering knuckle assembly and furnishes switching signals to an electric or electronic control device. These signals are then processed and supplied to a servo apparatus in order to reinforce the movement of the tie rod initiated by the driver via the steering wheel. The control device is part of a brake anti-lock apparatus, wherein the data pertaining to velocity which are required there are also used in the power steering in such a manner that the auxiliary force is switched on only in a low vehicle velocity range, so as to serve, for example, as an aid in parking of the motor vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz Leiber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:00
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D5/00; B62D5/06; B62D5/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A servo-assisted power steering apparatus and system for motor vehicles comprising a steering gear including a steering housing, said steering gear including a rack coupled to a steering knuckle assembly for steering a vehicle, a servo apparatus including a servo cylinder and piston therein with the servo cylinder supported from said steering housing and said piston is coupled by a rod and a crosspiece to said rack coupled to said steering knuckle assembly, said steering knuckle assembly including an electrical control means, a control device for processing signals picked up from said electrical control means and from engine speed sensors for producing an output signal, a master control element for controlling the servo apparatus in response to an output signal of the control device, and said electrical control means in the steering knuckle assembly having switching values fed to said control device in response to a position of said rack relative to said steering knuckle assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A servo-assisted power steering apparatus and system for motor vehicles comprising a steering gear including a steering housing, said steering gear including a rack coupled to a steering knuckle assembly for steering a vehicle, a servo apparatus including a servo cylinder and piston therein with the servo cylinder supported from said steering housing and said piston is coupled by a rod and a crosspiece to said rack coupled to said steering knuckle assembly, said steering knuckle assembly including an electrical control means, a control device for processing signals picked up from said electrical control means and from engine speed sensors for producing an output signal, a master control element for controlling the servo apparatus in response to an output signal of the control device, and said electrical control means in the steering knuckle assembly having switching values fed to said control device in response to a position of said rack relative to said steering knuckle assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A power steering means in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrical control means includes at least one contact means which is spring loaded to permit movement between another contact means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A power steering means in accordance with claim 1 wherein said control device is connected to engine speed transducers, said engine speed transducers and said control device arranged to monitor said steering gear and said servo apparatus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A power steering means in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrical control means is responsive to said steering gear.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which: said steering knuckle assembly includes a ball secured in a slidable cradle and secured to said rack, said slidable cradle including an electrical contact which is movable with said slidable cradle to complete an electrical circuit with said electrical control means corresponding to movement of said rack.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which said cradle is centered in said steering knuckle assembly by use of at least two centering springs which provide a counter force against movement of said cradle due to movement of said rack during steering of said vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which said cradle movement functions to control said electrical contact means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said electrical control means comprises a pair of electrical contacts and a movable grounding contact.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said electrical control means is a transducer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which said transducer is a Hall effect transducer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A power steering apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which said transducer is a piezoelectric transducer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-10-10 | 1987-04-11 | 1987-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-10 | 1991-04-11 | 1991-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-10 | 1995-04-11 | 1995-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |