Front wheel steering equipment for vehicle - provides servo steering for small deflections and mechanical steering for large deflections in steer by wire system

摘要

The steering column (18) is split into upper and lower sections by a special clutch (20) which provides a freewheel zone about the neutral setting. The extent of the zone to either direction is determined by the processor control. When the steering column is turned past the zone direct mechanical steering is obtained. Inside the zone the steering is 'steer by wire' enabling the vehicle to the stabilised. The steering deflections of the upper part of the steering column are monitored and the signals used to generate the servo steering. The processor control corrects for transverse movements, e.g. slewing. The auto control zone is reduced as the vehicle speed increases. ADVANTAGE - Improved steering stability; increased comfort; fail-safe control.