Automatic steering system
First Claim
1. An automatic steering system for a vehicle comprising:
- (a) switch means for switching from an automatic steering mode to a manual steering mode or vice versa;
(b) an automatic steering mechanism for turning a steering shaft independently of a steering wheel during the automatic steering mode;
(c) drive means for turning the steering wheel in synchronism with a turn created by the automatic steering mechanism when the switch means is operated to switch from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode; and
(d) mode control means for establishing a mode shift from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode when a turning angle of the steering shaft coincides with a turning angle of the steering wheel.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system installed on a steering mode switchable vehicle, for allowing a smooth mode shift from an automatic steering mode to a manual steering mode. During the automatic steering mode, a differential motor is activated to drive a tire drive mechanism, and a lock mechanism is operated to lock a steering wheel. In order to shift from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode, an ultrasonic motor, disposed at the coupling portion of the steering wheel and a steering shaft, is activated so that only the steering wheel is turned to make its turning amount coincide with the actual steering angle. Only after the detection of the angle coincidence are the ultrasonic motor and the differential motor turned off and the lock mechanism released. The steering mode is then shifted to the manual steering mode.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. An automatic steering system for a vehicle comprising:
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(a) switch means for switching from an automatic steering mode to a manual steering mode or vice versa; (b) an automatic steering mechanism for turning a steering shaft independently of a steering wheel during the automatic steering mode; (c) drive means for turning the steering wheel in synchronism with a turn created by the automatic steering mechanism when the switch means is operated to switch from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode; and (d) mode control means for establishing a mode shift from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode when a turning angle of the steering shaft coincides with a turning angle of the steering wheel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An automatic steering system for a vehicle comprising:
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(a) a first motor for driving a steering mechanism independently of a steering wheel to perform automatic steering; (b) a second motor for turning the steering wheel independently of the steering mechanism; and (c) a processor for driving the second motor in synchronism with the turning of the first motor to make a turning angle of the steering wheel coincide with an actual steering angle so as to shift from an automatic steering mode to a manual steering mode.
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Specification