Motor vehicles – Having at least one wheel both driven and steerable – Steerable wheel has exclusive axis of pivot
Patent
1993-09-02
1994-11-22
Tyson, Karin L.
Motor vehicles
Having at least one wheel both driven and steerable
Steerable wheel has exclusive axis of pivot
280 961, B60K 1730
Patent
active
053660420
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention concerns a device having an originator unit, a receiver unit, and a signal-processing unit for detecting different steering angles of a driven wheel of an axle for a motor vehicle.
EP-B1-02 27 660 has disclosed such a device provided for actuating a differential lock such as used, for instance, in farm tractors or construction vehicles. Since the driving devices of such vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, it is desirable to detect, starting from a straight-ahead drive position, limiting angles of different magnitudes for each steering direction of a wheel. This is one objective of the instant invention. In addition, the device must be simply built from structural and constructional points of view, and be capable of meeting the partly unfavorable conditions existing in practice.
The problem on which the invention is based is solved by the fact that the originator unit and two sensors, as a receiver unit, work in conjunction for identifying discrete steering angles of the wheel, and that based on the possible switch conditions of the sensors, switch signals are made available by means of which the signal-processing unit detects the steering angles in accordance with a magnitude and direction thereof. The proposed solution has the particular advantage that for each steering direction of the wheel, specific steering angles can be exactly detected by simple means so that depending on the necessities created by practice, for example, more than one differential lock can be actuated in the input traction of the vehicle depending on the steering angle. For instance, an arrangement is conceivable where, in the presence of a first (small) limiting steering angle, a transverse differential of a front axle is engaged or disengaged, while upon reaching another (larger) limiting steering angle, the differential lock of a longitudinal differential can be engaged. The expert will apply the proposed fundamental solution to similar problems.
An advantageous design of the originator unit is distinguished by having sectors with leading edges. The leading edges produce switch conditions of the sensors with which at least two discrete steering angles can be detected for each steering direction of the wheel.
During the production of the originator unit, it is possible, at a small expense, for the sensors to have three steering angles for each steering direction of the wheel. In this case, the originator unit has four leading edges.
A simple solution is obtained when the originator unit is formed by an axle kingpin.
The arrangement of the sensors can be accomplished in a simple manner by making them extend radially to an axis of rotation of the kingpin. For this purpose, the sensors are preferably situated adjacently in one plane and form an angle with each other. They are mounted in bores of an axle bridge, for instance, by screwing in a thread. Other possible manners of fastening are obviously available to the manufacturer.
For the manufacture and also for the operational safety of the device, it is advantageous to pass the connecting wires of the sensors into a common duct.
Since the sensors must be accessible from outside for servicing and adjustment purposes, it is advantageous to protect them from external influences by a detachable sealing cover.
In order to further protect the sensors against damage, it is advantageous to place them on the side of the axle bridge remote from a forward direction of travel.
A preferred embodiment of the originator unit distinguishes itself by the presence of three sectors. The central sector, based on a neutral or straight-ahead travel position, is formed by a groove. When it is desired that absolute amounts of the steering angles in the leading edges or the sectors can be advantageously designed in a manner such that the discrete steering angles for each steering direction of the wheel deviate from each other. An especially simple adaptation to the steering geometry can be obtained with said steps.
Other essential features for the invention, and the advantages resultin
REFERENCES:
patent: 4775026 (1988-10-01), Sollbach et al.
patent: 4841808 (1989-06-01), Ouchi et al.
patent: 5004915 (1991-04-01), Umehara et al.
patent: 5088319 (1992-02-01), Hirose et al.
Patent Abstracts of Japan vol. 9, No. 334 (P-417) (2057) 27 Dec. 1985 & JP,A,60 158 313 (Toyota Jidosha K.K.) 19 Aug. 1985.
Ritzer Manfred
Sigl Peter
Wilks Eberhard
Hurley Kevin
Tyson Karin L.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
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