Patent ID: 7681688
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A steering apparatus, comprising: a difference generating mechanism that generates a difference of a steering amount in a rotational direction between an input shaft connected to a steering wheel and an output shaft connected to a steering unit that steers a wheel; a differential lock mechanism including a lock holder in which a plurality of groove portions are formed in an outer periphery thereof, the differential lock mechanism selectively allowing and prohibiting a generation of a difference of the steering amount between the input shaft and the output shaft by selectively engaging and disengaging an engaging member with respect to the groove portions; a rotation sensor that outputs a detection signal indicative of a position in the rotational direction of the lock holder; and a lock position detecting portion that detects which groove portion, from among the plurality of groove portions, the engaging member is engaged with based on the detection signal output from the rotation sensor when a side portion of one of the groove portions presses against a side portion of the engaging member.