Patent ID: 6382342
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
An apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to turning of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the apparatus including:a drive mechanism for turning the steerable wheels, the drive mechanism being responsive to the turning of the steering wheel, motion of the drive mechanism turning the steerable wheels; a first motor for inputting motion to the drive mechanism, the first motor being hydraulically powered; a second motor for inputting motion to the drive mechanism only when the first motor is inoperative, the second motor being electrically powered; a sensor for sensing that the first motor is inoperative, the sensor producing an enabling signal and communicating the enabling signal to the second motor to enable operation of the second motor; and a torque sensor, the torque sensor being responsive to turning of the steering wheel, the torque sensor controlling the second motor when the second motor is enabled.