Patent ID: 6209677
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A steering system for non-tracked motor vehicles, comprisinga driver operable steering handle;a steering adjusting drive for steering adjustment of steerable vehicle wheels;a steering-angle desired-value signal generator arranged to be operable by the steering handle;a steering-angle actual-value signal generator arranged to be operable by the steerable vehicle wheels,a continuously self monitoring automatic control system arranged to control the steering adjusting drive as a function of a comparison of desired and actual values of a steering angle and to continuously monitor an associated malfunction sensor system;and a forced coupling operatively arranged between the steering handle and the steerable vehicle wheels and configured to be opened up or remain open in an inoperative normal condition when the automatic control system operates correctly and to be automatically closed when the automatic control system is malfunctioning during an operative condition, wherein the forced coupling has a defined elasticity such that, in a switched-on condition of the forced coupling, forces and torques are transmittable between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels and cause a relative adjustment between the desired-value and actual-value signal generators, and, in the operative condition with a sufficient residual function of the automatic control system and the sensor system, the steering adjusting drive is controlled in accordance with an amount and direction of relative adjustment detectable from the signals of the desired-value and actual-value signal generators for generating a power steering force with a direction which reduces the transmittable forces and torques.