Patent ID: 6318494
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A drag link for a steer-by-wire system in a motor vehicle in which the steer-by-wire system has a separate electrical actuator for each front wheel of the motor vehicle, the drag link comprising a first rod connectable with one of the electrical actuators; a second rod connectable with the other of the electrical actuators; and a locking device connecting the first and second rods; wherein the first and second rods are substantially axially aligned on a common axis at the locking device; wherein the locking device includes a housing member having an internal surface defining a bore with an axis aligned with the common axis, a piston member positioned in the bore in sliding engagement with the internal surface, and lock means having a de-actuated state in which the piston member can move in the axial direction relative to the housing member, and an actuated state in which the piston member and the housing member are locked together; wherein the housing member is secured to the first rod; wherein the piston member is secured to the second rod; and wherein the lock means is actuated when the piston member moves in the axial direction relative to the housing member a distance greater than a predetermined distance from a central position.