A method of detecting objects located in an environment around a vehicle, comprises the steps of obtaining a 2D image of a scene from an image capture device fitted to the vehicle, generating a set of particles that each comprise a set of parameters that define the state of at least one object that may be present in the scene, calculating an edge strength and edge direction for each pixel of the captured 2D image; and for each particle in the set: generating a 3D probabilistic model of the object that is associated with the particle, the model defining a set of edges of the object, each edge in the model defined by at least one likelihood function defining a probabilistic distribution of at least one characteristic of the edge, mapping the likelihood functions of the probabilistic model into the 2D plane of the captured image as a function of the parameters of the particle; and processing the edge strength and edge direction values with the probability values to determine the likelihood that the particle defines the state of an object present in the environment.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
A method of controlling a motor, for example of an electric power steering system, includes receiving a motor torque demand signal indicative of a torque required from the motor. A current demand signal indicative of the currents to be applied to each phase to meet the torque demand is generated from the motor torque demand signal. One or more operational values from the motor are determined. The current demand signal is set as a function of one or more parameters of the motor obtained by fitting a flux linkage model to the measured operational values. A motor circuit having the permanent magnet electric motor includes a control stage arranged to generate the current demand signal in response to a torque demanded of the motor. A modifying means modifies the magnitude and/or the phase of the current demanded for each phase of the motor by the controller.
H02P 21/30 - Commande directe du couple [DTC] ou méthode d’accélération du champ [FAM]
H02P 21/00 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de machines électriques par commande par vecteur, p. ex. par commande de l’orientation du champ
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02P 27/12 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs avec modulation de largeur d'impulsions appliquant des impulsions en guidant le vecteur-flux, le vecteur-courant, ou le vecteur-tension sur un cercle ou une courbe fermée, p. ex. pour commande directe du couple
H02P 21/22 - Commande du courant, p. ex. en utilisant une boucle de commande
A method suitable for characterizing a motor, for instance a permanent magnet synchronous motor, includes obtaining a plurality of winding flux linkage values or terminal voltages of the motor, each corresponding to a different combination of phase current magnitude and phase advance. The resultant flux-linkage values or terminal voltages are transformed into the rotor dq reference frame. The flux linkage model is fitted to the one or more dq-axis flux-linkage values or terminal voltages and their linked phase current magnitude and phase advance using a process of parametric optimisation.
H02P 21/00 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de machines électriques par commande par vecteur, p. ex. par commande de l’orientation du champ
G06F 30/23 - Optimisation, vérification ou simulation de l’objet conçu utilisant les méthodes des éléments finis [MEF] ou les méthodes à différences finies [MDF]
A sensor apparatus includes a sensing means having one or more sensors. A processor unit processes data received from the one or more sensors. The processor unit has a processor, a memory which stores data used by the processor, and a memory controller that receives instructions from the processor and in response writes data output from the processor to the memory or retrieves data from the memory to the processor. The memory controller is configured to read and write data to one or more areas of the memory with ECC protection of the data and arranged to read and write data to one or more areas of the memory without applying any ECC protection. The sensor apparatus may be configured to process data captured from an antenna to identify the position and/or the range of at least one target in the line of sight of the antenna.
G06F 11/10 - Détection ou correction d'erreur par introduction de redondance dans la représentation des données, p. ex. en utilisant des codes de contrôle en ajoutant des chiffres binaires ou des symboles particuliers aux données exprimées suivant un code, p. ex. contrôle de parité, exclusion des 9 ou des 11
A steering column assembly is provided that includes an inner shroud portion and an outer shroud portion, the inner shroud portion extending into the outer shroud portion and including a rail. The rail includes a slot with two opposing sides, each of which has teeth. A toothed block is provided that engages with the teeth of the slot, when a clamping mechanism is actuated. The toothed block is supported by a carrier that allows the toothed block to be free to move from side-to-side when engaged with the slot, and the teeth of the slot and the toothed block are shaped such that the toothed block may engage the teeth of the slot at any position when the clamping mechanism is actuated. The teeth of a first side of the slot prevent the block from moving in a collapse direction of the assembly and the teeth of the second side of the slot permit movement in a collapse direction but apply a thrust towards the teeth of the first side. The carrier includes a biasing spring that urges the toothed block towards the first side of the slot.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/185 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables réglables par déplacement axial, p. ex. télescopiques
B62D 1/187 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant un réglage de l'inclinaisonColonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant un réglage axial et de l'inclinaison
A method of controlling an electric power assisted steering (EPS) system comprises the steps: During a first mode of operation of the EPS system driving a motor using two inverter bridges simultaneously, the nominal current that is applied to the motor at any time by each bridge being limited to a first value, and during a fault mode of operation driving the motor using only one of the two inverter bridges whereby the nominal current that is applied to the motor at any time in the fault mode is limited to a second value, the method varying the second value as a function of one or more operating parameters of the EPS system whereby the second value is set higher than the first value when it is deemed safe to do so.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02P 29/032 - Prévention d’un endommagement du moteur, p. ex. détermination de limites individuelles de courant pour différentes conditions de fonctionnement
A method of operating a radar apparatus comprises: (a) capturing a first chirp of data in the cycle and storing the data in a local storage memory; (b) processing the captured data to generate a set of range bin data, (c) transferring the range bin data from the local storage memory to a remote burst access memory, (d) repeating the steps (a) and (b) for each subsequent chirp, (e) repeating step (c) so as to transfer the range bin data from the local storage memory to the remote burst access memory, (f) transferring from the remote burst access memory into the local storage memory, (g) process the data transferred into the local storage memory to generate a set of velocity data, and repeating steps (f) and (g) until all of the data in the remote burst access memory block of data has been processed by the second FFT.
A method of controlling an electric power assisted steering (EPS) system comprising one or more inverter bridges each connected to a multi-phase motor configured to provide power assist to steering of a vehicle, wherein each inverter comprises a plurality of switching elements each associated with a phase of the motor, the method comprising in response to detecting a predefined event affecting current flow in one or more of the inverter bridges, preventing current flow in said one or more affected inverters by applying a gate-source voltage to one or more of the switching elements of the affected inverter bridge(s), wherein the switching elements are configured to conduct in the off-state when reverse biased beyond a reverse conduction threshold voltage, and wherein applying the gate-source voltage comprises applying a negative gate-source voltage to control the reverse conduction threshold voltage of the switching elements in the off-state only at a time when there is no current flowing in the direction drain to source through the switching device that exceeds a threshold value.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02P 23/14 - Estimation ou adaptation des paramètres des moteurs, p. ex. constante de temps du rotor, flux, vitesse, courant ou tension
H02P 27/08 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs avec modulation de largeur d'impulsions
9.
A RADAR APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF DETECTING MISALIGNMENT
A radar apparatus for use in a vehicle (10) comprises a radar sensor (16), a first 3-axis accelerometer (15) fixed so it cannot move relative to the radar sensor; and a signal processing apparatus (17) configured in use to determine a misalignment of the radar sensor by processing one or more of the signals output from the first 3-axis accelerometer with one or more signals output from at least one further sensor (14) fitted to the vehicle, in which the signal processing apparatus is arranged to process the signals using a scheme which determines any misalignment in pitch or roll of the radar sensor when the vehicle is stationary and additionally determines any offset in yaw when the vehicle is moving.
A method of determining an offset between an angular position indicated by a rotary position sensor assembly secured directly or indirectly to the rotor of a multiphase permanent magnet AC motor and an actual electrical position of the motor rotor, comprises the steps of: applying a voltage vector to the motor, which is aligned with a known angular position of the motor; waiting for the motor rotor to move to a location in which the vector when considered in the dq frame of reference is centered on the d-axis; measuring the angular position of the rotor indicated by the position sensor, and determining the offset from the difference between the measured angular position and the known actual position of the vector.
A radar apparatus for use in a vehicle (1) comprises a radar housing (6) which houses a radar sensor (7), a first 3-axis accelerometer (8) fixed so it cannot move relative to the radar sensor (7); a movable support (9) that comprises a first part (10), a second part (12), and an actuator (13) in which in use the first part (10) is fixed relative to the body (11) of the vehicle, the second part (12) is fixed relative to the radar housing (6), and the actuator is operable to move the second part relative to the first part around an axis that is fixed relative to the vehicle body by an actuator, and a signal processing apparatus (15) configured in use to determine a misalignment of the radar sensor from one or more of the signals output from the first 3-axis accelerometer (8) and one or more signals output from a second 3- axis accelerometer (16) fitted to the vehicle (1), in which the signals used are captured at different moments in time when the second part of the movable support is in two different positions.
A 3D imaging system includes a light source arranged to illuminate a scene with at least one optical pulse including light of at least two discrete wavelengths; an optical detector including an array of detection elements; and an optical modulator interposed in the optical path between the scene and the optical detector, the modulator being arranged to differentially amplitude modulate the two wavelengths in the reflected portion of the optical pulse as a function of time.
G01S 7/4863 - Réseaux des détecteurs, p. ex. portes de transfert de charge
G01S 17/10 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes à modulation d'impulsion interrompues
G01S 17/93 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions
G02B 27/10 - Systèmes divisant ou combinant des faisceaux
G01S 17/894 - Imagerie 3D avec mesure simultanée du temps de vol sur une matrice 2D de pixels récepteurs, p. ex. caméras à temps de vol ou lidar flash
A handwheel actuator assembly (600) for a steer by wire steering system of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly (600) comprises a steering wheel 601 and a feedback torque generator. The steering wheel (601) has at least one hand grip portion rotatable around an axis of rotation of the steering wheel (601) which can be gripped by a driver and a hub (602) that supports the hand grip portion. The feedback torque generator comprises an electric motor which has a stator 609 and a rotor (610). The rotor (610) is directly or indirectly fixed to and rotates with the hub of the steering wheel (601) and the stator (609) is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle body such that it cannot rotate relative to the vehicle body. The motor comprises a brushless permanent magnet Vernier motor.
A method of determining the characteristics of a scene around a vehicle comprises capturing a stereo pair of images of the scene and processing the images to produce a depth map of the scene. Each pixel in the depth map is assigned a value that corresponds to the range of a corresponding region in the scene, the pixels being arranged in a grid of rows and columns with each column of pixels in the grid corresponding to a vertically oriented set of regions in the scene and each row a horizontally oriented set of regions in the scene. The values for one or more columns of pixels in the depth map are binned to form a corresponding histogram, each bin in the histogram having a count value that corresponds to the number of pixels in the column that have a depth within the range assigned to the bin. The or each of the range bin histograms are processed to determine for the or each histogram the lowest range bin that is indicative that an object that represents a non-drivable region is present at a depth that lies in the range of depths assigned to the bin, thereby identifying the location of one or more boundary points that lie on a boundary of a drivable space in the scene.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
G06T 7/593 - Récupération de la profondeur ou de la forme à partir de plusieurs images à partir d’images stéréo
A control circuit for a multi-phase motor (57) comprises a plurality of inverter bridges, a plurality of outputs, and at least one isolation switch (62, 63). Each inverter bridge is arranged to provide an output voltage for a phase of the motor (57). Each output is arranged to be coupled to one phase of the motor (57) to provide the output voltage to that phase of the motor (57). Each isolation switch (62, 63) is coupled between one of the inverter bridges and one of the outputs, so as to selectively isolate the output from the inverter bridge. Each isolation switch (62, 63) comprises a Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistor.
An interior permanent magnet motor comprising a rotor having a set of permanent magnets placed within the interior of the rotor and a stator which surrounds the rotor and has a set of stator teeth defining slots between adjacent teeth. The stator also includes a plurality of stator windings that extend around the teeth and within the slots, the rotor and stator defining an airgap there between, in which an outer peripheral surface of the rotor that faces the stator across the airgap is provided with a respective eccentric bulge in the region of each rotor magnet. The bulge has a part-elliptical shape, the centre of the circumference of the bulge lying on or close to an axis that passes through the axis of rotation of the rotor and through a point on or close to the circumferential centre of the associated magnet, and in which the two ends of the part-elliptical bulge respectively connect to a region of the periphery that interconnects to an adjacent bulge, in which the dimensions of the bulge are selected so as to optimise the motor in terms of minimising variations in cogging torque that arise due to geometric manufacturing errors.
H02K 1/27 - Noyaux rotoriques à aimants permanents
H02K 29/03 - Moteurs ou génératrices à dispositifs de commutation non mécaniques, p. ex. tubes à décharge ou dispositifs à semi-conducteurs avec un circuit magnétique spécialement adapté pour éviter des ondulations du couple ou des problèmes de démarrage autonome
17.
Vehicle kinetic control system for a rear wheel of a vehicle
A vehicle kinematic control circuit for a vehicle adjusts the track of one or more rear wheels of the vehicle through a limited angular range, using an electric motor, connected mechanically to at least one rear wheel. The motor has at least two independently operable sets of phase windings, each set comprising at least two phase windings, each set connected to a motor bridge, controlled by a microcontroller. In normal use the microcontroller generates motor control signals that apply appropriate PWM modulated voltage waveforms to the set of phase windings connected to that bridge to drive the rotor of the motor in a first manner thereby to actively steer the rear wheel. A fault detection circuit monitors the operation of the one microcontroller, the motor bridge driver circuit, and the two sets of phase windings, to detect a fault condition, and in the event of a fault condition being detected causes one of the non-faulty motor bridges and an associated non-faulty set of phase windings to be operated to drive the rotor of the motor in a second, different manner.
A01B 69/00 - Direction des machines ou instruments agricolesGuidage des machines ou instruments agricoles selon un parcours déterminé
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
B62D 7/15 - Timonerie de directionFusées ou leur montage pour roues pivotant individuellement, p. ex. sur pivot de fusée les axes de pivotement étant situés dans plus d'un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du véhicule, p. ex. toutes les roues étant directrices caractérisée par des moyens modifiant le rapport entre les angles de direction des roues directrices
H02P 29/032 - Prévention d’un endommagement du moteur, p. ex. détermination de limites individuelles de courant pour différentes conditions de fonctionnement
H02M 7/5387 - Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant continu en une puissance de sortie en courant alternatif sans possibilité de réversibilité par convertisseurs statiques utilisant des tubes à décharge avec électrode de commande ou des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs avec électrode de commande utilisant des dispositifs du type triode ou transistor exigeant l'application continue d'un signal de commande utilisant uniquement des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs, p. ex. onduleurs à impulsions à un seul commutateur dans une configuration en pont
H02P 27/08 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs avec modulation de largeur d'impulsions
H02P 29/028 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge le moteur continuant de fonctionner malgré le défaut, p. ex. élimination, compensation ou résolution du défaut
H02P 29/024 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge
An electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a steering mechanism which operatively connects a steering wheel to the road wheels of a vehicle, an electric motor operatively connected to the steering mechanism, a torque signal generator adapted to produce a torque signal Tcol, a column angular position signal generator for producing a column angle signal Qcol and a signal processing unit adapted to receive the column torque signal Tcol and the column angle signal Qcol and to produce therefrom a torque demand signal Tdemand representative of a torque to be applied to the steering mechanism. The signal processing means (7) includes a first signal processing circuit (12) which receives an input signal Tcol dependent on the column torque signal and outputs an assistance torque signal, the relationship between the input and the output of the first signal processing circuit being defined by a boost curve, and a second signal processing circuit (13) which generates a friction compensating torque signal, the value of the friction compensating torque being derived from observations of both the column torque signal Tcol and the column angle signal Qcol over time. A torque demand signal generating circuit adapted to produce the torque demand signal is a function of both the friction compensating torque and the assistance torque signal, at least partially assists the driver in overcoming the effects of static and/or kinetic friction.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion including a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud that may be rotated around its long axis by operation of a locking lever, and a toothed block that is connected to the clamp bolt having a row of teeth on each side, the pitch between teeth of each row being equal to, or a whole multiple of, the pitch of the teeth of a corresponding row of the slot. The toothed block is supported by a carrier that moves in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to in turn move the toothed block between a clamped position and an unclamped position and supports the toothed block such that the toothed block is free to move from side to side when in the slot. The teeth of a first row of the slot and the corresponding teeth of the toothed block when in flank to flank contact prevent axial movement of the toothed block along the slot in a direction corresponding to a telescopic collapse of the shroud and in that the teeth of a second row of the slot and the corresponding teeth of the toothed block permit axial movement of the toothed block along the slot in a direction corresponding to a collapse of the shroud whilst applying a thrust to the toothed block that moves the toothed block sideways across the slot so that the flanks of the teeth of the first row face the flanks of the corresponding teeth of the toothed block.
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
A control system for an electric motor comprises a current controller which produces a set of voltage demands for the motor, a current sensing means arranged to produce a current sensing output indicative of electric current in the motor, and a current signal processing means arranged to process the current sensing output signal to produce a modified current signal in which at least one harmonic component present in the current sensing output signal due to inaccuracies in the current measurement is removed or substantially reduced. The modified current signal is combined with a demanded motor current to provide the input to the current controller.
H02P 21/05 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de machines électriques par commande par vecteur, p. ex. par commande de l’orientation du champ spécialement adaptés pour amortir les oscillations des moteurs, p. ex. pour la réduction du pompage
H02P 29/024 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge
A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, a toothed block that is connected to the clamp bolt and is displaced on rotation of the clamp bolt, and a carrier element that supports the toothed block and is movable in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to in turn move the toothed block between a clamped position and an unclamped position and is free to move from side to side relative to the slot. A frangible pin secures the toothed block to the carrier element, the frangible pin having a first end located in a bore in the toothed block and a second end located in a bore in the carrier element, the toothed block being supported on a shoulder of the frangible pin, and a clearance is provided between the frangible pin and the walls of one of the bores to permit side to side movement of the toothed block relative to the carrier element.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
A steering column assembly comprises a support bracket, a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, an energy absorbing mechanism that includes a puller, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion including a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion, the slot defining two opposing walls which each carry a row of teeth, the two rows thereby being spaced apart from one another with the teeth extending towards each other; the puller being positioned adjacent the slot, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, and a toothed block having a row of teeth on each side, the pitch between teeth of each row being equal to, or a whole multiple of, the pitch of the teeth of the corresponding row of the slot. The block is supported by a carrier element that moves in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to move, in turn, the toothed block between a clamped position. A contact face of the puller and a contact face of the toothed block are arranged such that the toothed block is prevented from rotating more than a predetermined amount when forced onto the puller, urging the toothed block into engagement with the teeth of the slot.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
Apparatus for detecting misalignment of a radar unit (2) of a vehicle (3), the apparatus comprising: a rotational speed sensor (1) arranged to measure the rotational speed of the radar unit (2) about at least one axis and having an output for a signal indicative of the rotational speed; and a processor (5) arranged coupled to the output of the rotational speed sensor; in which the processor (5) is arranged to determine the misalignment at least in part based on the rotational speed measured by the rotational speed sensor (1).
G01C 21/16 - NavigationInstruments de navigation non prévus dans les groupes en utilisant des mesures de la vitesse ou de l'accélération exécutées à bord de l'objet navigantNavigation à l'estime en intégrant l'accélération ou la vitesse, c.-à-d. navigation par inertie
Apparatus for detecting misalignment of a radar unit (2; 22) of a vehicle (3; 23), the apparatus comprising: a magnet (1; 21), which may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, arranged to be mounted on the vehicle (3; 23) spaced from the radar unit (2; 22); a magnetic field sensor (4; 24), typically a three-axis magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall Effect Sensor, arranged to be coupled to the radar unit (2; 22) and having an output at which a signal indicative of the magnetic field at the magnetic field sensor (4; 24); and a processor (5; 25) coupled to the output and arranged to determine a misalignment of the radar unit (2; 22) based on the output of the magnetic field sensor (4; 24). Where the magnet is an electromagnet (21), the field strength of the electromagnet (21) can be varied by its drive circuit (30).
Apparatus for detecting misalignment of a radar unit (2) of a vehicle (3), the apparatus comprising: an accelerometer (4) arranged to determine the acceleration of the radar unit (2) along three axes, and having an output for a signal indicative of the acceleration; and a processor arranged coupled to the output of the accelerometer; in which the processor is arranged to determine the misalignment based on the acceleration measured by the accelerometer (4), and in which the determination of the misalignment is made: about two axes, if the vehicle (3) is stationary; and about a third axis perpendicular to the two axes when the vehicle is moving.
G01C 21/16 - NavigationInstruments de navigation non prévus dans les groupes en utilisant des mesures de la vitesse ou de l'accélération exécutées à bord de l'objet navigantNavigation à l'estime en intégrant l'accélération ou la vitesse, c.-à-d. navigation par inertie
A timer circuit for use with a dual lane motor controller has two motor controllers, each motor controller generating PWM drive signals having a period defined by a respective timer of the timer circuit.The timer circuit comprises a first processing circuit associated with the first motor controller and comprising a first oscillator circuit, a first timer which outputs a first timer signal each time the oscillator circuit has completed a set integer number N of oscillations, and a second processing circuit associated with the second motor controller and comprising a second oscillator circuit. The second processing circuit includes a second timer which outputs a second timer signal each time the oscillator circuit has completed an integer number N* of oscillations, and calculates a value of N* that is dependent on the difference between the frequency of the first oscillator circuit and the second oscillator circuit required to match the period of the second timer signal to the period of the first timer signal.
H02P 5/46 - Dispositions spécialement adaptées à la régulation ou la commande de la vitesse ou du couple d’au moins deux moteurs électriques pour la régulation de vitesse de plusieurs moteurs dynamo-électriques en relation les uns avec les autres
A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to an upper face of the inner shroud portion including a slot, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, a rocker comprising a body from which extends a lever arm, the body having an opening through which the clamp bolt passes, the rocker converting a rotation of the clamp bolt about its axis in a first direction into an upward motion of the lever arm and into a downward motion when the clamp bolt is rotated in the opposing second direction, a toothed block having two opposed racks of locking teeth that is connected to a carrier element, the carrier element in turn being connected to the lever of the rocker arm such that movement of the lever arm up and down causes movement of the carrier element up and down between an upper position and a lower position. When the carrier element is in one of the upper position and the lower position, the toothed block is located within the slot such that one of the rows of teeth of the block engages a row of teeth of the slot, and whereby, with the carrier element in the other of the upper position and the lower position, the teeth of toothed block are held clear of the slot, and in which the connection between the clamp bolt and the carrier defines a lost motion mechanism that prevents some of the rotational movement of the clamp bolt from being converted into movement of the toothed block.
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/185 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables réglables par déplacement axial, p. ex. télescopiques
An electronic control unit for a vehicle, the electronic control unit comprising a processor comprising: a processor core; storage, the storage storing data comprising instructions for the processor core; a tamper-resistant hardware security module which is coupled to the storage for reading and writing; and an external interface; the electronic control unit further comprising further storage connected to the processor through the external interface and containing further data; in which the hardware security module is arranged to cause a determination whether the data in the storage has been tampered with and, on a determination that the data has been tampered with, to cause the further data to be loaded into the storage from the further storage over the external interface. Other apparatus and methods for improving the security of electronic control circuits are disclosed.
H04L 29/00 - Dispositions, appareils, circuits ou systèmes non couverts par un seul des groupes
G06F 21/72 - Protection de composants spécifiques internes ou périphériques, où la protection d'un composant mène à la protection de tout le calculateur pour assurer la sécurité du calcul ou du traitement de l’information dans les circuits de cryptographie
G06F 21/57 - Certification ou préservation de plates-formes informatiques fiables, p. ex. démarrages ou arrêts sécurisés, suivis de version, contrôles de logiciel système, mises à jour sécurisées ou évaluation de vulnérabilité
G06F 21/78 - Protection de composants spécifiques internes ou périphériques, où la protection d'un composant mène à la protection de tout le calculateur pour assurer la sécurité du stockage de données
A monitoring system for an electric power-assisted steering system comprising a DC power supply; an inverter bridge including a plurality of bridge switches selectively connecting phases of a multi-phase electric motor to the DC power supply, the multi-phase electric motor being configured to provide power-assistance to a steering system of a vehicle; a bridge driver circuit for providing control signals to the inverter bridge; and a DC link capacitor circuit interposed between the DC power supply and the inverter bridge, the DC link capacitor circuit at least one DC link capacitor. The monitoring system comprises a monitoring circuit configured to monitor the integrity of the DC link capacitor circuit, and outputting a ripple value indicative of a ripple voltage in an output of the DC power supply; and comparison means for comparing the ripple value with at least one ripple parameter indicative of a fault in the DC link capacitor circuit and determining whether a fault is present.
H02P 1/00 - Dispositions de démarrage de moteurs électriques ou de convertisseurs dynamo-électriques
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02P 27/08 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs avec modulation de largeur d'impulsions
B62D 6/00 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande
H02P 29/024 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing which houses a wormshaft carrying a worm gear and a gear wheel having a set of gearwheel teeth that is supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing assembly at an end furthest from the motor, and the gear wheel being supported by an output shaft having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly. A first fulcrum means located on a first side of the main bearing assembly which reacts only the axial component of the wormshaft tooth load for a first direction of a gearwheel torque and a second fulcrum means located on a second, opposing, side of the main bearing assembly, which reacts only the axial component of the wormshaft tooth load for the second direction of gearwheel torque, the points of contact of the first and second fulcrums with the main bearing assembly defining an axis around which the main bearing assembly may pivot.
F16H 57/028 - Boîtes de vitessesMontage de la transmission à l'intérieur caractérisés par des moyens de réduction des vibrations ou du bruit
F16H 55/24 - Dispositifs particuliers de rattrapage de jeu entre les dentures
F16H 57/039 - Boîtes de vitesses pour engrenages à vis sans fin
F16H 57/021 - Structures de support d'arbres, p. ex. parois de séparation, orifices de logement de paliers, parois de carter ou couvercles avec paliers
F16H 57/02 - Boîtes de vitessesMontage de la transmission à l'intérieur
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16H 57/12 - Dispositions non prévues ailleurs pour ajuster ou pour reprendre le jeu
A combined motor and gearbox assembly for an electric power steering system comprising an electric motor, a gearbox which includes a gearset that is connected on an input part to a rotor of the motor and in use is connected at an output part at least indirectly to a steering column shaft to transfer torque from the motor rotor to the steering column shaft, a motor drive circuit, a gearbox housing which in use accommodates the gearset of the gearbox, the electric motor including a motor housing, and a baseplate which connects an end face of the gearbox housing to an end face of the gearbox housing and which supports the drive circuit. At least one bolt having a stem passes through a central hole in a tubular rivet that secures the motor housing to the baseplate, the bolt securing the baseplate to the gearbox housing.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
A motor assembly for coupling with a gearbox comprises a motor including a stator and a rotor having a rotor shaft; a flexible coupling means attached to the rotor shaft for transferring torque from the rotor shaft to the gearbox and a motor position sensing means for sensing a position of the rotor shaft, the motor position sensing means including a target element and detecting means for detecting the position of the target element. The target element is supported by the flexible coupling means leading to a reduction in component count.
H02K 7/116 - Association structurelle avec des embrayages, des freins, des engrenages, des poulies ou des démarreurs mécaniques avec des engrenages
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02K 11/215 - Dispositifs utilisant un effet magnétique, p. ex. des éléments à effet Hall ou magnéto-résistifs
F16D 3/68 - Accouplements extensibles, c.-à-d. avec moyens permettant le mouvement entre parties accouplées durant leur entraînement avec pièces d'accouplement reliées par un ou plusieurs organes intermédiaires comportant des éléments élastiques disposés entre les parois sensiblement radiales des deux pièces d'accouplement les éléments étant en caoutchouc ou faits d'un matériau similaire
A drum brake for a vehicle, comprises a drum, a pair of brake shoes located inside the drum, each facing an inner lining of the drum, an actuator mechanism which is connected at a first end to one of the brake shoes and at an opposing second end to the other of the brake shoes, operation of the brake causing the length of the actuator mechanism to increase, thereby pushing the two shoes away from each other to press the shoes onto the drum when braking is required, and a self-adjuster assembly which interconnects the pair of brake shoes. The self-adjuster assembly comprises a strut having an adjustable length formed from two inter-engaging parts, and a retraction spring that interconnects the two shoes that in use forces the shoes back out of contact with the drum once the actuator mechanism is released. The strut comprises a two-part latching assembly that allows extension of the strut along a linear or curvilinear path, in which the first part of the latching assembly carries a set of teeth that are resiliently engageable with a corresponding set of teeth of resilient teeth of the second part in a plurality of different positions to define a set of discrete lengths for the strut.
F16D 65/54 - Dispositifs de réglage mécaniques agissant automatiquement dans une direction pour le réglage d'un jeu excessif par réglage linéaire direct
A steering column assembly comprises a shroud having an upper shroud part and a lower shroud part movable telescopically relative to one another, and a steering shaft. The upper shroud part carries an energy absorbing device which in normal use moves together with the upper shroud part. A blocking device is fixed to the lower shroud part or to a part of the vehicle that is fixed relative to the lower shroud part; and a connecting rod is connected at a first end to the blocking device and at a second end to a spring which is in turn connected to the lower shroud part or to the fixed part of the vehicle. An initiator module engages with a part of the connecting rod or spring when the blocking mechanism is in the unlocked position thereby to isolate the blocking device from the force of the spring and is held clear of energy absorbing device. In the locked position, the initiator module moves clear of the connecting rod and the blocking device moves into positive engagement with the energy absorbing mechanism.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/185 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables réglables par déplacement axial, p. ex. télescopiques
35.
Processing received radiation reflected from a target
A method of and apparatus for processing received radiation (e.g. RADAR radiation) reflected from a target, the method comprising generating a set of predicted targets, the set of predicted targets comprising at least one member, each member representing a state of the target, generating a predicted waveform for the radiation for each member dependent upon the state of the target, and comparing each predicted waveform with a waveform of the received radiation to determine the accuracy with which the state of the target represented by the member for which the predicted waveform was generated matches an actual state of the target.
G01S 7/41 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant l'analyse du signal d'écho pour la caractérisation de la cibleSignature de cibleSurface équivalente de cible
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoireSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 7/48 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 13/34 - Systèmes pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 15/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la trajectoire ou de la vitesseSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 13/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes radio, p. ex. systèmes radarSystèmes analogues utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes dont la nature ou la longueur d'onde sont sans importance ou non spécifiées
G01S 13/72 - Systèmes radar de poursuiteSystèmes analogues pour la poursuite en deux dimensions, p. ex. combinaison de la poursuite en angle et de celle en distance, radar de poursuite pendant l'exploration
G01S 17/931 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions de véhicules terrestres
G01S 13/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
G01S 7/539 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant l'analyse du signal d'écho pour la caractérisation de la cibleSignature de cibleSurface équivalente de cible
G01S 13/931 - Radar ou systèmes analogues, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions de véhicules terrestres
G01S 13/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoireSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 15/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
G01S 15/931 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions de véhicules terrestres
G01S 13/46 - Détermination indirecte des données relatives à la position
G01S 15/34 - Systèmes pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
A telescopic steering column assembly includes at least one support bearing assembly that comprises an inner bearing race which is located on the steering shaft, an outer bearing race that is located on an inner face of a shroud, and a set of ball bearings that are located between the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race and are free to roll along bearing surfaces defined by the bearing races. Each of the bearing races comprises a pair of annular bearing race parts, defining a circumferentially extending bearing surface arranged coaxially and spaced apart from each other axially such that varying the spacing between the two parts varies the effective radius of the bearing race. The support bearing assembly further comprising an inner annular support sleeve that is located between the inner bearing race and the inner shaft, an outer annular support sleeve that is located between the outer bearing race and the shroud, and a biasing means that in use applies an axially directed thrust between a first one of the annular support sleeves and one of the respective bearing race parts, and the bearing assembly is arranged such that the axial thrust applied by the biasing means is converted into a radial thrust that is applied to the inner bearing race and outer bearing race to force them into engagement with the inner and outer sleeves respectively.
An electric power assisted steering system includes an upper column shaft connected to a steering wheel, a lower column shaft connected to road wheels, a torsion bar interconnecting the upper column shaft and the lower column shaft, and a processor that produces a torque signal indicative of torsion bar torque. An electric motor is connected to the lower column shaft, and a motor position sensor provides a motor position signal dependent on the angular position of the motor rotor that repeats after the motor rotates through an angular range. The processor determines a base motor position at start up by comparing the motor position signal with a signal from a sensor associated with the upper column shaft to determine three candidates and, during subsequent unpowered motion of the steering system rules out two candidates until only one plausible candidate for the base motor position remains.
B62D 6/10 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande réagissant uniquement au couple d'entrée caractérisées par les moyens pour détecter le couple
B62D 15/02 - Indicateurs de direction ou aides de direction
G01L 5/22 - Appareils ou procédés pour la mesure des forces, du travail, de la puissance mécanique ou du couple, spécialement adaptés à des fins spécifiques pour la mesure de la force appliquée aux organes de commande, p. ex. organes de commande des véhicules, détentes
G01L 3/10 - Dynamomètres de transmission rotatifs dans lesquels l'élément transmettant le couple comporte un arbre élastique en torsion impliquant des moyens électriques ou magnétiques d'indication
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
A method of controlling an electric power assisted steering (EPS) apparatus comprises a plurality of inverter bridges each connected to a multi-phase motor configured to provide power assist to steering of a vehicle. After detection of a failure within one of said inverter bridges, the current flow within the faulty inverter bridge is controlled, and one or more of the other inverter bridges is used to provide power assistance. A control system for an electric power assisted steering (EPS) apparatus comprises a plurality of inverter bridges each connected to a multi-phase motor configured to provide power assist to steering of a vehicle, selection means for selectively operating switches in an inverter bridge in which a failure has been detected to control the current flow within the faulty inverter bridge, and control means for controlling one or more of the other inverter bridges to provide power assistance in accordance with the method.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
39.
Gearbox assembly for an electric power steering assembly
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing which houses a worm shaft and a gear wheel, the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing assembly at an end furthest from the motor. The main bearing assembly comprises an inner race and an outer race separated by bearing elements, the outer race being supported by a carrier that is supported by an axle that is in turn secured to gearbox housing, the axle defining a pivot axis for the worm shaft that is located on the side of the worm shaft closest to the wheel gear and extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the worm shaft and parallel to the axis of the wheel gear.
F16H 57/12 - Dispositions non prévues ailleurs pour ajuster ou pour reprendre le jeu
F16H 55/24 - Dispositifs particuliers de rattrapage de jeu entre les dentures
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16C 19/16 - Paliers à contact de roulement pour mouvement de rotation exclusivement avec roulements à billes essentiellement du même calibre, en une ou plusieurs rangées circulaires pour charges à la fois radiales et axiales avec une seule rangée de billes
F16H 1/16 - Transmissions à engrenages pour transmettre un mouvement rotatif sans engrenages à mouvement orbital comportant uniquement deux organes engrenés dont les axes ne sont pas parallèles comportant une vis sans fin et une roue à vis sans fin
F16H 57/022 - Ajustement d'arbres ou de paliers de transmission
F16H 57/021 - Structures de support d'arbres, p. ex. parois de séparation, orifices de logement de paliers, parois de carter ou couvercles avec paliers
F16H 57/039 - Boîtes de vitesses pour engrenages à vis sans fin
A method of controlling an electric power assisted steering (EPS) system comprising one or more inverter bridges each connected to a multi-phase motor configured to provide power assist to steering of a vehicle, each inverter comprising a plurality of switching elements each associated with a phase of the motor, is provided. The method comprises, preventing current flow in said one or more affected inverters by applying a gate-source voltage to one or more of the switching elements of the affected inverter bridge(s) in response to detecting a predefined event affecting current flow in one or more of the inverter bridges. A control system for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprising one or more inverter bridges and a control means configured to control the switching elements in accordance with the method is also provided.
H02P 6/16 - Dispositions de circuits pour détecter la position
H02P 5/74 - Dispositions spécialement adaptées à la régulation ou la commande de la vitesse ou du couple d’au moins deux moteurs électriques pour commander au moins deux moteurs dynamo-électriques à courant alternatif
H02M 7/49 - Combinaison des formes de tension de sortie d'une pluralité de convertisseurs
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02H 7/122 - Circuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour convertisseursCircuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour redresseurs pour convertisseurs ou redresseurs statiques pour onduleurs, c.-à-d. convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif
H02M 7/5387 - Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant continu en une puissance de sortie en courant alternatif sans possibilité de réversibilité par convertisseurs statiques utilisant des tubes à décharge avec électrode de commande ou des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs avec électrode de commande utilisant des dispositifs du type triode ou transistor exigeant l'application continue d'un signal de commande utilisant uniquement des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs, p. ex. onduleurs à impulsions à un seul commutateur dans une configuration en pont
A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, the shroud comprising an upper shroud portion and a lower shroud portion, in which the upper shroud portion is located towards the end of the steering shaft that is nearest the steering wheel and the lower portion is located towards the end of the shaft furthest from the steering wheel, the upper portion being at least partially received within the lower portion so that the upper portion can telescopically collapse into the lower portion during a crash, a support bracket that in use is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two support bracket arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud, a clamp rail that is releasably secured to the upper shroud portion, the clamp rail including a slot that extends generally horizontally, and a clamp pin that extends through an opening in each of the arms of the bracket and through the generally horizontal slot in the rail, the clamp pin carrying a clamp mechanism that is movable between an unclamped position in which the rail can move freely relative to the clamp pin and a clamped position in which the rail is fixed relative to the clamp pin. The rail is secured to the upper shroud portion by a deformable tab which protrudes from the upper shroud portion to hook onto a part of the rail that faces the steering wheel end of the shroud. In use of the assembly with the cam mechanism in the clamped condition the tab is deformable under a predefined load applied to the upper shroud so as to unhook from the rail allowing the upper shroud to move axially relative to the rail and hence relative to the clam pin to permit collapse of the steering column shroud.
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
A method of detecting objects located in an environment around a vehicle, comprises the steps of obtaining a2D image of a scene from an image capture device fitted to the vehicle,generating a set of particles that each comprise a set of parameters that define the state of at least one object that may be present in the scene,calculating an edge strength and edge direction for each pixel of the captured 2D image; and for each particle in the set: generating a 3D probabilistic model of the object that is associated with the particle, the model defining a set of edges of the object, each edge in the model defined by at least one likelihood function defining a probabilistic distribution of at least one characteristic of the edge,mapping the likelihood functions of the probabilistic model into the 2D plane of the captured image as a function of the parameters of the particle; and processing the edge strength and edge direction values with the probability values to determine the likelihood that the particle defines the state of an object present in the environment.
A method of determining the boundary of a driveable space in a scene around a vehicle, comprises capturing a first colour image of the scene, computing a set of histograms of oriented gradients, for instance using a HOG algorithm, each histogram corresponding to a cell in a set of cells, assigning an entropy value to the cell by computing the entropy of the histogram for the cell, dividing the image into bins in a way that corresponds to a rectangular grid in the real world, and calculating an overall entropy value for each bin from the entropy values for the cells in the bin and an overall colour characteristic value for each bin. The entropy value and colour characteristic value for each bin are fed into a classifier that is configured to classify regions of the image corresponding to each bin as regions likely to be driveable space or that are not likely to be driveable space, from which the boundary is derived.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
G06K 9/46 - Extraction d'éléments ou de caractéristiques de l'image
44.
Processing a signal representative of at least one physical property of a physical system
A method of processing a signal representative of at least one physical property of a physical system comprising generating a set of predicted signals, the set of predicted signals comprising at least one member, each member representing a physical state of the physical system, generating a predicted waveform or the signal for each member dependent upon the physical state, and comparing each predicted waveform with the signal to determine the accuracy with which the physical state represented by the member for which the predicted signal was generated matches an actual physical state of the physical system. In an example embodiment, the physical system is a tyre and the state includes the air pressure within the tyre.
G01S 13/88 - Radar ou systèmes analogues, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01L 17/00 - Dispositifs ou appareils pour mesurer la pression des pneumatiques ou la pression dans d'autres corps gonflés
G01L 9/00 - Mesure de la pression permanente, ou quasi permanente d’un fluide ou d’un matériau solide fluent par des éléments électriques ou magnétiques sensibles à la pressionTransmission ou indication par des moyens électriques ou magnétiques du déplacement des éléments mécaniques sensibles à la pression, utilisés pour mesurer la pression permanente ou quasi permanente d’un fluide ou d’un matériau solide fluent
B60C 23/04 - Dispositifs avertisseurs actionnés par la pression du pneumatique montés sur la roue ou le pneumatique
G01V 3/12 - Prospection ou détection électrique ou magnétiqueMesure des caractéristiques du champ magnétique de la terre, p. ex. de la déclinaison ou de la déviation fonctionnant par ondes électromagnétiques
45.
Motor drive and control circuit for electric power steering
An electric circuit for use in the control and drive of at least one electric motor, the circuit comprises a first lane comprising a first set of motor windings that are driven by a motor drive bridge that comprises a network of drive stage switches that selectively connect each phase of the lane to either a first supply voltage or a first supply ground, and further comprising a control circuit that controls the switches of the drive stage, the control circuit being powered by an isolated first lane power supply that has a first floating ground, and a second lane comprising a second set of motor windings that are driven by a motor drive bridge that comprises a network of drive stage switches that selectively connect each phase of the lane to either a supply voltage or a supply ground, and further comprising a control circuit that controls the switches of the drive stage, the control circuit being powered by an isolated second lane power supply that has a second floating ground. The first and second control circuits in use exchange digital control signals such that the control circuit of each lane can monitor the function of the other lane, and the two floating grounds and the two lane grounds are connected together through a potential divider network that holds the two floating grounds at a potential that is between the potential of the lane grounds for the two lanes.
H02P 25/18 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de moteur ou par des détails de structure caractérisés par des dispositions de circuit ou par le type de câblage avec des dispositions pour la commutation des enroulements, p. ex. par des interrupteurs mécaniques ou des relais
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02P 25/00 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de moteur ou par des détails de structure
H02P 5/74 - Dispositions spécialement adaptées à la régulation ou la commande de la vitesse ou du couple d’au moins deux moteurs électriques pour commander au moins deux moteurs dynamo-électriques à courant alternatif
H02P 25/22 - Enroulements multiplesEnroulements pour plus de trois phases
A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, the shroud comprising an upper shroud portion and a lower shroud portion, in which the upper shroud portion is located towards the end of the steering shaft that is nearest the steering wheel and the lower portion is located towards the end of the shaft furthest from the steering wheel, the upper portion being at least partially received within the lower portion so that the upper portion can telescopically collapse into the lower portion during a crash, a support bracket that in use is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two support bracket arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud, a clamp rail that is releasably secured to the upper shroud portion, the clamp rail including a slot that extends generally horizontally, and a clamp pin that extends through an opening in each of the arms of the bracket and through the generally horizontal slot in the rail, the clamp pin carrying a clamp mechanism that is movable between an unclamped position in which the rail can move freely relative to the clamp pin and a clamped position in which the rail is fixed relative to the clamp pin. The rail is secured to the upper shroud portion by a deformable tab which protrudes from the upper shroud portion to hook onto a part of the rail that faces the steering wheel end of the shroud. In use of the assembly with the cam mechanism in the clamped condition the tab is deformable under a predefined load applied to the upper shroud so as to unhook from the rail allowing the upper shroud to move axially relative to the rail and hence relative to the clam pin to permit collapse of the steering column shroud.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
47.
Gearbox assembly for an electric power steering assembly
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus. The assembly comprises a gearbox housing which houses a worm shaft and a gear wheel, the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing assembly, at an end furthest from the motor, comprising an inner race and an outer race separated by bearing elements. The gearbox assembly further comprises a first guiding surface upon which the outer race is supported, the outer race being able to move by rolling along the guiding surface when a radial load is applied to the tail bearing assembly by the worm shaft, and a guide device which contacts both the outer bearing and a second guiding surface, the biasing spring acting upon the tail bearing assembly indirectly by acting upon the guide device which in turn acts upon the bearing assembly. The gear wheel i supported by an output shaft having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly. The tail bearing assembly is free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to move radially away from the axis of the wheel gear. The apparatus further includes a biasing spring that applies a biasing force to the tail bearing assembly that biases the worm shaft into engagement with the wheel gear.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16H 1/16 - Transmissions à engrenages pour transmettre un mouvement rotatif sans engrenages à mouvement orbital comportant uniquement deux organes engrenés dont les axes ne sont pas parallèles comportant une vis sans fin et une roue à vis sans fin
An electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises an upper column shaft that in use is operatively connected to a steering wheel of the vehicle; and a lower column shaft that in use is operatively connected to the road wheels of the vehicle. A torsion bar interconnects the upper column shaft and the lower column shaft; and an electric motor is connected to the lower column shaft of the torque sensor assembly. A first torque signal generating means generates a first torque signal based on angular deflection of the torsion bar, and a second torque signal generating means generating a second torque signal based on angular deflection of the torsion bar, the apparatus further including: an error determining circuit which produces two error signals, each indicative of the validity of a respective torque signal, and a torque plausibility estimator which generates two plausibility signals each indicative of the plausibility of a respective one of the two torque signals, a torque channel selector that observes the value of the two error signals and the two plausibility signals and selects which, if any, of the torque signals are to be used in the generation of a control signal for the motor, and a motor control circuit which generates the control signal dependent on the values of the selected torque signal or torque signals.
B62D 5/00 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
B62D 6/10 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande réagissant uniquement au couple d'entrée caractérisées par les moyens pour détecter le couple
A motor control circuit for an electric motor of an electric power assisted steering system comprises a switching circuit comprising a plurality of electrical switches, a current demand signal generator which converts the torque demand signal into a current demands signal; and a fault mode motor current controller that is responsive to an error signal that represents the difference between the current demand signal and the actual current flowing in the motor and is operable in the event of a fault where one phase is open-circuit to drive the remaining two phases as a single combined phase by generating a single voltage demand signal that is representative of the voltage to be applied across the combined phases, the voltage signal being in turn fed into a drive circuit for the switches that generates pulse width modulated switching signals for the switching circuit required to apply the voltage across the combined phases.
H02P 29/024 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge
H02P 21/22 - Commande du courant, p. ex. en utilisant une boucle de commande
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02P 6/10 - Dispositions pour commander l'ondulation du couple, p. ex. en assurant une ondulation réduite du couple
H02P 27/08 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs avec modulation de largeur d'impulsions
A reach adjustable steering column assembly (100) comprises a telescopic steering shaft which in use supports a steering wheel of the vehicle; a shroud (104) that supports the steering shaft comprising an upper shroud part (106) and a lower shroud part (108), the upper shroud part (106) moving telescopically relative to the lower part (108) during reach adjustment of the steering column assembly (100), a support bracket (110) that supports the shroud (104) relative to the vehicle body, and a clamp mechanism (112) that is operable between an unclamped position in which the steering column assembly (100) is adjustable for reach and a clamped position in which the reach position of the steering column assembly (100) is fixed. The clamp mechanism (112) comprises a first locking part (122) that is displaceable by an actuator assembly (114) into and out of positive engagement with a second locking part (136). An energy absorbing mechanism (144) acts between the upper shroud part (106) and the second locking part (136) and is configured so that during a crash a deformable part (146) of the energy absorbing mechanism (144) is plastically deformed by a deforming part (148), thereby controlling the movement of the upper shroud part (106), and in that one of the deformable element (146) and the deforming portion (148) of the energy absorbing mechanism (144) is secured to the upper shroud part (106), and the other is fixed relative to the second locking part (136).
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
An electrical circuit for driving at least one electric motor, the at least one motor having at least one set of phases windings. The electrical circuit is arranged as at least one lane comprising a motor drive circuit that is operable in use to supply drive voltages to one of the sets of phase windings of the motor. A reverse battery protection circuit is provided for at least one lane and is located in either a feed to the motor drive circuit from a power supply or in a return path from the motor drive circuit to the power supply. The reverse battery protection circuit comprises a switch which is normally open when the battery is disconnected and which remains open in the event that the battery is connected in error with a reverse polarity to the drive circuit. The electrical circuit also includes a control means which is arranged to control the switch of the reverse battery protection circuit so as to close the switch in the event that the control means determines that the battery is connected with the correct polarity. The switch is also opened during operation of the motor in the event that that one or more additional conditions are met.
H02H 7/08 - Circuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour moteurs dynamo-électriques
H02P 7/29 - Dispositions pour réguler ou commander la vitesse ou le couple de moteurs électriques à courant continu pour réguler ou commander individuellement un moteur dynamo-électrique à courant continu en faisant varier le champ ou le courant d'induit par commande maîtresse avec puissance auxiliaire utilisant des tubes à décharge ou des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs utilisant des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs commandant l'alimentation de l'induit seulement utilisant la modulation d'impulsions
H02P 7/03 - Dispositions pour réguler ou commander la vitesse ou le couple de moteurs électriques à courant continu pour commander le sens de rotation des moteurs à courant continu
H02P 29/028 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge le moteur continuant de fonctionner malgré le défaut, p. ex. élimination, compensation ou résolution du défaut
H02H 1/00 - Détails de circuits de protection de sécurité
H02P 27/06 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs
52.
A GEARBOX ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering system. The gearbox assembly includes a housing (2), a worm shaft (1), and a gear wheel (30), the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly (15) and a tail bearing assembly (19). The tail bearing assembly at least is free to move relative to the housing, allowing the worm shaft to move radially away from the axis of the gear wheel. The worm shaft is enables to move normal to the worm shaft axis such that it can move in and out of meshing contact with the gear wheel. The assembly further includes a gripping means that acts between the tail bearing assembly and the housing such that torque transmitted through the gear wheel generates a friction force that locks the tail bearing assembly to prevent movement of the worm shaft normal to the worm shaft axis that would otherwise occur.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16H 55/24 - Dispositifs particuliers de rattrapage de jeu entre les dentures
A steering column assembly is disclosed comprising a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion with an end that extends into the outer shroud portion. A plate is fixed to the inner shroud portion and includes a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion. A block is releasably interlockable with the plate to prevent telescopic motion of the inner shroud portion relative to the outer shroud portion. The steering column assembly includes a clamp assembly operable between a clamped condition in which the outer shroud portion clamps around the inner shroud portion and an undamped condition in which the outer shroud portion is undamped from the inner shroud portion. Four bearing surfaces are arranged in two facing pairs, one bearing surface of each facing pair being associated with the inner shroud portion and the other bearing surface of each facing pair being associated with the outer shroud portion, at least one adjustable bearing element including a respective one of said bearing surfaces. The adjustable bearing element is adjustable relative to one of the inner shroud portion or outer shroud portion for setting the amount rotational free play between the inner shroud portion and outer shroud portion when the assembly is in an undamped condition.
Asteering column assembly is provided that includes an inner shroud portion and an outer shroud portion, the inner shroud portion extending into the outer shroud portion and including a rail. The rail includes a slot with two opposing sides, each of which has teeth. A toothed block is provided that engages with the teeth of the slot, when a clamping mechanism is actuated. The toothed block is supported by a carrier that allows the toothed block to be free to move from side-to-side when engaged with the slot, and the teeth of the slot and the toothed block are shaped such that the toothed block may engage the teeth of the slot at any position when the clamping mechanism is actuated.The teeth of a first side of the slot prevent the block from moving in a collapse direction of the assembly and the teeth of the second side of the slot permit movement in a collapse direction but apply a thrust towards the teeth of the first side. The carrier includes a biasing spring that urges the toothed block towards the first side of the slot.
A steering column assembly comprises a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a shroud, and an energy absorbing device. The energy absorbing device comprises a laminated strap having discrete first and second layers, each formed from a separate elongate strip of material that is free to slide over the other strip along a major portion of its length, a portion of the laminated strap being coiled into a spiral, a free end portion of the laminated strap passing through passing through an opening in the second support bracket or the shroud, the free end of a first one of the strips having an opening through which a fastener passes that secures the laminated strap to the first support bracket, and the free end of a second one of the straps being connected to the first strip in a region distal from the free end of the first strip.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
F16F 7/12 - Amortisseurs de vibrationsAmortisseurs de chocs utilisant une déformation plastique de ses organes
56.
Gearbox assembly for an electric power steering assembly
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing which houses a worm shaft and a gear wheel, the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing at an end furthest from the motor, and the gear wheel being supported by an output shaft having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly, in which the main bearing and tail bearing are free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to pivot away from the wheel gear facilitated by tilting of the main bearing about a pivot that is fixed relative to the housing, characterised in that the gearbox assembly is arranged such that the pivot reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load that arises when a gearwheel torque is applied to the gearwheel in a first direction but not in a second, opposing, direction, and in that a tensioning device is provided that reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load that arises when a gearwheel torque is applied to the gearwheel in the second direction but not in the first direction.
F16H 35/06 - Transmissions conçues pour permettre un mouvement relatif entre leurs supports sans effets nocifs
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16H 1/16 - Transmissions à engrenages pour transmettre un mouvement rotatif sans engrenages à mouvement orbital comportant uniquement deux organes engrenés dont les axes ne sont pas parallèles comportant une vis sans fin et une roue à vis sans fin
F16H 57/021 - Structures de support d'arbres, p. ex. parois de séparation, orifices de logement de paliers, parois de carter ou couvercles avec paliers
F16H 57/028 - Boîtes de vitessesMontage de la transmission à l'intérieur caractérisés par des moyens de réduction des vibrations ou du bruit
F16H 57/039 - Boîtes de vitesses pour engrenages à vis sans fin
F16H 57/12 - Dispositions non prévues ailleurs pour ajuster ou pour reprendre le jeu
57.
Gearbox assembly for an electric power steering assembly
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprising: a first pivoting means for the worm shaft main bearing which reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load for a first direction of gearwheel torque but not for a second, opposing, direction of gearwheel torque and defines at least one first pivot point about which the main bearing pivots that is located on a pivot axis, a second pivoting means for the worm shaft main bearing, positioned distal from the first pivoting means, which reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load for the second direction of gearwheel torque but not the first direction of gearwheel torque and defines at least one second pivot point about which the main bearing pivots that is located on a second pivot axis, the second pivot point being spaced apart from the first pivot point.
F16H 35/06 - Transmissions conçues pour permettre un mouvement relatif entre leurs supports sans effets nocifs
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16H 1/16 - Transmissions à engrenages pour transmettre un mouvement rotatif sans engrenages à mouvement orbital comportant uniquement deux organes engrenés dont les axes ne sont pas parallèles comportant une vis sans fin et une roue à vis sans fin
F16H 57/021 - Structures de support d'arbres, p. ex. parois de séparation, orifices de logement de paliers, parois de carter ou couvercles avec paliers
F16H 57/028 - Boîtes de vitessesMontage de la transmission à l'intérieur caractérisés par des moyens de réduction des vibrations ou du bruit
F16H 57/039 - Boîtes de vitesses pour engrenages à vis sans fin
F16H 57/12 - Dispositions non prévues ailleurs pour ajuster ou pour reprendre le jeu
58.
METHODS OF CONTROLLING ACCESS TO KEYS AND OF OBSCURING INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A method of obscuring information carried visibly on a surface of an integrated circuit (2) of an electronic device (1), the method comprising obscuring the information so as to replace the information with a visual representation of information relating to the device. Also, a method of controlling access to a first key (100) which controls access to an electronic device (1), the method comprising storing an encrypted key (108), being the first key (100) encrypted with a second key (102a, 102b), as a visible representation (20) on the device (1). The encrypted key (108) can be stored in storage (19) of the device (1) such as non-volatile memory. Furthermore, a method of controlling access to a first key (100) which controls access to an electronic device (1), in which the device (1) comprises a processor (13) having a full operating function set, the method comprising storing an encrypted key (108), being the first key (100) encrypted with a second key (102a, 102b), at the device (1) in a manner that access to the encrypted key (108) does not require the full operating function set of the processor (13).
H04L 9/32 - Dispositions pour les communications secrètes ou protégéesProtocoles réseaux de sécurité comprenant des moyens pour vérifier l'identité ou l'autorisation d'un utilisateur du système
G06F 21/62 - Protection de l’accès à des données via une plate-forme, p. ex. par clés ou règles de contrôle de l’accès
59.
Electric circuit for use in an electric power assisted steering system
a support arm that is connected to the base part and extends away from the base part and a connecting part that is supported by the support arm, the support arm being flexible to permit relative movement between the connecting part and the base part, and securing means for securely fixing the connector to the track of the printed circuit board. In use the at least one stator coil wire extends through the hole in the printed circuit board and the guide hole in the base part so that the wire is in electrical contact with the connecting part of the connector, the connecting part securely holding the wire in position.
H02K 3/52 - Fixation des enroulements de pôles saillants ou de leurs connexions
H01R 12/58 - Connexions fixes pour circuits imprimés rigides ou structures similaires caractérisées par les bornes bornes pour insertion dans des trous
H02K 11/33 - Circuits d’entraînement, p. ex. circuits électroniques de puissance
A steering column assembly is provided that is reach-adjustable. An inner shroud portion and outer shroud portion, which move telescopically relative to one another, each have an elongate slot, the slots at least partially overlapping at all times over the range of adjustment. An end stop extends through, and is movable within, both slots such that it strikes one end of each stop when the steering column assembly is fully retracted and the other end of each slot when the steering column assembly is fully extended.
A torque sensor for use in an electric power assisted steering system comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, and a torsion bar, a hollow sleeve that is secured to the first shaft and extends along the torsion bar to at least partially axially overlap the second shaft, angular deflection indicating means that produce a signal that is dependent on the angular deflection of the first shaft relative to the second shaft as a torque is applied across the torque sensor that causes the torsion bar to twist, at least one drive dog fixed to the sleeve and at least one corresponding drive dog fixed to the second shaft, in normal operation the two dogs being offset so that they permit a defined range of angular deflection of the torsion bar but will engage each other to provide a path for torque to be transferred from the first shaft to the second shaft in the event of a failure of the torsion bar, and a connecting element which has a first part that is secured within a bore in one of the second shaft and the sleeve, the connecting element having a second part that extends into a feature of the other of the second shaft and the sleeve, at zero torque across the torque sensor the connecting element being spaced circumferentially from the feature by an angular distance greater than the spacing between the drive dogs and spaced from the feature in a direction along the axis of the shafts that is less than the overlap of the drive dogs in that direction to prevent the shafts moving apart in the event of failure of the torsion bar by an amount that would otherwise prevent the drive dogs engaging.
G01L 3/10 - Dynamomètres de transmission rotatifs dans lesquels l'élément transmettant le couple comporte un arbre élastique en torsion impliquant des moyens électriques ou magnétiques d'indication
B62D 6/10 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande réagissant uniquement au couple d'entrée caractérisées par les moyens pour détecter le couple
G01L 3/04 - Dynamomètres de transmission rotatifs dans lesquels l'élément transmettant le couple comporte un arbre élastique en torsion
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
An electric power assisted steering system comprises a first part that in use determines the sign of a first signal (Qcol) indicative of the position of a part of the steering, and a second part that in use determines the sign of a second signal (CV) indicative of the velocity of a part of the steering. A processing unit (7) that in use determines whether the steering wheel (6) is moving away from a centre position or returning to the centre position from the determined signs of the two signals, and sets a value of a torque damping component (9) using different tunes for when the steering wheel (6) is moving away from the centre and when term and when the steering wheel is returning to the centre. The processing unit (7) may blend the two tunes when it detects a change in the direction of steering corresponding to a return to centre following movement away from centre or movement away from centre following a return to centre. (Figure 1)
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
63.
Method and apparatus for controlling an electric pump of a hydraulic braking circuit
A drive circuit for an electric motor of the type which forms part of a pump in a hydraulic braking circuit of a vehicle comprises an input node, an output node and a voltage and current regulating circuit which connects the nodes and which varies the voltage and current supplied to the output node from the input node in response to a modulation strategy, the input node in use being connected to a battery supply of a vehicle and the output node connected to one side of the electric motor. The voltage and current regulating circuit comprises a switch mode power supply circuit capable of providing at the output node a voltage that is either above or below the battery supply voltage at the input node.
H02M 3/158 - Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant continu en une puissance de sortie en courant continu sans transformation intermédiaire en courant alternatif par convertisseurs statiques utilisant des tubes à décharge avec électrode de commande ou des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs avec électrode de commande utilisant des dispositifs du type triode ou transistor exigeant l'application continue d'un signal de commande utilisant uniquement des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs avec commande automatique de la tension ou du courant de sortie, p. ex. régulateurs à commutation comprenant plusieurs dispositifs à semi-conducteurs comme dispositifs de commande finale pour une charge unique
B60T 17/02 - Aménagements des pompes ou compresseurs ou de leurs dispositifs de commande
B60T 7/04 - Organes d'attaque de la mise en action des freins par l'entremise d'une personne actionnés au pied
G05F 1/575 - Régulation de la tension ou de l'intensité là où la variable effectivement régulée par le dispositif de réglage final est du type continu utilisant des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs en série avec la charge comme dispositifs de réglage final caractérisé par le circuit de rétroaction
B60R 16/033 - Circuits électriques ou circuits de fluides spécialement adaptés aux véhicules et non prévus ailleursAgencement des éléments des circuits électriques ou des circuits de fluides spécialement adapté aux véhicules et non prévu ailleurs électriques pour l'alimentation des sous-systèmes du véhicule en énergie électrique caractérisé par l'utilisation de cellules électriques ou de batteries
64.
VEHICLE KINETIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A REAR WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
A vehicle kinematic control circuit (100) for a vehicle adjusts the track of one or more rear wheels (104) of the vehicle through a limited angular range, using an electric motor (102), connected mechanically to at least one rear wheel. The motor has at least two independently operable sets of phase windings (120a, 120b), each set comprising at least two phase windings (122), each set connected to a motor bridge (126), controlled by a microcontroller (136). In normal use the microcontroller generates motor control signals that apply appropriate PWM modulated voltage waveforms to the set of phase windings connected to that bridge to drive the rotor of the motor in a first manner thereby to actively steer the rear wheel. A fault detection circuit (138) monitors the operation of the one microcontroller, the motor bridge driver circuit, and the two sets of phase windings, to detect a fault condition, and in the event of a fault condition being detected causes one of the non-faulty motor bridges and an associated non-faulty set of phase windings to be operated to drive the rotor of the motor in a second, different manner.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
B62D 7/14 - Timonerie de directionFusées ou leur montage pour roues pivotant individuellement, p. ex. sur pivot de fusée les axes de pivotement étant situés dans plus d'un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du véhicule, p. ex. toutes les roues étant directrices
B62D 7/15 - Timonerie de directionFusées ou leur montage pour roues pivotant individuellement, p. ex. sur pivot de fusée les axes de pivotement étant situés dans plus d'un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du véhicule, p. ex. toutes les roues étant directrices caractérisée par des moyens modifiant le rapport entre les angles de direction des roues directrices
65.
HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND PAD ASSEMBLY FOR SAME
A hydraulic brake caliper assembly comprising a support bracket, a caliper (3), and a pair of spaced apart brake pad assemblies (100), each comprising a backing plate (120) and a brake pad of friction material (110) secured to the backing plate (120). The support bracket includes a pair of abutment sections associated with each brake pad assembly (100) that are located so that during frictional engagement of the brake pad with a rotating brake disc. One of the brake pad assemblies (100) further comprises an inner shim secured to the back face of the backing plate that faces away from the brake pad, and an outer shim (150) that overlays the inner shim and is secured to the backing plate by a plurality of retaining clips (152). The retaining clips (152) resiliently deflect in use to permit tangential movement of the backing plate (120) relative to the outer shim (150) whilst the backing plate is engaged with at least one of the retaining clips (152) so as to provide a degree of self centering of the outer shim relative to the backing plate within an allowable range of movement.
A mount for mounting an object, such as non-exclusively a radar sensor, on a surface, such as one of a vehicle, the mount comprising: a carrier; a fixed length strut which has a fixed length from a mounting point arranged to engage the surface and a pivot point about which it is mounted pivotally on the carrier; and two variable length struts, which each have a variable length from a mounting point arranged to engage the surface and a pivot point about which it is mounted pivotally on the carrier.
F16M 13/00 - Autres supports ou appuis pour positionner les appareils ou les objetsMoyens pour maintenir en position les appareils ou objets tenus à la main
H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation pour l'utilisation dans ou sur les véhicules routiers ou ferroviaires
G01S 13/93 - Radar ou systèmes analogues, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions
F16M 13/02 - Autres supports ou appuis pour positionner les appareils ou les objetsMoyens pour maintenir en position les appareils ou objets tenus à la main pour être portés par un autre objet ou lui être fixé, p. ex. à un arbre, une grille, un châssis de fenêtre, une bicyclette
A current measurement circuit suitable for measuring the flow of current along a path in an electrical circuit such as a part of an electric power assisted steering system comprises a current measurement resistor that is located in series in the electrical path through which a current to be measured may flow, a first measurement sub-circuit that measures the voltage dropped across at least a part of the resistor and produces a first output signal, and a second measurement sub-circuit that measures the voltage dropped across at least a part of the resistor and produces a second output signal, and in which the electrical connections of the two sub-circuits to the resistor are independent of each other.
A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to an upper face of the inner shroud portion including a slot, a clamp bolt (122) that extends perpendicular to the shroud, a rocker (144) comprising a body (146) from which extends a lever arm (148), the body (146) having an opening through which the clamp bolt (122) passes, the rocker (144) converting a rotation of the clamp bolt (122) about its axis in a first direction into an upward motion of the lever arm (148) and into a downward motion when the clamp bolt (122) is rotated in the opposing second direction, a toothed block (140) having two opposed racks of locking teeth that is connected to a carrier element (142), the carrier element (142) in turn being connected to the lever arm (148) of the rocker (144) such that movement of the lever arm (148) up and down causes movement of the carrier element (142) up and down between an upper position and a lower position. When the carrier element (142) is in one of the upper position and the lower position, the toothed block (140) is located within the slot such that one of the rows of teeth of the toothed block (140) engages a row of teeth of the slot, and whereby, with the carrier element (142) in the other of the upper position and the lower position, the teeth of the toothed block (140) are held clear of the slot, and in which the connection between the clamp bolt (122) and the carrier element (142) defines a lost motion mechanism that prevents some of the rotational movement of the clamp bolt (122) from being converted into movement of the toothed block (140).
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
A steering column assembly comprises a support bracket, a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, an energy absorbing mechanism that includes a puller, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion including a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion, the slot defining two opposing walls which each carry a row of teeth, the two rows thereby being spaced apart from one another with the teeth extending towards each other; the puller being positioned adjacent the slot,a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, and a toothed block having a row of teeth on each side, the pitch between teeth of each row being equal to, or a whole multiple of, the pitch of the teeth of the corresponding row of the slot. The block is supported by a carrier element that moves in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to move, in turn, the toothed block between a clamped position. A contact face of the puller and a contact face of the toothed block are arranged such that the toothed block is prevented from rotating more than a predetermined amount when forced onto the puller, urging the toothed block into engagement with the teeth of the slot.
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
A steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion, a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion, a clamp bolt that extends perpendicular to the shroud, a toothed block (140) that is connected to the clamp bolt and is displaced on rotation of the clamp bolt, and a carrier element (142) that supports the toothed block (140) and is movable in response to rotation of the clamp bolt to in turn move the toothed block (140) between a clamped position and an unclamped position and is free to move from to side relative to the slot. A frangible pin (154) secures the toothed block (140) to the carrier element (142), the frangible pin (154) having a first end located in a bore (158) in the toothed block (140) and a second end located in a bore (200) in the carrier element (142), the toothed block (140) being supported on a shoulder of the frangible pin (154), and a clearance is provided between the frangible pin (154) and the walls of one of the bores to permit side to side movement of the toothed block (140) relative to the carrier element (142).
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
A steering column assembly (100) comprises a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion (104) and an inner shroud portion (102), a clamp rail fixed to the inner shroud portion (102) including a slot (136) that extends axially along the inner shroud portion (102), a clamp bolt (122) that extends perpendicular to the shroud that may be rotated around its long axis by operation of a locking lever (130), and a toothed block (140) that is connected to the clamp bolt (122) having a row of teeth (138) on each side, the pitch between teeth (138) of each row being equal to, or a whole multiple of, the pitch of the teeth (138) of a corresponding row of the slot (136) The toothed block (140) is supported by a carrier (142) that moves in response to rotation of the clamp bolt (122) to in turn move the toothed block (140) between a clamped position and an undamped position and supports the toothed block (140) such that the toothed block (140) is free to move from side to side when in the slot (136) The teeth (138) of a first row (176) of the slot (136) and the corresponding teeth (172) of the toothed block (140) when in flank to flank contact prevent axial movement of the toothed block (140) along the slot (136) in a direction corresponding to a telescopic collapse of the shroud and in that the teeth (138) of a second row (178) of the slot (136) and the corresponding teeth (172) of the toothed block (140) permit axial movement of the toothed block (140) along the slot (136) in a direction corresponding to a collapse of the shroud whilst applying a thrust to the toothed block (140) that moves the toothed block (140) sideways across the slot (136) so that the flanks of the teeth (138) of the first row (176) face the flanks of the corresponding teeth (172) of the toothed block (140)
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
A control system for an electric motor comprises a current controller which produces a set of voltage demands for the motor, a current sensing means arranged to produce a current sensing output indicative of electric current in the motor, and a current signal processing means arranged to process the current sensing output signal to produce a modified current signal in which at least one harmonic component present in the current sensing output signal due to inaccuracies in the current measurement is removed or substantially reduced. The modified current signal is combined with a demanded motor current to provide the input to the current controller.
H02P 21/05 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de machines électriques par commande par vecteur, p. ex. par commande de l’orientation du champ spécialement adaptés pour amortir les oscillations des moteurs, p. ex. pour la réduction du pompage
A motor drive circuit for use in driving a motor having two or more phases comprising a motor bridge having, for each phase of the motor, a bridge arm comprising an upper switch and a lower switch that in normal operation may be opened and closed to modulate the voltage applied to the respective phases in response to drive signals from a motor control circuit, at least one solid state phase isolation relay that is provided in series in an electrical path connecting a respective phase of the motor to a respective bridge arm, the relay being closed in normal operation so that current can flow in the phase and is held open in a fault mode of operation to prevent the flow of current in the phase. The circuit also includes monitoring means for monitoring the current waveform in the phase to provide, at least in a fault mode of operation, an output indicative of when it is safe to open the SSPIR without causing damage due to the SSPIR due to an avalanche mode, and a control circuit that during normal operation applies a voltage to each device that is sufficient to hold the SSPIR closed and which, in the fault mode of operation, responds to the output of the monitoring means to reduce the voltage applied to each SSPIR to a level that causes the SSPIR to open at the safe time.
H02P 6/12 - Contrôle de la commutationIndication d'un défaut de commutation
H02H 7/122 - Circuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour convertisseursCircuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour redresseurs pour convertisseurs ou redresseurs statiques pour onduleurs, c.-à-d. convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
H02H 7/08 - Circuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour moteurs dynamo-électriques
An adjustable steering column assembly which includes an adjustable shroud that supports a steering column shaft, a support bracket that is fixed in position in the vehicle, and a clamp mechanism that selectively secures the shroud to the support bracket, the clamp mechanism comprising a fixed rack that is secured to the shroud or the bracket, and a moving rack that is movable towards and away from the fixed rack during operation of the clamp mechanism, in which the fixed rack comprises a support portion and at least one row of teeth which are carried by the support portion arranged spaced apart from one another, and the moving rack comprises a support portion and at least one row of teeth which are carried by the support portion. One or both of the support portion and teeth of the fixed rack are resiliently flexible so that in the event of moving from the first to the second position where a tooth-on-tooth situation arises the teeth of the moving block displace the teeth of the fixed block in the direction of movement of the moving rack so that the teeth of the moving rack can occupy the region that would otherwise be occupied by the teeth of the fixed rack teeth.
B62D 1/18 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables
B62D 1/185 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables réglables par déplacement axial, p. ex. télescopiques
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
A control system for an electric motor comprises a controller which receives as an input a demanded motor current and produces at an output an intermediate voltage demand signal, a voltage demand signal correction means arranged to generate a voltage demand correction signal, and a combining means arranged to combine the intermediate voltage demand signal and the voltage demand correction signal to produce an actual voltage demand signal that is applied to the motor by pulse width modulation of the switches of a motor bridge driver. The correction signal compensates for unwanted non-linearities caused by interlock delays in the switching of the motor bridge switches.
An electric power assisted steering apparatus comprising a combined angular position and torque sensor assembly comprising an upper column shaft that in use is operatively connected to a steering wheel of the vehicle, a lower column shaft that in use is operatively connected to the road wheels of the vehicle, a torsion bar that interconnects the upper column shaft and the lower column shaft, a first and a second torque signal generating means that each generate a first torque signal based on angular deflection of the torsion bar, an absolute position signal generating means that in use produces an absolute upper column position signal indicative of the angular position of the upper column shaft, an electric motor that is connected to the lower column shaft of the torque sensor assembly, and a motor position sensor carried by the motor that provides a motor position signal dependent on the angular position of the motor rotor. The apparatus further comprises a virtual torque signal generating means that in use is adapted to determine a third torque signal from a combination of the motor position signal and the absolute angular position signal produced by the processing means.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
B62D 6/10 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande réagissant uniquement au couple d'entrée caractérisées par les moyens pour détecter le couple
B62D 15/02 - Indicateurs de direction ou aides de direction
A telescopic steering column assembly comprises an upper and a lower shroud portion able to move relatively during telescopic adjustment, a telescopic steering shaft that passes through and is supported by the shroud portions through at least one support bearing assembly that acts between an upper portion of the telescopic steering shaft and a lower portion of the shroud that move relative to one another axially during telescopic adjustment. The at least one support bearing assembly comprises a first bearing race which is separate from the shroud portions and the steering shaft, a resilient spacer that applies a biasing force that is directed in a radial direction from the axis of the shaft and that is located between the first race and an adjacent face of one of the lower shroud portion and the upper shaft portion; a set of bearings, and a cage that locates the bearings relative to the first bearing race. The bearings bear onto a second bearing race that is defined by a surface of the other one of the lower shroud portion and the upper shaft portion, the second bearing face permitting the bearings to slide or roll in the direction of adjustment of the steering column assembly when it is adjusted for reach.
F16C 23/08 - Roulements à billes ou à rouleaux à autoréglage
F16C 19/06 - Paliers à contact de roulement pour mouvement de rotation exclusivement avec roulements à billes essentiellement du même calibre, en une ou plusieurs rangées circulaires pour charges radiales principalement avec une seule rangée de billes
F16C 19/16 - Paliers à contact de roulement pour mouvement de rotation exclusivement avec roulements à billes essentiellement du même calibre, en une ou plusieurs rangées circulaires pour charges à la fois radiales et axiales avec une seule rangée de billes
A method of controlling an electric motor of a drive device of a power steering system, in which a temperature sensor senses the temperature of the drive device and transmits information about the temperature of the drive device to an evaluation unit, the evaluation unit estimates the temperature of a gearbox based on the temperature of the drive device, and, based on the estimated temperature of the gearbox, the evaluation unit adjusts a requested torque of the electric motor.
H02P 29/68 - Commande ou détermination de la température du moteur ou de l'entraînement basée sur la température d’un composant d’entraînement ou d’un composant semi-conducteur
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
A rotary position sensor assembly (10) for detecting the angular position of the rotor (104) of a motor. The assembly (10) includes at least one sensor (12) and a sensor target (14) which is moveable relative to the sensor (12). The sensor target (14) comprises a tubular body (16) with a plurality of integrally-formed radially-extending sections (18). These sections (18) include two radial upper edge portions (24) which are supported by a radially-extending support which is set back from the edge portions (24). Each of the two upper edge portions (24) provide a target for the sensor. A sensor target (14)for use in a position sensor assembly (10), a method of production of the sensor target (14), and an electromechanical actuator which utilises the rotary position sensor assembly (10) are also provided.
H02K 5/173 - Moyens de support des paliers, p. ex. supports isolants ou moyens pour ajuster les paliers dans leurs flasques utilisant des roulements à rouleaux, p. ex. des roulements à billes
H02K 7/06 - Moyens de transformation d'un mouvement alternatif en un mouvement circulaire ou vice versa
H02K 7/08 - Association structurelle avec des paliers
H02K 11/215 - Dispositifs utilisant un effet magnétique, p. ex. des éléments à effet Hall ou magnéto-résistifs
An electric power assisted steering system comprising an input shaft and an output shaft, an electric motor connected to the output shaft, at least two sensors including one or more of: a position sensor, a torque sensor, and a motor position, and a motor controller that causes the motor to apply an assistance torque as a function of the torque measured by the torque sensor, in which each of the sensors produces at least one output signal represented by a stream of digital samples captured at discrete times, and in which the apparatus further comprises: processing means arranged to process together the output signals from both processing units to produce at least one further signal. At least one sample value of each output signal is marked with a time stamp indicating the time at which the sample was created, and in which the processing means corrects each of the time stamp samples before or during the processing of the samples to reduce errors that may occur due to differences in the times at which the samples were created.
B62D 6/10 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande réagissant uniquement au couple d'entrée caractérisées par les moyens pour détecter le couple
B62D 15/02 - Indicateurs de direction ou aides de direction
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
B60R 16/023 - Circuits électriques ou circuits de fluides spécialement adaptés aux véhicules et non prévus ailleursAgencement des éléments des circuits électriques ou des circuits de fluides spécialement adapté aux véhicules et non prévu ailleurs électriques pour la transmission de signaux entre des parties ou des sous-systèmes du véhicule
A transceiver circuit includes a signal generator arranged to generate an output signal; a transmitter coupled to the signal generator so as to transmit the output signal; a receiver arranged to receive a received signal; a mixer coupled to the receiver and to the signal generator so as to mix the output signal and the received signal so as to produce a mixed signal; and at least one filter coupled to the mixer so as to act upon the mixed signal to produce a filtered signal. The filtered signal includes an unwanted portion of the output signal is received at the receiver without having been reflected from a target. The transceiver circuit further includes a correction circuit arranged to generate a simulated waveform that simulates the behavior of the each filter to the unwanted portion of the output signal and applies a correction so as to remove the simulated waveform from the filtered signal.
H04B 1/38 - Émetteurs-récepteurs, c.-à-d. dispositifs dans lesquels l'émetteur et le récepteur forment un ensemble structural et dans lesquels au moins une partie est utilisée pour des fonctions d'émission et de réception
H04N 11/02 - Systèmes de télévision en couleurs avec réduction de la largeur de bande
A combined angular position and torque sensor assembly for use in an electric power assisted steering system having an input part for connection to an upper column shaft, an output part for connection to a lower column shaft, a torsion bar that interconnects the input shaft and the output shaft, first and second upper column angular position sensors that each produce at least one output signal that is dependent on the angular position of the upper column shaft; and a processing means unit which produces a first torque signal indicative of the torque carried by the torsion bar. The processing unit further includes a component for producing a first absolute angular position signal by processing the output signals of the first and secondary sensors in a first way and a second absolute angular position signal processing the output of the same two sensors in a different way, and further includes a cross checker that performs a cross check between the two absolute position signals.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
B62D 6/10 - Dispositions pour la commande automatique de la direction en fonction des conditions de conduite, qui sont détectées et pour lesquelles une réaction est appliquée, p. ex. circuits de commande réagissant uniquement au couple d'entrée caractérisées par les moyens pour détecter le couple
B62D 15/02 - Indicateurs de direction ou aides de direction
G01L 5/22 - Appareils ou procédés pour la mesure des forces, du travail, de la puissance mécanique ou du couple, spécialement adaptés à des fins spécifiques pour la mesure de la force appliquée aux organes de commande, p. ex. organes de commande des véhicules, détentes
G01L 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure des forces, du couple, du travail, de la puissance ou du rendement mécanique
G01L 3/10 - Dynamomètres de transmission rotatifs dans lesquels l'élément transmettant le couple comporte un arbre élastique en torsion impliquant des moyens électriques ou magnétiques d'indication
A safety system for a vehicle comprises a sensing means which is arranged to determine the presence of a preceding vehicle and, where present, to produce at least one first output signal representative of one or more characteristics of the preceding vehicle, the sensing means also being arranged to determine the presence of an oncoming vehicle and, where present, to produce at least one second output signal representative of one or more characteristics of the oncoming vehicle, and a controller which is arranged to receive the output signals from the sensing means, and from the signals to generate a result signal indicative that it is possible for the vehicle to safely overtake the preceding vehicle before the oncoming vehicle blocks the path along which the vehicle must travel to complete the overtaking maneuver.
B60W 30/00 - Fonctions des systèmes d'aide à la conduite des véhicules routiers non liées à la commande d'un sous-ensemble particulier, p. ex. de systèmes comportant la commande conjuguée de plusieurs sous-ensembles du véhicule
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G05D 1/02 - Commande de la position ou du cap par référence à un système à deux dimensions
B60W 30/095 - Prévision du trajet ou de la probabilité de collision
G08G 1/00 - Systèmes de commande du trafic pour véhicules routiers
A locking lever for a clamp mechanism of a steering column assembly comprises a first portion, a second portion that extends from the first portion, and a connecting portion or region located between the first portion to the second portion about which the second portion will preferentially breakaway from the first portion in the event of an impact by an occupant of the vehicle on the second part, the lever further comprising a flexible tether that prevents the second portion fully separating from the first portion after the lever has broken about the connection portion or region.
A steering column assembly includes a clamp mechanism comprising a clamp pin that passes through an opening in a shroud of the steering column assembly and an opening in a bracket that supports the shroud of the steering column assembly. A first reaction member is secured to one end of the pin and a second reaction member secured to another end of the clamp pin, the reaction members defining a length of clamp pin between them that passes through the opening in the shroud and the opening in the support bracket. A cam mechanism has a fixed part and a moving part, each having an opening through which they are threaded onto the clamp pin between one of the reaction members and the support bracket. The moving cam part is connected to a lever and free to rotate around the clamp pin as the lever is rotated, the fixed cam part being prevented from rotation around the clamp pin, a cam surface of the fixed part being in contact with a cam surface of the rotating part and configured such that rotation of the rotating cam part is converted into an axial movement of the fixed cam part resulting in a change in the overall length of the cam mechanism. The cam steering column assembly is configured so that the increase in length of the cam mechanism when in a clamped position causes the bracket to be clamped to the shroud, and the assembly further comprising a damping member that is fixed to at least one of the clamp pin, the fixed cam and the moving cam so that the resilient damping member is compressed as the cam mechanism moves to the unclamped condition so as to damp the movement of the cam mechanism.
An electromechanical actuator for use in a hydraulic braking circuit of a vehicle comprises an electric motor having a stator and a rotor, and a linear actuator that is located within the motor. The stator is located within a housing having a first end and a second end and the rotor is located inside the housing and comprises an elongate rotor body having a bore passing from one end of the body to the other, the bore being enlarged over a first portion of the body located towards the first end of the motor, and being of reduced size over a second portion of the body located towards the second end of the motor. The linear actuator comprises an elongate shaft that is located within the bore in the elongate rotor body, the shaft having a screw part at one end carrying an external thread that extends along a portion of the shaft that is located within the enlarged portion of the bore in the rotor body, and a fixing part at the other end shaft that is a tightly located into the bore of the second portion of the elongate body to prevent radial movement of the shaft relative to the elongate body, the linear actuator further comprising a drive nut that surrounds the screw part of the shaft and is located at least in a retracted position inside the enlarged bore of the first portion of the rotor body, the drive nut having an internal thread and being connected to the screw part through a set of balls that engage the threads of the drive nut and screw part, and the fixing part of the shaft includes a tapering portion that engages a complimentary tapering portion of the bore in the second portion of the rotor body.A locking nut engages with one end of the rotor body and engages a bearing assembly secured to the stator.
B60T 13/74 - Transmission de l'action de freinage entre l'organe d'attaque et les organes terminaux d'action, avec puissance de freinage assistée ou relais de puissanceSystèmes de freins incorporant ces moyens de transmission, p. ex. systèmes de freinage à pression d'air avec entraînement ou assistance électrique
H02K 7/06 - Moyens de transformation d'un mouvement alternatif en un mouvement circulaire ou vice versa
F16D 65/14 - Mécanismes d'actionnement pour freinsMoyens pour amorcer l'opération de freinage à une position prédéterminée
An electromechanical actuator for use in a hydraulic braking circuit of a vehicle comprises an electric motor having a stator and a rotor, and a linear actuator that is located within the motor. The stator is located within a housing having a first end and a second end, the rotor is located inside the housing and comprises an elongate rotor body having a bore passing from one end of the body to the other, the bore being enlarged over a first portion of the body located towards the first end of the motor, and being of reduced size over a second portion of the body located towards the second end of the motor. The linear actuator comprises an elongate shaft that is located within the bore in the elongate rotor body, the shaft having a screw part at one end carrying an external thread that extends along a portion of the shaft that is located within the enlarged portion of the bore in the rotor body, and a fixing part at the other end shaft that is a tightly located into the bore of the second portion of the elongate body to prevent radial movement of the shaft relative to the elongate body, the linear actuator further comprising a drive nut that surrounds the screw part of the shaft and is located at least in a retracted position inside the enlarged bore of the first portion of the rotor body, the drive nut having an internal thread and being connected to the screw part through a set of balls that engage the threads of the drive nut and screw part. The rotor body is secured relative to the stator by a bearing assembly that is fixed to the second part of the elongate rotor body, the other end of the rotor body being otherwise unsupported and overhung from the bearing assembly.
B60T 13/74 - Transmission de l'action de freinage entre l'organe d'attaque et les organes terminaux d'action, avec puissance de freinage assistée ou relais de puissanceSystèmes de freins incorporant ces moyens de transmission, p. ex. systèmes de freinage à pression d'air avec entraînement ou assistance électrique
H02K 7/06 - Moyens de transformation d'un mouvement alternatif en un mouvement circulaire ou vice versa
H02K 7/10 - Association structurelle avec des embrayages, des freins, des engrenages, des poulies ou des démarreurs mécaniques
88.
Interior permanent magnet motor and rotor structure therefore
A rotor structure for an interior permanent magnet electric motor comprising: A laminated rotor core which comprises stack of thin plates, the stack having a first end and a second end, each plate in the stack including at least one window which is aligned with a corresponding window of an adjacent plate so that the window together form an elongate pocket that extends along at least a part of the length of the core starting at a first end of the core, and at least one permanent magnet located in the pocket. At least one plate at the first end of the stack includes an integral retention feature which projects away from a main body of the plate to project above the window in the plate and which engages the first end of the magnet thereby to retain the magnet in the pocket.
H02K 21/12 - Moteurs synchrones à aimants permanentsGénératrices synchrones à aimants permanents avec des induits fixes et des aimants tournants
H02K 1/27 - Noyaux rotoriques à aimants permanents
H02K 15/03 - Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication, l'assemblage, l'entretien ou la réparation des machines dynamo-électriques des corps statoriques ou rotoriques comportant des aimants permanents
An adjustable steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud which comprises an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion where the overall length can be adjusted by relative movement of the two portions, a support bracket secured to a fixed part of a vehicle and a releasable clamp assembly which is movable between an unclamped position in which the shroud can be adjusted telescopically and a clamped position in which the outer tubular portion clamps onto the inner tubular portion thereby preventing telescopic movement of the shroud during normal use of the assembly. The outer tubular portion includes an elongated slot and two clamp rails, each located on a respective side of the slot and including an elongated opening through which a clamp bolt of the clamp assembly passes. At least one of the rails varies in cross-section at the various positions at which the rails may be clamped such that, in use, the rails resiliently deform when the assembly is in the clamped position by an amount dependent on the relative telescopic position of the inner and outer tubular portions.
A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud, the shroud comprising an upper shroud portion and a lower shroud portion, in which the upper shroud portion is located towards the end of the steering shaft that is nearest the steering wheel and the lower portion is located towards the end of the shaft furthest from the steering wheel, the upper portion being at least partially received within the lower portion so that the upper portion can telescopically collapse into the lower portion during a crash, a support bracket that in use is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes two support bracket arms that depend from a base portion to embrace the shroud, a clamp rail that is releasably secured to the upper shroud portion, the clamp rail including a slot that extends generally horizontally, and a clamp pin that extends through an opening in each of the arms of the bracket and through the generally horizontal slot in the rail, the clamp pin carrying a clamp mechanism that is movable between an unclamped position in which the rail can move freely relative to the clamp pin and a clamped position in which the rail is fixed relative to the clamp pin. The rail is secured to the upper shroud portion by a deformable tab which protrudes from the upper shroud portion to hook onto a part of the rail that faces the steering wheel end of the shroud. In use of the assembly with the cam mechanism in the clamped condition the tab is deformable under a predefined load applied to the upper shroud so as to unhook from the rail allowing the upper shroud to move axially relative to the rail and hence relative to the clam pin to permit collapse of the steering column shroud.
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
91.
PROCESSING RECEIVED RADIATION REFLECTED FROM A TARGET
A method of and apparatus for processing received radiation (e.g. RADAR radiation) reflected from a target (101), the method comprising generating (200) a set of predicted targets, the set of predicted targets comprising at least one member, each member representing a state of the target (101), generating (201) a predicted waveform for the radiation for each member dependent upon the state of the target (101), and comparing (202) each predicted waveform with a waveform of the received radiation to determine the accuracy with which the state of the target (101) represented by the member for which the predicted waveform was generated matches an actual state of the target (101).
G01S 7/41 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant l'analyse du signal d'écho pour la caractérisation de la cibleSignature de cibleSurface équivalente de cible
G01S 13/34 - Systèmes pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 13/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoireSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 13/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes radio, p. ex. systèmes radarSystèmes analogues utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes dont la nature ou la longueur d'onde sont sans importance ou non spécifiées
G01S 13/72 - Systèmes radar de poursuiteSystèmes analogues pour la poursuite en deux dimensions, p. ex. combinaison de la poursuite en angle et de celle en distance, radar de poursuite pendant l'exploration
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoireSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 7/48 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/539 - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant l'analyse du signal d'écho pour la caractérisation de la cibleSignature de cibleSurface équivalente de cible
G01S 13/93 - Radar ou systèmes analogues, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions
G01S 15/34 - Systèmes pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 15/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la trajectoire ou de la vitesseSystèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 13/46 - Détermination indirecte des données relatives à la position
A method of controlling an electric power assisted steering (EPS) apparatus comprises a plurality of inverter bridges each connected to a multi-phase motor configured to provide power assist to steering of a vehicle. After detection of a failure within one of said inverter bridges, the current flow within the faulty inverter bridge is controlled, and one or more of the other inverter bridges is used to provide power assistance. A control system for an electric power assisted steering (EPS) apparatus comprises a plurality of inverter bridges (14, 14') each connected to a multi-phase motor (12, 12') configured to provide power assist to steering of a vehicle, selection means for selectively operating switches (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) in an inverter bridge in which a failure has been detected to control the current flow within the faulty inverter bridge, and control means for controlling one or more of the other inverter bridges to provide power assistance in accordance with the method.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
An electronic control unit (1) for a vehicle, the electronic control unit (1) comprising a processor (2) comprising: a processor core (13); storage (14a, 14b), the storage (14a, 4b) storing data comprising instructions for the processor core (13); a tamper-5 resistant hardware security module (15) which is coupled to the storage (14a, 14b) for reading and writing; and an external interface (18); the electronic control unit (1) further comprising further storage (21) connected to the processor (2) through the external interface (18) and containing further data; in which the hardware security module (15) is arranged to cause a determination whether the data in the storage (14a, 10 4b) has been tampered with and,on a determination that the data has been tampered with, to cause the further data to be loaded into the storage (14a, 14b) from the further storage (21) over the external interface (18). Other apparatus and methods for improving the security of electronic control circuits are disclosed.
G06F 21/57 - Certification ou préservation de plates-formes informatiques fiables, p. ex. démarrages ou arrêts sécurisés, suivis de version, contrôles de logiciel système, mises à jour sécurisées ou évaluation de vulnérabilité
G06F 21/72 - Protection de composants spécifiques internes ou périphériques, où la protection d'un composant mène à la protection de tout le calculateur pour assurer la sécurité du calcul ou du traitement de l’information dans les circuits de cryptographie
G06F 21/78 - Protection de composants spécifiques internes ou périphériques, où la protection d'un composant mène à la protection de tout le calculateur pour assurer la sécurité du stockage de données
A gearbox assembly (1) for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing (2) which houses a worm shaft (3) and a gear wheel (7), the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly (5) at an end closest to the motor (4) and by a tail bearing assembly (6) at an end furthest from the motor, and the gear wheel being supported by an output shaft (8) having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly, in which the tail bearing assembly is free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to move radially away from the axis of the wheel gear. A biasing means applies a biasing force to the tail bearing assembly that biases the worm shaft into engagement with the wheel gear. The main bearing assembly comprises an inner race and an outer race separated by bearing elements, the outer race being supported by a carrier (11) that is supported by an axle that is in turn secured to gearbox housing, the axle defining a pivot axis for the worm shaft that is located on the side of the worm shaft closest to the wheel gear and extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the worm shaft and parallel to the axis of the wheel gear.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
F16H 55/24 - Dispositifs particuliers de rattrapage de jeu entre les dentures
A motor bridge driver integrated circuit comprises a first set of input ports arranged to receive control signals from a first microprocessor, a second set of input ports arranged to receive control signals from a second microprocessor, and at least one set of output ports arranged to output motor phase switching signals to the switches of a motor bridge. A diagnostic circuit receives and monitors the control signals received from the two microprocessors and from those signals determines which microprocessor is to be treated as a master and which is to be treated as a slave at any given time by the motor bridge driver. An arbitration circuit selectively enables only the master microprocessor to the take control of the motor bridge at any given time while preventing the slave microprocessor from taking control of the motor bridge.
H02P 29/028 - Détection d’un défaut, p. ex. court circuit, rotor bloqué, circuit ouvert ou perte de charge le moteur continuant de fonctionner malgré le défaut, p. ex. élimination, compensation ou résolution du défaut
B60L 3/00 - Dispositifs électriques de sécurité sur véhicules propulsés électriquementContrôle des paramètres de fonctionnement, p. ex. de la vitesse, de la décélération ou de la consommation d’énergie
H02P 27/06 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs
H02P 29/032 - Prévention d’un endommagement du moteur, p. ex. détermination de limites individuelles de courant pour différentes conditions de fonctionnement
H02P 27/08 - Dispositions ou procédés pour la commande de moteurs à courant alternatif caractérisés par le type de tension d'alimentation utilisant une tension d’alimentation à fréquence variable, p. ex. tension d’alimentation d’onduleurs ou de convertisseurs utilisant des convertisseurs de courant continu en courant alternatif ou des onduleurs avec modulation de largeur d'impulsions
H02H 7/08 - Circuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés aux machines ou aux appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou de ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un changement indésirable des conditions normales de travail pour moteurs dynamo-électriques
A steering column assembly comprises an adjustable shroud and a locking mechanism that comprises a clamp pin, a locking handle and a cam mechanism fitted to the clamp pin, in which the cam mechanism comprises first and second cam portions which can be moved relative to each other by operation of the locking handle to vary the overall length of the cam mechanism, the unlocked position of the cam mechanism being defined by contact of a first end stop of the first cam portion with a second end stop of the second cam portion. At least one of the end stops comprises a resilient cushioning member which provides cushioning as the at least one end stop engages the other end stop upon the locking mechanism reaching the unlocked position. The resilient cushioning member is free to move so that on a first engagement, a portion of the resilient cushioning member makes contact with the end stop; and on a second engagement, a different portion of the resilient cushioning member makes contact with the end stop.
B62D 1/184 - Dispositifs pour fixer les colonnes à des positions sélectionnées
B62D 1/187 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant un réglage de l'inclinaisonColonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant un réglage axial et de l'inclinaison
97.
A GEARBOX ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY
A gearbox assembly for an electric power assisted steering apparatus. The assembly comprises a gearbox housing (2) which houses a worm shaft (3) and a gear wheel (10), the worm shaft (3) being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing assembly (5) at an end closest to the motor and by a tail bearing assembly, at an end furthest from the motor (4), comprising an inner race (6A) and an outer race (6B) separated by bearing elements. The gearbox assembly further comprises a first guiding surface upon which the outer race (6B) is supported, the outer race being able to move by rolling along the guiding surface when a radial load is applied to the tail bearing assembly by the worm shaft, and a guide device (16) which contacts both the outer bearing and a second guiding surface, the biasing spring (17) acting upon the tail bearing assembly indirectly by acting upon the guide device which in turn acts upon the bearing assembly. The gear wheel is supported by an output shaft having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly. The tail bearing assembly is free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to move radially away from the axis of the wheel gear. The apparatus further includes a biasing spring (17) that applies a biasing force to the tail bearing assembly that biases the worm shaft into engagement with the wheel gear.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
98.
A GEARBOX ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY
A gearbox assembly (100) for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing (2) which houses a worm shaft (3) and a gear wheel (10), the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing by a main bearing (5) at an end closest to the motor (4) and by a tail bearing (6) at an end furthest from the motor, and the gear wheel being supported by an output shaft having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly, in which the main bearing and tail bearing are free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to pivot away from the wheel gear facilitated by tilting of the main bearing about a pivot that is fixed relative to the housing,wherein the gearbox assembly is arranged such that the pivot (22) reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load that arises when a gearwheel torque is applied to the gearwheel in a first direction but not in a second, opposing, direction, and in that a tensioning device is provided that reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load that arises when a gearwheel torque is applied to the gearwheel in the second direction but not in the first direction.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
99.
A GEARBOX ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY
A gearbox assembly (100) for an electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a gearbox housing which houses a worm shaft (3) and a gear wheel (10), the worm shaft being supported relative to the housing (2) by a main bearing (5) at an end closest to the motor (4) and by a tail bearing (6) at an end furthest from the motor, and the gear wheel being supported by an output shaft (11) having at least one end that provides a take-off from the gearbox assembly, in which the main bearing and tail bearing are free to move relative to the housing through a limited range of motion that enables the worm shaft to pivot away from the wheel gear, the assembly further comprising: a first pivoting means (27) for the worm shaft main bearing which reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load for a first direction of gearwheel torque but not for a second, opposing, direction of gearwheel torque and defines at least one first pivot point about which the main bearing pivots that is located on a pivot axis, a second pivoting means (28) for the worm shaft main bearing, positioned distal from the first pivoting means, which reacts the axial component of the worm shaft tooth load for the second direction of gearwheel torque but not the first direction of gearwheel torque and defines at least one second pivot point about which the main bearing pivots that is located on a second pivot axis, the second pivot point being spaced apart from the first pivot point.
B62D 5/04 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance électrique, p. ex. au moyen d'un servomoteur relié au boîtier de direction ou faisant partie de celui-ci
According to a first aspect the invention provides a steering column assembly comprises a first support bracket that is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle, a second support bracket that is secured to the first support bracket by at least one frangible connector, a shroud, and an energy absorbing device that acts between the first and the second support bracket and which in the event of a collapse deforms to absorb energy and at least partially control the collapse of the steering column assembly. The energy absorbing device comprises a laminated strap having discrete first and second layers, each formed from a separate elongate strip of material that is free to slide over the other strip along a major portion of its length, a portion of the laminated strap being coiled into a spiral, a free end portion of the laminated strap passing through passing through an opening in the second support bracket or the shroud, the free end of a first one of the strips having an opening through which a fastener passes that secures the laminated strap to the first support bracket, and the free end of a second one of the straps being connected to the first strip in a region distal from the free end of the first strip. In the event of a collapse of the steering column assembly the upper column moves relative to the first support bracket which causes the strap to be pulled through the opening whilst at the same time unwinding the coil, thereby controlling the collapse of the upper column assembly.
B62D 1/187 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant un réglage de l'inclinaisonColonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant un réglage axial et de l'inclinaison
B62D 1/19 - Colonnes de direction susceptibles de déformation ou réglables, p. ex. inclinables comportant des dispositions pour absorber l'énergie, p. ex. susceptibles de déformation ou repliables
brevets
