Generating a steering wheel torque (ML) on a steering wheel in a vehicle steering system as a tactile feedback. A value for a rack force (FZ) may be obtained, and at least a component (MZ) of an actuator-generated target steering wheel torque (MS) utilizing a characteristic curve (K1) that defines the steering wheel torque (MS) as a function of the rack force (FZ). A steering wheel torque (ML) is generated on the basis of the target steering wheel torque (MS) using an actuator mechanically connected to the steering wheel. A steering system for a vehicle, and a control unit for such a steering system may be configured to perform the functions disclosed herein.

A steering feel assisting apparatus of a steer-by-wire (SBW) system, may include a disk configured to rotate together with a steering shaft; a cam engaged to an actuator and configured to receive a rotational force of the actuator to be eccentrically rotated; and a brake arm configured to selectively friction-contact with an external peripheral surface of the disk to provide a predetermined frictional force in a forward rotation direction of the disk as the brake arm rotates in conjunction with rotation of the cam.

The present embodiments relate to a steer-by-wire type steering apparatus, which prevents a steering shaft from mechanically rotating by means of a gear structure when a driver turns the steering wheel at the maximum rotation angle or greater, so as to enable efficient limiting of the steering wheel operation of the driver to be within a maximum rotation angle without increasing the size, the weight and the like of a motor for transmitting torque to the steering shaft and the like, and to be advantageous with respect to production costs, packaging and the like.

A haptic feedback mechanism for steering by wire system includes a motor. Electronic circuitry includes a node and switches for controlling the motor. A voltage sensor at the node and a motion sensor for the DC motor feed a motor control logic module that is operative to: determine if the voltage at the node is above a predetermined threshold; determine if the input motion is above a predetermined speed; and change the switches into an overcurrent protection mode if the voltage is above the predetermined threshold or the input motion is above the predetermined speed. In overcurrent protection mode, electrical power, generated by the input motion, passes through resistance and/or the motor to dissipate while maintaining haptic feedback. An endstop mechanism includes a position sensor coupled to the haptic feedback mechanism for detecting an angular position of the motor to increase feedback torque near an endstop of the motor.

A multi-part steering apparatus includes an outer rim and an inner hub. The outer rim rotates relative to the inner hub with an adjustable rotation resistance. A rotatable mechanical interface connected the outer rim to the inner hub, and a damper connects to the rotatable mechanical interface. The damper is configured to change the rotation resistance between the outer rim and inner hub. The rotatable mechanical interface may include a gear track disposed on an inside portion of the outer rim and a gear system attached to the inner hub and positioned to mesh with the gear track. The damper may include an electric motor connected to the rotatable mechanical interface and an adjustable load connected to terminals of the electric motor.

A steering column assembly is disclosed that comprises: an elongate rotatable steering column, a displacement motor, a torque feedback motor; an engagement mechanism and a control. The steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering member and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis between a withdrawn, stowed position in which the steering function of the steering column is inhibited and an extended, deployed position in which the steering function of the steering column can be enabled. The displacement motor displaces the steering column between the stowed and deployed positions. The torque feedback motor is connected to the steering column and by which the steering column is rotatable. The engagement mechanism is engaged when the steering column is in the stowed position and limits the angular displacement of the steering column to a predetermined value. A control is configured to control the operation of the displacement motor and torque feedback motor and to inhibit and enable the steering function of the steering column.

A steering control device includes a first calculator configured to calculate a first axial force, a second calculator, and a third calculator configured to calculate a third axial force. The third calculator is configured to, when a specific situation occurs in which a current of a turning motor has to be limited, decrease a reflection degree of the first axial force in the third axial force and increase a reflection degree of the second axial force in the third axial force.

The present invention provides steer-by-wire steering apparatuses that are capable of generating a counter force for improving steering feel with a simple structure and are particularly suitable for an autonomous vehicle by virtue of a reduced size.

An apparatus for reducing vibration of a steering wheel may include: a judder compensation logic unit configured to calculate judder compensation torque for removing a judder which occurs in a steering wheel of a vehicle, based on one or more of a motor current, vehicle speed and vehicle wheel speed; and a judder compensation diagnosis unit configured to determine an operation state of the judder compensation logic unit based on one or more of the vehicle wheel speed, steering torque and a brake state.

A method of controlling a steer-by-wire steering system for motor vehicles is disclosed for the calculation of a resulting self-aligning torque of a feedback actuator in a manner which is dependent on an operating state (hands-on/hands-off). The method includes determining of a base self-aligning torque for a first operating state, in which there is hand contact by a driver on a steering wheel, determining a hands-off self-aligning torque for a second operating state, in which there is no hand contact by the driver on the steering wheel, determining a self-aligning speed of the steering wheel for the first operating state and for the second operating state, and determining the resulting self-aligning torque on the basis of the base self-aligning torque or the hands-off self-aligning torque, as a result of which the steering wheel rotates at the defined self-aligning speed into the defined position.