Electric power steering apparatus
US5992558A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D6/007
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Control unit has a plurality of steering assist modes to which are allocated different characteristics of a target motor current for an assisting motor. Engine rotation sensor detects a current number of rotations of a vehicle engine. Mode switching unit effects a change between the steering assist modes only when the detected vehicle velocity is below a predetermined reference velocity representative of a substantially stationary condition of the vehicle and simultaneously the detected number of rotations of the engine is below a predetermined value. Thus, a change in steering characteristic is permitted only when the engine rotation sensor indicates that the vehicle is in the substantially stationary condition. This way, even with a malfunctioning velocity sensor, it is always possible to avoid an unwanted deterioration in driver's steering feel that would be caused by the steering characteristic change.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.