Electric power steering apparatus
US6213249A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/0484
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a fail-safe circuit for, on the basis of an engine running-state signal from an engine running-state sensor, enabling an electric motor to be driven by a motor drive unit so that a steering assist force from the electric motor is applied to the steering system of a vehicle. The fail-safe circuit, when the vehicle velocity detected by a vehicle velocity sensor is above a predetermined value, enables the electric motor to be driven by the motor drive unit even if the engine running-state sensor fails to detect the running state of the engine. Thus, even when a failure arises in the engine running-state sensor during movement of the vehicle, the motor can continue application of the steering assist force to the steering system. The electric power steering apparatus can always provide a good and stable steering feel as long as the vehicle is running even though the running state of the engine is not detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.