Electric power steering apparatus
US6223852A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/0481
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a protection circuit for stopping operation of an electric motor provided to apply a steering assist force to a steering system of the vehicle. The protection circuit is operable to stop operation of the electric motor when an ignition off signal is supplied from an ignition sensor and at least one of an engine speed signal supplied from an engine speed sensor and a vehicle velocity signal supplied from a vehicle velocity sensor falls below a corresponding predetermined value. Even if an ignition on signal is not supplied during movement of the vehicle due to a failure in the ignition sensor, when the engine speed signal or the vehicle velocity signal is above the predetermined value, the vehicle is regarded as being in the running state and operation of the electric motor is continued to apply the steering assist force to the steering system. With this arrangement, a good and stable steering feel can be obtained during movement of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.