Electric power steering controller and control method
US6445987B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/0466
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric power steering controller and a control method for assisting a driver during handling a steering wheel in a condition of a small road surface reaction torque of a tire by generating an auxiliary return torque for letting the steering wheel return to its original position. A first road surface reaction torque is estimated from a steering torque of a driver detected by a steering torque detector, a motor acceleration detected by a motor acceleration detector, and a motor current detected by a motor current detector. A second road surface reaction torque is estimated from a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed detector. Then, first and second auxiliary return torque signals of the steering wheel are computed from a road surface reaction torque, and, based on the computed result, a torque of the motor is controlled in direction so the steering wheel is returned to its original position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.