Electric power steering system
AssigneeMazda Motor Corporation
InventorsHiroshi Ohmura, Takashi Nakashima
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system having a motor operatively connected to a steering system for reducing the steering effect is provided with a steering torque sensor for detecting steering torque in the steering system during a steering operation, an alternator output level sensor for detecting the output level of an engine driven alternator, and an ignition key switch sensor. In response to the output signal of the steering torque sensor, an assist signal is provided. In response to the output level of the alternator output level sensor and the position of the ignition key switch, an engine stall condition is detected. When engine stall occurs, the output torque of the motor is controlled in response to the assist signal for a predetermined period.
Claims9
An electric power steering system for steering wheels of a vehicle steerable by a steering wheel steerably connected thereto, comprising:
- a motor operatively connected to the steering system for reducing steering effort,
- a steering torque sensor means for detecting steering torque in the steering system during a steering operation,
- ignition switch condition detecting means for detecting if an ignition switch for starting the vehicle is in one of an on condition and an off condition,
- engine stall detecting means for detecting an engine stall condition, and
- control means, responsive to detection by the ignition switch condition detecting means that said ignition switch is in said on condition and to detection by the engine stall detecting means of an engine stall, for operating and then stopping operation of the motor after a predetermined period determined by said control means has passed even if said ignition switch remains in said on condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.