Abstract: In order to perform a vehicle speed control in a motor driven type power steering control device, a speed change point detection sensor is provided and an assist is added or removed according to a speed change point signal therefrom. Therefore, a construction of an input circuit and a control program become simple and a simple control unit can be used. Further, by inputting a speed change point other than those at which the assist is added, it is possible to easily determine a breakage of an input line for speed change point, resulting in a highly safe power steering.

Abstract: Prevention of damage to motor and power elements and a steering of a steering wheel during a lock condition of a mechanical system are enabled by distinguishing a lock of the motor and the lock of the mechanical system from a steering of the steering wheel around steering wheel lock positions and by removing a motor current and disengaging an electromagnetic clutch based on the distinction. When the steering wheel is operated around the steering wheel lock positions, a feeling of physical disorder of steering is minimized by reducing the motor current to zero within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A vehicular charging system is provided with a microcomputer for performing a diagnostic routine on the vehicle battery and charging system. The battery charging condition and internal resistance are monitored to determine the service life of the battery and the state of the battery charging system. The internal resistance is calculated by taking the difference between the voltage when the battery terminals are in an open circuit condition and the voltage when the battery terminals are in a closed circuit state and dividing this difference by the battery current. Also included in the charge condition measurement is the measurement of the specific gravity of the battery.

Abstract: Instead of controlling an output voltage of a charging generator with a fixed value in a voltage regulator which turns a current flowing through a field coil of the charging generator on and off, the output voltage level of the generator can be adjusted by signals from external sensors, so that the generator can be subjected to fine control dependent upon the conditions under which a car carrying the generator is run, and the conditions under which the storage battery is being charged by the charging generator.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a charging generator against a short-circuit of a field winding of an a.c. generator included therein is disclosed, in which an output transistor of a voltage regulator of the charging generator is on-off controlled when a collector current of said output transistor exceeds a predetermined high value.

Abstract: A charging system control system includes a microcomputer for determining the most proper voltage regulator reference value setting according to input data received thereby, and controls a clutch and a speed change gear disposed between the engine and the charging generator so as to operate the generator within an optimum r.p.m. range. The microcomputer further performs fault detection on the basis of charging system data input thereto and effects display of the detection results by means of a display unit.

Abstract: A charge control microcomputer is provided for a vehicle charging system to control the reference voltage employed by the voltage regulator so that a suitable battery charging voltage is generated at all times. The microcomputer processes charging system data such as the battery output voltage, the generator output current, etc., and at least one engine parameter from an engine control microcomputer to derive the most suitable reference voltage for the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A charging control system includes a clutch interposed between the generator and the engine, and a microcomputer for receiving input data and determining a suitable reference voltage for the system voltage regulator, and a suitable engagement state of the clutch, in order to drive the generator in an optimum r.p.m. range at all times. The microcomputer may also be used for detecting faults in the charging system, and displaying the detected results on a display unit.

Abstract: A charge control system for a vehicle is provided with a microcomputer which calculates the most suitable battery charging value or voltage regulator set value on the basis of detected engine and charging system parameters. The microcomputer uses parameters such as the charging condition and service life condition of the battery, along with the instantaneous generated voltage, etc., and outputs the calculated set value to the voltage regulator of the charging system.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a charging system includes a microcomputer made integral with the generator and which receives and processes data from plural points in the system to diagnose system faults. Various sensors such as current detectors and a battery electrolyte testing sensor may be used to input data to the microcomputer for processing.

Abstract: A battery charge indicator circuit includes a voltage regulator 3 which maintains the voltage at a supply terminal 202 of an alternator rectifier 2 at a first predetermined value. A diode 404 and an indicating lamp 7 are connected in series between the alternator and a battery 5, and a switching circuit 406, 407 is connected between ground and the junction of the diode and indicating lamp. A capacitor 408 is connected in parallel to the switching circuit, and a Zener diode 403 causes the switching circuit to conduct when the supply terminal voltage reaches a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value. The charge on the capacitor causes the indicating lamp to remain illuminated to warn the driver that the battery is not being charged, in spite of the Zener diode being cyclicly rendered conductive and non-conductive.

Abstract: An over current of an output transistor circuit of a voltage regulation of a vehicle mounted charging generator due to a short-circuit of a field winding thereof is detected and a capacitor is charged when the detected current is larger than a predetermined value. The voltage of the capacitor is compared with a reference voltage and the output transistor circuit is cut off during the voltage of the capacitor is larger than the reference voltage, whereby a breakdown of the output transistor circuit is prevented.

Abstract: A power steering control apparatus for a car in which, under normal conditions, the steering becomes heavy as the speed of the car increases for the purpose of safety. This is realized by means of a hydraulic valve controlled by the reaction oil pressure of a proportional solenoid in the steering mechanism. In an abnormal condition such as the shortcircuit between solenoid coils or the failure of an electric control circuit, the conduction current of the proportional solenoid is interrupted by the electric control circuit whereby the reaction oil pressure is increased to cause the steering to become heavy. This function is performed by a failsafe circuit in the electric control circuit which monitors the error between the car speed inverse proportional signal and a feedback signal from the solenoid and then holds the abnormal condition when the error exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A power steering control apparatus for a car in which, under normal conditions, the steering becomes heavy as the speed of the car increases for the purpose of safety. This is realized by means of a hydraulic valve controlled by the reaction oil pressure of a proportional solenoid in the steering mechanism. In an abnormal condition such as the shortcircuit between solenoid coils or the failure of an electric control circuit, the proportional solenoid is deenergized through a failsafe circuit due to the fact that a feedback signal from the solenoid has become zero and the error with a high amplification gain between the car speed inverse proportional signal and the feedback signal has exceeded a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A charging generator controlling device including a protective circuit for protecting against excess current flow due to a short circuit. The device includes a charging generator, a rectifier, a battery, a voltage regulator circuit, a charge display lamp, a load and a current path switching device, as in a conventional device. The protective circuit includes an excess current detecting transistor coupled to be rendered conductive when the current flowing from the battery through the keyswitch to the field coil of the charging generator exceeds a predetermined value, in which case current is supplied from the battery through the keyswitch to a capacitor connected in a discharge loop. A comparator generates an output which drives a current switching device to energize the charge display lamp instead of the load and render a transistor series-connected with the field coil nonconductive during a predetermined period when the voltage across the capacitor exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An improved charging generator controlling circuit which is capable of detecting failures which could not be detected with prior art such circuits, thereby providing greater security of the electrical system in the vehicle in which the circuit is employed. A full-wave rectifier rectifies the AC output of the armature coils of the generator, the rectifier including first and second rectifier output terminals and a ground terminal. The field coil is coupled to be excited by the output provided at the second rectifier output terminal of the rectifier. A battery is coupled to an output provided at the first rectifier output terminal of the rectifier to be charged thereby. A voltage regulator controls the application of exciting current to the field coil, thereby to maintain the output voltage from the generator at a first predetermined value. A charge display lamp is connected through a keyswitch between the battery and the ground terminal.

Abstract: A charging control system for a vehicle includes a charge control microcomputer for determining the most suitable reference voltage for the charging system voltage regulator based on various input data from the charging system and an engine control microcomputer. The device also detects faults in the charging system by processing the charging system data inputs and displays the detection result on a display unit.

Abstract: A vehicle charging control system includes a charging control microcomputer for performing arithmetic operations upon input engine or charging system parameters to derive the most proper operating voltage for the charging system. The voltage regulator includes a comparator which receives its reference voltage from the charging control microcomputer. An engine control microcomputer which controls, for example, the air/fuel ratio also outputs data to the charging control microcomputer for use thereby in controlling the reference voltage. The charging control microcomputer may perform diagnostics on the charging system and output the results thereof to a suitable indicator.

Abstract: Current flowing through the field coil of a charging generator is turned on and off to control an output voltage of the charging generator. A charging indicator lamp is used to indicate malfunctions such as wire breakage in an exciter circuit, detachment of a terminal of a storage battery, and the uncontrolled operation of a control circuit, for preventing the storage battery from being excessively charged or discharged. The energization of the charging indicator lamp 6 is controlled by controlling a switching element between the charging indicator lamp and ground with a signal indicative of a detected malfunction.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charging generator having armature coils and a field coil includes a rectifier for rectifying an a.c. output induced in the armature coils, the rectifier having a first rectifier output terminal, a second rectifier output terminal, and a ground terminal. The control apparatus has a storage battery chargeable with an output from the first rectifier output terminal, a voltage regulator for turning a current flowing from the second rectifier output terminal to the field coil on and off to control an output voltage from the charging generator to a first preset value, and a charging indicator lamp and a switch device which are connected in series between the storage battery and the second rectifier output terminal through a key-operated switch.