Abstract: When an inverter or a coil set of one system fails in a motor drive apparatus having two power supply systems, a power supply relay of a failing system is turned off. In this case, while a travel speed detection value is less than a predetermined threshold value, current supply to a motor by the other system operating normally is stopped to thereby stop driving of the motor and generate no steering assist torque. Thus, a driver will be caused to surely notice occurrence of failure.

Abstract: Method for operating a steering system for a motor vehicle with at least one steerable wheel, a servo drive and a superimposed gear mechanism, the steering movement, initiated by the driver of the vehicle, and the movement for producing the steering movement of the steerable wheel, initiated by the servo drive for realizing useful functions (VSR, LAFN) being superimposed by the superimposed gear mechanism into a pinion angle, the servo drive for initiating the movement being triggered by a control signal (?Md) of a control device. The servo drive is turned back in a controlled manner when a substitute mode of at least one useful function (VSR, LAFN) of the steering system is switched off or on.

Abstract: There is provided a steering system allowing a comfortable steering operation even if a driver quickly turns a steering wheel when a transfer ratio is quickened in a low vehicle speed range. In the steering system that changes the transfer ratio of a steering angle of the steering wheel to a turning angle of a turning wheel by a variable transfer ratio mechanism and generates auxiliary power by an electric power steering unit, a variable transfer ratio mechanism controlling ECU has a switching section for switching a transfer ratio modulating mode of setting a rotational angle of a transfer ratio variable motor used in the variable transfer ratio mechanism so that the transfer ratio is set at a target transfer ratio corresponding to vehicle speed with a steering torque modulating mode of reducing an electric current for driving the motor so as to reduce steering power of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for steering travel limit determination for electric power steering. Exemplary embodiments include a method, computer program product and system incorporating the method, for implementing steering travel limit determination for electric power steering, including measuring end of travel positions of a handwheel of a vehicle, recording the end of travel positions, comparing the end of travel positions with current travel limit values and recording new travel limits with respect to the end of travel positions.

Abstract: A driving method for a motor includes sensing variation of magnetic pole of a rotator of the motor, to generate a magnetic pole sensing signal, determining dead zone of the motor according to the magnetic pole sensing signal, to generate a determination result, and adjusting voltage outputted to a coil of the rotator according to the determination result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assisting an operator of a vehicle in adjusting a nominal steering angle at steerable wheels of the vehicle for the vehicle stabilization. An additional steering torque is applied to the steering line of the vehicle, which is determined dependent on a difference between a nominal steering angle and an instantaneous steering angle. The method is characterized in that a value of a load moment acting on the steering line of the vehicle is estimated, and that the additional steering torque is established dependent on the estimated value for the load moment.

Abstract: A motor control device and an electric power steering system that make it possible to suppress occurrence of voltage saturation with a simple configuration are provided. A current limiting value computing unit computes a current limiting basic value of which the value is lower as a rotation angular velocity of a motor increases, and computes a voltage gain of which the value is smaller as a power voltage value, detected by a first voltage sensor provided at an electric power line that constitutes an electric power supply line to the motor, decreases. In addition, the current limiting value computing unit computes a difference between a control voltage value, detected by a second voltage sensor provided at a control line independent of the electric power line, and the above power voltage value, and computes an output gain of which the value is smaller as the difference increases.

Abstract: A steering shaft is composed of an upper shaft, a lower shaft, an input shaft, and an output shaft. The upper shaft, the lower shaft, and the input shaft can rotate together, and the input shaft and the output shaft are relatively rotatably coupled to each other via a torsion bar. The rotational position of a rotor coupled to the output shaft is calculated based on the detected rotational position of the lower shaft and a steering torque detected based on the amount of relative rotational displacement of the input shaft and the output shaft. Thus, it is not necessary to include a rotor rotational position detecting unit for detecting the rotational position of the rotor within the electric motor, which reduces the size of the electric motor.

Abstract: An electric power steering device is configured to transmit an auxiliary torque to a steering unit of front wheels, and includes: an operator; an electric motor configured to generate the auxiliary torque in accordance with at least a steering torque generated by input from the operator; the steering unit of front wheels which includes a pinion shaft; and a rotation terminating mechanism which provides a motion terminating end of the operator, the rotation terminating mechanism being disposed between the operator and the pinion shaft.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a wormshaft housed in a shaft housing portion and rotatably supported at one end by a bearing, a worm wheel adapted to mesh with the wormshaft, a bottomed, cylindrical bearing holder configured to enclose and fit onto the bearing for holding the bearing, and a preloading means located in the bearing holder for preloading the bearing in a direction of meshed-engagement of the worm gear. An adjustment-mechanism housing portion is formed at one end of the shaft housing portion for housing and retaining the bearing holder. A restriction wall is formed in the adjustment-mechanism housing portion for restricting a movement of the bearing holder. The preloading means includes a preload portion formed integral with the bearing holder, for forcing the bearing in the direction of meshed-engagement by a force of resiliency of the preload portion, thus ensuring sufficient accuracy of meshed-engagement without complicated machining.

Abstract: A method for controlling steering in a vehicle includes the steps of obtaining a vehicle steering communication, controlling an actuator coupled to a hand wheel, a road wheel, or both using a primary active steering functionality, if the vehicle steering communication reflects one or more of a plurality of types of specified errors, and controlling the actuator using the primary active steering functionality and a supplemental active steering functionality, if the vehicle steering communication does not reflect one or more of the plurality of types of specified errors.

Abstract: An electric power steering device for a vehicle includes an estimation mechanism estimating if there is a possibility that a backward electric current flows in a booster circuit toward a vehicle battery device, and a boosting controller stopping the boosting operation of the booster circuit to prevent a backward electric current from flowing in the booster circuit when it is estimated that there is a possibility that a backward electric current flows by the estimation mechanism. The estimation mechanism estimates that there is a possibility that a backward electric current flows in the booster circuit when the steering condition of a steering wheel is a returning condition or a steering-held condition. Otherwise, the estimation mechanism estimates if a backward electric current flows on the basis of input and output voltages of the booster circuit and information on the switching of a first boosting switching element. Thereby, overheat of the booster circuit can be prevented.

Abstract: An electric power steering system for a vehicle includes a motor for providing assistance in turning the wheels of the vehicle. The motor is electrically connected to a controller. The controller includes a power device, such as a power transistor, electrically connected to the motor to variably provide electric power to the motor as needed. The controller also includes a gate drive device electrically connected to the power device for regulating operation the power device. A shutdown mechanism is electrically connected between the gate drive device and a power input. In the event of a fault, the shutdown mechanism isolates electrical power from the gate drive device. This prevents the power device from providing electric power to the power steering motor.

Abstract: A steering-torque detecting unit detects a steering torque applied by a driver as a steering torque signal. A phase-lag compensation unit performs an operation having a frequency response characteristic of multiplying a phase-lag compensation by a constant for the steering torque signal based on a signal obtained by applying an amplification by a first gain and a low pass filter on the steering torque signal and a signal obtained by applying an amplification by a second gain on the steering torque signal. A current control unit controls a current applied to a motor to follow a current command that is obtained based on an output of the phase-lag compensation unit.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes an rotating AC machine which generates an auxiliary torque for assisting a steering torque of a steering system; and a controller which performs control so that the allowed electric current amplitude of the rotating AC machine becomes large if a rotational speed of the rotating AC machine is increased. Accordingly, it is possible to release or lessen the limit on the number of repetitions or continuous time of the “stationary steering” or the “end contact”.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicular steering apparatus capable of improving a steering feeling and achieving a reduction in cost. The vehicular steering apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with an assist motor for generating an assist torque, a state quantity detector for detecting a steering shaft reaction torque and a road surface reaction torque, and a control unit for calculating a target current value of the assist motor. The control unit includes a friction compensation portion and a return compensation portion, which calculate a friction compensation torque for compensating for the assist torque and a return compensation torque for compensating for the assist torque from the steering shaft reaction torque and the road surface reaction torque respectively. The control unit compensates for an overall friction torque in a steering mechanism and a gradient of the road surface reaction torque, using the friction compensation torque and the return compensation torque.

Abstract: This steering apparatus is capable of changing and controlling a ratio of a turning angle of a steered wheel to an operation amount of an operation member, wherein the ratio is reduced when an operation speed of the operation member is higher than a predetermined operation speed; and if the operation speed is reduced thereafter, then the reduced ratio is maintained.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the energy consumption of a motor vehicle having at least one vehicle electric system, to which at least a first electric consumer is connected. In order to achieve an efficient vehicle electric system, which, in addition, contributes to a reduced energy consumption of a motor vehicle, in a first operating mode of the motor vehicle, the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system without at least the first consumer is at a first level. In a second operating mode of the motor vehicle, the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system without at least the first consumer is decreased temporarily to a second level that is lower than the first level.

Abstract: When stopping operation of an electric power steering apparatus, a motor relay is kept in an on-state even after a power supply relay is in an off-state. A drive control portion sets a target value of a d-axis current to a value other than zero and sets a target value of a q-axis current to zero, and performs a processing same as that at the time of rotating a motor. MOS-FETs contained in a motor driving circuit are controlled such that each of driving currents of the two phases or more is not zero and the brushless motor does not rotate even supplied with these driving currents. Electric charge accumulated in a capacitor is discharged via the MOS-FETs each in an on-state, a motor relay and the windings of the brushless motor. The electric charge accumulated in the capacitor may be discharged via the excitation coil of the motor relay.

Abstract: A power steering system is disclosed herein that includes an electronic control unit that determines a set-point value for a damping moment in the power steering system. The system also includes a first sensor connected to the control unit and operable to determine a sign of a steering angle. The sign of the steering angle refers to a clockwise angle from dead center being designated as positive or negative and a counter-clockwise angle from dead center being assigned the other designation. The system also includes a second sensor connected to the control unit and operable to determine the sign of a steering wheel angular velocity. The sign of the steering wheel angular velocity refers to movement of the steering wheel in the clockwise direction being designated as positive or negative and movement in the counter-clockwise direction being assigned the other designation.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion type steering gear box connected to the steering wheel, a steering torque sensor, a pinion shaft, and a steering actuator mounted on the pinion shaft to assist a steering operation conducted by a driver. An overload preventing control is conducted so that a sum of a torque conversion value of an assist current and a steering torque detected by the steering torque sensor equal a predetermined threshold value. When the steering gear box has reached a stroke end, and the assist current or the steering torque is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the overload preventing control is conducted using a threshold value that is less than the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An adaptive control VGR steering system that varies the steering gear ratio between a vehicle hand-wheel angle and the road wheel angle based on vehicle speed and one or more of hand-wheel angle, driver attentiveness and a driver's driving style and skill.

Abstract: A torque detector includes a sensor unit including a single magnetic sensor capable of detecting a change of flux, a torque detecting unit that detects torque based on an output of the sensor unit, and a magnetic field generator capable of generating a magnetic field in an area including the sensor unit. The torque detecting unit has a failure detecting mode that detects an abnormality of the sensor unit based on an offset amount of the output of the sensor unit. The offset amount is obtained when the magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, there is provided a correction coefficient memory previously storing an output correction coefficient to be multiplied by a current control signal applied to an electric motor at certain points in a range of temperatures in such a manner as to correct a temperature dependent output torque changing in dependence upon an environmental temperature of the electric motor to a demand output torque required in the electric motor.

Abstract: In a motor control device, a control calculation unit obtains a phase voltage instruction value. A current detecting unit detects an electric current which flows into the brushless motor. A rotational position detecting unit detects the rotational position of a rotor in the brushless motor. A correction unit corrects the phase voltage instruction value based on the detection results of the current detecting unit and the rotational position detecting unit so that a dependency of a ratio on an electric angle shown by a secondary harmonic component of the ratio concerning the electric angle of the brushless motor. The ratio is a ratio of a q-axis or d-axis component of the electric current, which flows into the brushless motor, to a q-axis or d-axis instruction value. A driving unit drives the brushless motor based on the phase voltage instruction value after the correction by the correction unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric power steering apparatus, in which reduction and thickness thereof can be achieved, radiation performance thereof can concurrently be ensured, and manufacturing and running costs thereof can also be reduced, even when the apparatus includes a structure having a motor and a motor control device integrated therewith. The apparatus includes a motor which assists in steering operations, a motor control device which controls the motor, and a housing which accommodates the motor and the motor control device. The housing includes a motor accommodation portion which accommodates the motor, and a control device accommodation portion which accommodates the motor control device. The motor control device includes a drive unit which drives the motor, and a control unit which controls the motor. The drive unit is disposed in a position in the control device accommodation portion, the position being in proximity to the motor accommodation portion.

Abstract: A steering device for a superposition steering system is provided using at least one actuator. The device is based on the object of producing a superposition steering system which requires no additional installation space in the steering column. The actuator for the superposition steering system is therefore arranged in the steering wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for an electric power steering apparatus comprises: a steering assist command value calculating section; a current control section that calculates a voltage command value; and a motor driving section that drives a motor based on the voltage command value, wherein an assist power from the motor is applied to a steering system, the control apparatus is characterized in that an SAT measuring section, that inputs an angular speed and an angular acceleration of the motor, the steering assist command value and the torque signal therein so as to estimate an SAT, is provided, and the SAT obtained by the SAT measuring section is feedbacked to the steering assist command value via a feedback section composed of a phase compensating section and a gain section.

Abstract: A steering control device for a vehicle includes a first adjustment value determination means for determining a first adjustment value of a value corresponding to a wheel steering angle based on an actual value and a target value of turning state quantity, the first adjustment value is a value directing to approximate the actual value to the target value, and a steering control means for adjusting the wheel steering angle by modifying the value corresponding to the wheel steering angle based on the first adjustment value, wherein the first adjustment value determination means includes an index value obtaining means for obtaining an index value indicating a probability of an occurrence of a side-slip of a wheel and a regulation means for regulating the first adjustment value so that the greater the probability of the occurrence of the side-slip is, the smaller the first adjustment value is set to be.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion type steering gear box connected to the steering wheel, a steering torque sensor, a pinion shaft, and a steering actuator mounted on the pinion shaft to assist a steering operation conducted by a driver. An overload preventing control is conducted so that a sum of a current conversion value of a steering torque detected by the steering torque sensor and an assist current calculated based on the steering torque becomes equal to a limit value. When the steering gear box has reached a stroke end, the assist current is prevented from excessively increasing, thereby preventing a reduction in durability of the steering gear box or a motor of the steering actuator.

Abstract: An electric power steering device, including an electric motor supplied with power from a power supply device to generate a predetermined steering assistance force for a steered wheel, and an assistance control device the controls the amount of electrical power supplied to the electric motor, according to the steering state of a steering wheel. The assistance control device detects the power supply voltage of the power supply device. The assistance control device controls the electrical current supplied to the electric motor, so as to maintain the power supply voltage greater than or equal to a set voltage which is set in advance.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame comprising an operator's compartment, wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, and a steer-by-wire system associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel. The vehicle further comprises a control apparatus.

Abstract: Tire-uniformity components may generate a lateral force on a vehicle body, when the vehicle is in a turning movement. The lateral force may cause vibrations on the vehicle body. The controller controls a motor of an electric power steering system to modulate an assist torque acting on steerable wheels in accordance with the tire-uniformity components. The assist torque is modulated in the same direction as the lateral force. As a result, it is possible to reduce vibrations on the vehicle body, since the modulated assist torque avoids conflict with the lateral force and release the lateral force.

Abstract: A vehicle behavior control system includes: a first drive power control unit that executes a turning control over right and left drive wheels of a vehicle to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle based on a drive power difference between the right and left drive wheels; a second drive power control unit that executes a traction control when any drive power difference between the right and left drive wheels exists, in order to reduce the existing drive power difference; and a traction control restriction unit that restricts the traction control from being executed when the turning control over the right and left drive wheels is executed.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle is described, wherein a magnetic or electromagnetic actuator, which can be acted on via a controller, is associated with a torsion bar connected to a steering wheel, and by which the torsional stiffness of the system is variable in dependence on the vehicle speed, the steering angle speed and/or the transverse acceleration. In this connection, the electrical power supply of the magnetic or electromagnetic actuator taking place via the controller is interrupted or reduced when a steering angle speed of zero is detected or when a steering angle speed of zero and a vehicle speed of zero are detected.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus is provided for a vehicle having a steering wheel for steering its steered wheels, a power source for generating power, and drive shafts for transferring the power to the wheels, to be served as driving wheels of the vehicle, and a traction control device for controlling braking torque applied to the wheels. The apparatus comprises a detection device for detecting the braking torque applied to the wheels, a calculation device for calculating a driving force difference between the wheels, on the basis of the detected braking torque, a power source state detection device for detecting an actuating state of the power source, and a control device provided for controlling steering torque created by the steering wheel, and applying torque steer reducing torque to the steering wheel. A desired value of the torque steer reducing torque is determined, on the basis of the driving force difference and the actuating state of the power source.

Abstract: A steering control system and method for automated steering of work vehicles that adapts to nonlinearities and uncertainties of steering mechanisms including a tolerance control law, a dynamic control law, and a saturation control law selected and executed in real time based on the magnitude of steering angle error, steering mode command, and manual override signal in real time. The dynamic control law includes a dynamic compensator having a double compensation zero, an integral, and a compensation gain, and further includes a deadband compensator and a control signal limiter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating for drive influences of a drive train of a motor vehicle on its steering system, said motor vehicle having an electric power steering system. A drive train simulation model which is integrated into the motor vehicle and permanently activated is used to determine disturbance variables from a driven behavior so that a compensation torque which counteracts the disturbance variables is generated for the power steering system.

Abstract: A steering controller for an electric power steering device 110 includes a base signal computing part 51 for computing a base signal DT in accordance with at least the steering torque; a damper compensation signal computing part 52 for computing a damper compensation signal in accordance with an angular velocity of an electric motor 4 or a speed of steering wheel turn; and an inertia compensation signal computing part 53 for compensating inertia and viscosity in the steering unit. The electric motor is driven by a target signal IM1 obtained by compensating the base signal with a damper compensation signal and an inertia compensation signal, to provide a steering auxiliary force. The target signal of the auxiliary torque is compensated so that a difference between a reference self-aligning torque of front wheel in a front wheel steering vehicle and a self-aligning torque of front wheel in an all-wheel steering vehicle is provided to a driver as a responsive feeling from the steering torque.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus, which includes: a steering system connection member connecting a steering wheel and a tire; an electric generator installed in the steering system connection member so as to adjusting a steering force of the steering wheel; and a control unit for controlling a connection/disconnection of both terminals of an armature coil in the electric generator based on a vehicle speed.

Abstract: In a configuration in which a control is performed for actuating the steering cylinder 17 so that the steering angle of the front wheel 11a (steering wheel), which is detected by the steering angle detector 62, becomes a target steering angle which is set in accordance with an operational state of the steering dial 42, the target steering angle of the front wheel 11a (steering wheel), which is set in accordance with an operational state of the steering dial 42, is compared with a detected steering angle of the front wheel 11a, which is detected by the steering detector 62, and when the difference between the target steering angle and the detected steering angle is a predetermined value or higher, the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 is regulated so that the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 becomes a predetermined speed or lower.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a power supply, a driving motor for supplying mechanical power, and an electric power steering controller configured to control the driving motor and provide power to the driving motor. A boosting module is operatively coupled between the power supply and the electric power steering controller and is configured to boost a power output of the power supply, and supply the boosted power output to the electric power steering controller so that the driving motor receives a boosted power level.

Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus includes: a road-wheel turning mechanism mechanically separated from, but electrically connected to a steering wheel; a first rotation shaft connected to the steering wheel; a second rotation shaft connected to the road-wheel turning mechanism; and a connection mechanism for interconnecting the first and second rotation shafts in such a manner that the first and second rotation shafts can rotate idle relative to each other within a range of a predetermined relative rotational angle.

Abstract: A method for generating a return torque signal in an electric servo steering system of a vehicle, including the steps of: determining a current steering wheel position; determining a current vehicle speed; generating a return torque signal as a function of the steering wheel position and the vehicle speed; determining a current speed of steering wheel rotation; determining a scaling factor dependent on the speed of steering wheel rotation; and multiplying the return torque signal by the scaling factor in order to obtain a modified return torque signal. Also, a servo steering system which is designed to carry out such a method.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle, e.g., an electrohydraulic power steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a servo valve, the relative movement of whose control parts actuates a piston rod of a servo cylinder and changes at least one steering angle of a wheel which is operatively connected to the piston rod, and additionally has an electric servo motor which drives a rack with the servo cylinder for adjusting the steering angle of the wheel in the same direction. In order to provide an electrohydraulic power steering system which is as compactly arranged as possible in the region of its actuator and may be used flexibly for different classes of vehicle, the action of the rack and the piston rod of the servo cylinder is combined, in a parallel arrangement with one another, on an addition member for jointly adjusting the steering angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A controller samples a motor current value detected by a motor current detector at a sampling start timing for turning on a switching device to start holding in a motor current hold section, and fetches the motor current value held in the motor current hold section at a hold timing for turning off the switching device. The sampling start timing and the hold timing are variable.

Abstract: An electric steering system includes a steering torque measuring device for measuring a steering torque input into a steering system, a steering speed measuring device for measuring a steering speed of the steering system; a target current computing section for computing a target current based on the steering torque measured by the steering torque measuring device, and a control section for applying a steering power to the steering system by driving a motor according to the target current.

Abstract: An electrical power supply unit for vehicle comprises: a Main Power Supply 100, a Voltage Converter 40 for converting the output voltage of the Main Power Supply 100 to supply electrical power to a Motor Drive Circuit 30, a Subsidiary Power Supply 50 to be charged by the Voltage Converter 40 and to aid the electrical power supply for the Motor Drive Circuit 30 with its stored electrical power, and an Electrical Power Supply Control Unit 62 to control the converted voltage of the Voltage Converter 40. The Electrical Power Supply Control Unit 62 controls the converted voltage of the Voltage Converter 40 based on the Voltage Converter Temperature Tb and the Subsidiary Power Supply Temperature Ts so that the heat generation condition of the Voltage Converter 40 and the heat generation condition of the Subsidiary Power Supply 50 are balanced.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system including: (a) a steering operation member; (b) a movement-amount variably transmitting device including: (b-1) a housing fixed to a vehicle body; (b-2) a differential mechanism including (i) a first element connected to the steering operation member, (ii) a second element movable relative to the first element, and (iii) a third element engaged with the first and second elements; and (b-3) a drive source for moving the third element, such that an amount of relative movement of the first and second elements is changeable depending on an amount of movement of the third element; and (c) a wheel turning device connected to the second element to turn a vehicle wheel. The movement-amount variably transmitting device further includes (b-4) a third-element-movement inhibiting device for inhibiting movement of the third element. The steering system further includes (d) a third-element-movement inhibition cancelling device for cancelling inhibition of the movement of the third element.

Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus, a phase control characteristic for a signal corresponding to detected steering torque is changed according to the judgment whether the steering is in a return steering state or a feed steering state, so that a response of a variation of target output value of a motor for generating steering assist power to a variation of the detected steering torque decreases in the return steering state in comparison with that in the feed steering state. An output control characteristic of the motor is changed according to the judgment synchronously with the change of the phase control characteristic, so that a response of a variation of the output command value to a variation of deviation between the target output value and actual output value decreases in the return steering state in comparison with that in the feed steering state.