US5082076A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for checking torque sensor in electric power steering system for vehicle
Assignee: Subaru Corp
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Filing: 1991-02-11
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Granted: 1992-01-21
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Expires: 2011-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A method for detecting abnormal condition of a torque sensor in an electric power steering system in which a power of an electric motor assisting steering operation of a vehicle is supplied in response to a torque signal generated from the torque sensor, the method comprising the steps of detecting a condition where the torque signal generated from the torque sensor is substantially equal to zero, detecting another condition wherein the rate of changing steering angle is larger than a predetermiend value, while the steering angle is held in an increasing state, and further detecting that the above detected conditions last more than a predetermined period.
Inventors
- 👤 Saiichiro Oshita
- 👤 Toyohiko Mouri
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 12:12
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D5/00; B62D5/04; B62D5/0457; B62D5/0481; B62D5/049
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for checking a torque sensor of an electric power steering system having an electric motor provided to generate an assisting power in response to a torque signal generated from the torque sensor, comprises: detecting means for detecting that the torque signal is substantially equal to zero and for generating a detection signal; deciding means for deciding that a rate of changing steering angle is larger than a predetermined value and for producing a decision signal; judging means for judging that the steering angle is increasing and for outputting a judgment signal; and determining means responsive to the detection signal, decision signal and judgment signal for determining an abnormality of the torque sensor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for checking a torque sensor of an electric power steering system having an electric motor provided to generate an assisting power in response to a torque signal generated from the torque sensor, comprises: detecting means for detecting that the torque signal is substantially equal to zero and for generating a detection signal; deciding means for deciding that a rate of changing steering angle is larger than a predetermined value and for producing a decision signal; judging means for judging that the steering angle is increasing and for outputting a judgment signal; and determining means responsive to the detection signal, decision signal and judgment signal for determining an abnormality of the torque sensor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying results of the abnormality.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said judging means comprising a steering signal generating circuit which produce a judgment signal when the rate of changing of the steering angle is increasing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said steering signal generating circuit comprising an exclusive OR gate and a NOT gate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said exclusive OR gate has two input terminals, one input terminal adapted for receiving a signal identifying the steering angle through a first comparator and the other input terminal adapted for receiving a signal identifying the rate of changing of the steering angle through a second comparator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4972320A
Cited
US4834201A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-01-20 | 1995-07-22 | 1996-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-20 | 1999-07-22 | 2000-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-20 | 2003-07-22 | 2004-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |