Patent ID: 7397210
Filing Date: 2008-07-08
Classification: B62D,H02P

Abstract:
1. A control unit for an electric power steering apparatus for applying a steering assist force to a steering system of a vehicle, via a motor, the control unit comprising: a plurality of position detecting sensors, each for detecting a rotation position of the motor and outputting it as a binary output; a state function calculating means which calculates a state function value repeatedly, at a predetermined time interval, based on outputs of the plurality of position detecting sensors, and which outputs the state function values; and a judging means which receives the output state function values, and determines and outputs a judgment result; wherein the judging means comprises a storage means and a judgment table, which outputs the judgment result; and wherein the judgment result is one of a clockwise rotation of the motor, a counterclockwise rotation of the motor, a stop of the motor, and an abnormality in the detection of the rotational direction of the motor.