Patent ID: 6816765
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A motor-driven power steering control apparatus for a motor vehicle, comprising:an electric motor for applying a steering assist torque to a steering system of said motor vehicle; steering torque detecting means for detecting a steering torque of said steering system; motor driving means for operating said electric motor in dependence on a detected value of said steering torque; motor operation command means for commanding starting and stopping of driving operation of said electric motor; and motor operation decision means for deciding starting and stopping of the driving operation of said electric motor on the basis of a command issued by said motor operation command means, wherein said motor operation decision means is so arranged that when stopping of the driving operation of said electric motor is commanded by said motor operation command means, said motor operation decision means stops the driving operation of said electric motor while commanding said motor driving means to stop application of said steering assist torque, provided that a state in which a detected value of said steering torque is not greater than a value predetermined for stopping the driving operation of said electric motor has continued for a time period predetermined for the stoppage.