Patent ID: 6244372
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: B62D,G07C

Abstract:
A power steering apparatus for generating a steering assist force by a hydraulic pressure generated by a pump driven by an electric motor, the power steering apparatus comprising:a steering angle detector for sensing a steering angle as measured with respect to a steering angle midpoint;an actuation control circuit for actuating the electric motor in its off state, on condition that a change amount of the steering angle sensed by the steering angle detector exceeds a predetermined actuation threshold; andan actuation threshold determining circuit for determining the actuation threshold in accordance with the steering angle sensed by the steering angle detector at which the electric motor is deactuated, the actuation threshold determining circuit being adapted to determine a first actuation threshold which is to be employed when a steering wheel is operated away from the steering angle midpoint and a second actuation threshold which is to be employed when the steering wheel is operated toward the steering angle midpoint in accordance with the sensed steering angle so that a sum of the first and second actuation thresholds is virtually constant.