Patent ID: 6102151
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
An electric power steering apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle comprising:a variable gear ratio mechanism for variably setting a gear ratio defining a pivot angle of steered wheels of the vehicle to a steering angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle;an electric motor for applying an electric steering assist to a steering system of the vehicle;a steering torque sensor for detecting steering torque in the steering system;a control unit for setting a target motor current on the basis of at least the steering torque detected by said steering torque sensor;a motor drive for driving said motor on the basis of the target motor current set by said control unit; anda gear ratio detector for detecting the gear ratio set by said variable gear ratio mechanism,wherein said control unit sets said target motor current on the basis of the gear ratio detected by said gear ratio detector in addition to the steering torque detected by said steering torque sensor.