The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 27, 2009
Filed:
Aug. 26, 2005
Shuji Fujita, Nishikamo-gun, JP;
Eiji Kasai, Toyota, JP;
Ippei Yamazaki, Toyota, JP;
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota, JP;
Abstract
The CPU calculates axial force matching external force that acts on a rack bar by combining steering torque MT that acts on a steering shaft with assist torque AT generated by an electric motor. The CPU then determines whether a vehicle is running straight based on a steering angle θ, a vehicle speed V, and the axial force F. Thus, even in a state where a control steering angle midpoint is deviated and a driver applies torque so as to return a turning position of a steering wheel to a neutral position, whether the vehicle is running straight can be accurately determined by making a determination by using the axial force F that acts on the rack bar. The CPU can set a considerably accurate control steering angle midpoint by calculating a smoothed steering angle midpoint by using an instantaneous steering angle midpoint in an accurately determined straight-running state.