Improvements relating to electrical power assisted steering systems

摘要

An electric motor (12) of the brushless type is disclosed which is so constructed and arranged as to provide a low braking torque. An electric power steering system incorporating such a motor is also disclosed. In a preferred arrangement, the motor (12) comprises an interior permanent magnet motor. An advantage of providing a motor which generates low levels of braking torque in the event of a fault is that a driver can easily turn the wheel (3) of the vehicle in the fault condition against the motor. This reduces the requirements for motor fault protection.