Device for controlling a motor-driven power steering system for a vehicle.

摘要

A device for controlling a motor-driven power steering system for a vehicle is disclosed which comprises: a torque sensor (3') for detecting steering force imparted to a steering wheel (1) by an operator and generating a voltage representative of the detected steering force; a motor (13) adapted to power assist the steering motion caused by the operator through the steering wheel (1); a control unit (9) electrically connected with the torque sensor with a connector (20) interposed therebetween for controlling the power-assisting operation of the motor (13) in response to the steering force detected by the torque sensor (3'); and a converter (3'b) interposed between the torque sensor (3') and the connector (20) for converting the voltage developed by the torque sensor into current the intensity of which is in proportion to the voltage, the current thus converted being fed to the control unit (9). With the above arrangement, the control unit (9) is provided with an electrical signal precisely representing the steering torque measured by the torque sensor (3') without being affected by any voltage drop during transmission of the electrical signal from the torque sensor to the control unit, so that the control unit (9) can control the power assisting operation of the motor in accordance with the measured steering torque in a most precise manner. Clutch means (14, 17) is provided between the motor (13) and the steering system for enabling control of the transmission of power from the motor to the steering system.