Control logic for an electric power steering.pdfVIP

Mechatronics 12 (2 2) 447–459 Control logic for an electric power steering system using assist motor Ji-Hoon Kim, Jae-Bok Song * Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 5 Anam-dong, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, South Korea Received 2 0March 2 ; accepted 13 October 2 Abstract Electric power steering (EPS) systems have many advantages over traditional hydraulic power steering systems in engine efficiency, space efficiency, and environmental compatibility. This research aims at developing EPS control logic for reduction of steering torque exerted by a driver, realization of various steering feels, and improvement of return-to-center perfor- mance. In addition, the torque sensor capable of measuring the steering torque and steering wheel angle is devised, and the hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) system that can im- plement an actual load torque delivered to the steering column is also developed. With the proposed EPS logic, the driver can turn the steering wheel with the steering torque whose magnitude is determined from a torque map independent of load torques that tend to vary depending on the driving conditions. Experimental studies show that the proposed EPS control logic can improve return-to-center performance of the steering wheel by control of the assist motor. 2 2 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Electric power steering; Steering torque; Torque sensor; Assist motor; Active damping 1. Introduction A steering system is one of major subsystems for vehicle operation. It rotates the front wheel plane in the desired direction set by the driver’s steering input. When the front wheels are steered, a restoring torque whic