Abstract:

The present invention relates to a steering angle sensor, which includes a substrate. A shaft bore and a first gear are adapted on the substrate. The first gear has a shaft sleeve, which passes through the shaft bore. And a steering column of a steering wheel passes through the shaft sleeve. A second gear is adapted on the substrate, and is in mesh with the first gear. A rotary sensor is located atop and assembled with the second gear. Besides, a signal processing circuit is coupled electrically with the rotary sensor. By simply meshing the first and the second gears and passing the steering column of the steering wheel through the first gear, when the steering wheel turns, the second gear will be driven to turn as well, which, in turn, drives the rotary sensor. Thereby, the number of components in the steering angle sensor is reduced, and the volume thereof is reduced effectively as well.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a steering angle sensor, and particularly to a steering angle sensor with a single rotary sensor and without a reducer means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A steering angle sensor (SAS) is an important component in an advanced automobile driving and control system. Its function is to measure the steering angle and the angular velocity of the steering wheel. The output of an ideal SAS shall indicate the possible rotational range of the steering wheel, which is +/в€’2.5 turns, or equivalently +/в€’900 degrees. The information of the angular velocity of the steering wheel, which is useful for the safety control of the vehicle, should be provided as well. As regard the environment for operation, a SAS should be able to tolerate the harsh condition in an automobile, which includes vibration, high humidity and temperature up to 80 degree C. In addition to the environmental requirement, a SAS shall be able to work properly with the ...

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