Angle sensor element

Details Angle sensor element Angle sensor element

1989-08-09

1991-09-03

Haroian, Harry N.

Geometrical instruments

Miscellaneous

Light direction

33 1N, G08C 1910, G01B 1126

Patent

active

050440845

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an angle sensor element for sensing a rotational angle so that a measured angle has a fixed relationship with the actual angle to be measured.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Angle sensor elements are known as such in most varied constructions. These known constructions, however, have as a rule only one definite indication for a single revolution or for a small angular range in a given rotational direction. However, for angular measurements or encodings, for example, of the steering angle of the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to make a measurement over several revolutions while maintaining a reliable, definite indication in one or the other rotational directions of the steering wheel. Even though only a few revolutions are involved, the problem of a definite directional indication so far could be solved only by an electronic coding of the revolution number or by using a mechanical gear drive free of play. In the first instance it is necessary to at least use one buffer battery. In the second instance the mechanical and material effort and expense are relatively high.


OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide an angle sensor element that makes possible a reliable scaling down of a rotational movement for a measuring range of a few revolutions without much effort and expense, whereby a definite indication must be provided for both rotational directions.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An angle sensor of the present invention is characterized in that an elastic element is rigidly clamped with one of its ends to a fixed reference point. The free end takes up the rotational movement. A tap is arranged between the clamped end and the free end at a location determined by the required reduction ratio, whereby a scaling down free of play of the rotational movement is achieved. The respective angular position of the tap and elastic element is indicated by mechanical, optical, electrostatic or other suitable devices.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an elastic angle sensor of the invention in the form of a torsion bar with a tap so located that a reduction ratio of 1:4 is obtained;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a torsion elastic torsion bar which is simultaneously stiff against bending loads and thus especially suitable for the present purposes;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another example embodiment of a torsion elastic element in the form of a helical spring;
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of still another example embodiment of a torsion elastic element in the form of a spiral spring; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment in which the elastic element is divided by a tap.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS AND OF THE BEST MODE
OF THE INVENTION
The angle sensor element shown in FIG. 1 comprises an elastic rod 10 and a tap 12 secured to the rod 10 at a location in accordance with the required reduction ratio. This elastic rod 10 is rigidly clamped with one of its ends 10a at a measuring reference plane 14, for example, at the steering wheel drive linkage.
The free end 10b of the rod 10 takes up rotational movement as shown by the double arrows 10c. The rotational movement may be applied to the free end 10b, for example, by a steering wheel not shown, whereby the rod 10 is exposed to a torsion load causing the tap 12 to be respectively rotated through an angular range the angle of which is picked up, measured, and evaluated by a mechanical, optical, electrostatic or other suitable device 13 and methods known as such. In this manner the imposed rotational movement of the rod 10 is ascertained in a manner free of play and with a definite reduction ratio. In FIG. 1 the reduction ratio is l1 to l2 or about 1:4.
FIG. 2 shows a rod 10d which has a cross-profile or cross-section whereby the rod 10d is torsion elastic and simultaneously be

REFERENCES:
patent: 4347748 (1982-09-01), Pierson
patent: 4614869 (1986-09-01), Hoshino et al.
patent: 4625411 (1986-12-01), Kashinagi et al.
patent: 4627297 (1986-12-01), Akimoto

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