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US5314036A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Steering angle sensor
Assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
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Filing: 1992-01-03
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Granted: 1994-05-24
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Expires: 2012-01-03
Abstract
Abstract A steering angle sensor for accurately detecting the steering angle of a vehicle, which has a signal pattern based on partial changes of the electromagnetic characteristics formed at part of the steering rack bar of the steering gear box and reads the same by a signal detector provided opposing the steering rack bar so as to detect the absolute position of the steering rack bar.
Inventors
- 👤 Shinji Kato
- 👤 Soya Takagi
- 👤 Akio Sato
- 👤 Mizuho Sugiyama
- 👤 Yuji Yokoya
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 03:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/12; G01D5/14; G01D5/20; G01D5/2006; G01D5/2033; B; B62; B62D; B62D15/00; B62D15/02; B62D15/021; B62D15/0225; B62D3/00; B62D3/02; B62D3/12; B62D3/123; G01D5/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A steering angle sensor for a vehicle, comprising: a steering gear box having a steering rack bar for changing the steering angle of wheels subjected to a steering operation in a vehicle, a signal pattern formed as a plurality of discrete spots on said steering rack bar and having detectable electromagnetic characteristics, said pattern extending along the length of said steering rack bar, wherein a longitudinal density of said spots changes progressively in a direction of measurement extending along the length of said pattern, and a signal detector, provided at a position opposing said steering rack bar for sensing said steering angle of the wheels subjected to a steering operation by said steering rack bar, reading said signal pattern and detecting the absolute position of said steering rack bar.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A steering angle sensor for a vehicle, comprising: a steering gear box having a steering rack bar for changing the steering angle of wheels subjected to a steering operation in a vehicle, a signal pattern formed as a plurality of discrete spots on said steering rack bar and having detectable electromagnetic characteristics, said pattern extending along the length of said steering rack bar, wherein a longitudinal density of said spots changes progressively in a direction of measurement extending along the length of said pattern, and a signal detector, provided at a position opposing said steering rack bar for sensing said steering angle of the wheels subjected to a steering operation by said steering rack bar, reading said signal pattern and detecting the absolute position of said steering rack bar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said signal pattern is formed at a smooth back surface of said steering rack bar where no rack teeth are provided.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said signal pattern is formed on a member formed integral with said steering rack bar and comprised of a material different from the basic material of said steering rack bar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said spots are comprised of a ferrite structure altered in electromagnetic characteristics through irradiation of a high energy beam on a surface of a nonmagnetic two-phase stainless steel having a mixed structure of austenite and ferrite.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 4 wherein said high energy beam is a YAG laser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 4 wherein said high energy beam is a CO 2 laser.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pattern comprises a longitudinal spacing of said spots.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A steering angle sensor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said signal detector is comprised of one from the group consisting of a pickup coil, magnetoresistance element, and Hall element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-23 | 1997-11-22 | 1998-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-23 | 2001-11-22 | 2002-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-23 | 2005-11-22 | 2006-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |