Electrically assisted power steering system for motor vehicles
First Claim
1. An electrically supported power steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- an input shaft mechanically linked to a steering wheel of the motor vehicle, the input shaft being configured to transmit a steering torque to steer the wheels of the motor vehicle;
an output element mechanically linked to the wheels of the motor vehicle to be steered;
a torsionally flexible element connecting the input shaft and the output element, the torsionally flexible element providing a limited torsion movement between the input shaft and the output element;
a servomotor configured to apply a servo power to the output element; and
a detection unit configured to contactlessly detect a direction and an intensity of the steering torque imparted on the input shaft and at least one steering-specific parameter, the detection unit including at least one sensor connected to one of the input shaft and the output element, the at least one steering-specific parameter including at least one of a torque, a steering rate and a steering acceleration;
wherein the detection unit includes a single pulse generator, the single pulse generator including a magnet ring, at least one of a peripheral surface and an end face of the magnet ring including alternating magnetic north and magnetic south poles so that a relative position between the input shaft and the output element and a change in position of the one of the input shaft and the output shaft are detectable by the at least one sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrically supported power steering system for motor vehicles includes an input shaft, which is mechanically linked to a steering wheel for transmitting a steering torque required for steering of wheels to be steered. An output element is mechanically linked to the wheels to be steered. An electric motor, through which a servo force can be applied directly or indirectly to the output element, is arranged on the power steering system. The input shaft and the output element are connected to one another via a torsion bar. A detection unit for detection of a torque acting on the input shaft and of other steering-specific parameters includes a single pulse generator designed as a magnet ring and at least one magnetoresistive sensor.
32 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An electrically supported power steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising:
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an input shaft mechanically linked to a steering wheel of the motor vehicle, the input shaft being configured to transmit a steering torque to steer the wheels of the motor vehicle;
an output element mechanically linked to the wheels of the motor vehicle to be steered;
a torsionally flexible element connecting the input shaft and the output element, the torsionally flexible element providing a limited torsion movement between the input shaft and the output element;
a servomotor configured to apply a servo power to the output element; and
a detection unit configured to contactlessly detect a direction and an intensity of the steering torque imparted on the input shaft and at least one steering-specific parameter, the detection unit including at least one sensor connected to one of the input shaft and the output element, the at least one steering-specific parameter including at least one of a torque, a steering rate and a steering acceleration;
wherein the detection unit includes a single pulse generator, the single pulse generator including a magnet ring, at least one of a peripheral surface and an end face of the magnet ring including alternating magnetic north and magnetic south poles so that a relative position between the input shaft and the output element and a change in position of the one of the input shaft and the output shaft are detectable by the at least one sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
a first magnetoresistive sensor configured to detect the at least one steering-specific parameter;
a second magnetoresistive sensor configured to detect an absolute steering angle; and
a common electronic unit including a common circuit board, the first magnetoresistive sensor and the second magnetoresistive sensor being arranged on the common circuit board.
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10. The electrically supported power steering system according to claim 1, wherein the servo motor includes an electric motor.
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11. The electrically supported power steering system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor of the detection unit is configured as a single unit, the at least one sensor being configured to detect the steering torque, a steering direction, a steering angle, an absolute steering angle, the steering rate, the steering acceleration and a rotor speed of the electric motor.
Specification