×

Apparatus and method for detecting absolute position using difference between detection signals of two detectors

  • US 6,901,816 B2
  • Filed: 09/04/2002
  • Issued: 06/07/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for detecting the absolute rotational position of a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel is coupled to a power steering apparatus, and the power steering apparatus has a motor, which generates an assisting force to reduce the steering force of the steering wheel, and wherein the motor is controlled in accordance with the steering torque of the steering wheel and the rotational angle of the motor, the detecting apparatus comprising:

  • a first detector, which generates a periodic first detection signal in accordance with rotation of the steering wheel, wherein the first detection signal is used for detecting the steering torque of the steering wheel;

    a second detector, which generates a periodic second detection signal in accordance with rotation of the motor, wherein the second detection signal is used for detecting the rotational angle of the motor, wherein the cycle of the second detection signal differs from the cycle of the first detection signal, and wherein a level difference, which is the difference between the level of the first detection signal and the level of the second detection signal, varies in accordance with rotation of the steering wheel; and

    a computer, wherein the computer in advance stores characteristic information regarding the variation of the level difference, which varies in accordance with rotation of the steering wheel, and wherein the computer calculates the absolute rotational position of the steering wheel based on the current level difference and the characteristic information.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×