Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D15/00—Steering not otherwise provided for
  • B62D15/02—Steering position indicators ; Steering position determination; Steering aids
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
  • G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
  • G01B7/30—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
  • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
  • G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
  • G01D5/24—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
  • G01D5/241—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by relative movement of capacitor electrodes
  • G01D5/2412—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by relative movement of capacitor electrodes by varying overlap

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of contactless angle sensors. It applies in particular to angle sensors intended to be installed on a steering column of a motor vehicle.
• the present invention preferably relates to angle sensors based on capacitive sensors.
• sensors include a rotor element, at least one stator element, means adapted to apply electrical signals to one, transmitter, of these elements and means adapted to detect the signals received on one. , receiver, of these elements, which signals depend on the angular position of the rotor element relative to the stator element.
• the present invention now aims to improve the known angle sensors.
• an angle sensor in particular for a steering column of a motor vehicle, in which the sensitive stator element is placed in a housing adapted to be engaged laterally on the assembly housing the rotor element.
• the sensitive stator element comprises at least one electrode whose angular opening is of the order of 180 °.
• the sensitive stator element comprises two parallel electrodes whose angular opening is of the order of 180 °, which electrodes are adapted to receive between them the rotor element.
• FIG. 1 represents an external perspective view of a sensor according to the present invention
• FIG. 2 represents an external perspective view of a housing according to the present invention containing a sensitive stator element
• FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of such a sensitive stator element according to the present invention
• FIG. 4 shows a partial exploded view of such a sensitive stator element
• FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor according to the present invention
• FIG. 6 represents a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 after removal of the housing containing the sensitive stator element
• FIG. 7 represents a plan view of a first stator electrode according to the present invention.
• FIG. 8 represents a plan view of a second stator electrode according to the present invention.
• FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of a sensor according to a variant of the present invention
• FIG. 10 represents a similar view of a spacer forming a support and shielding, intended for this variant of the present invention
• FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of a housing cover for this variant of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 shows a printed circuit board carrying electrodes, for this same variant of the present invention.
• the sensor according to the present invention illustrated in the appended figures is adapted to be assembled on a motor vehicle steering column. Is illustrated in the accompanying figures a column section 10 on which is installed the sensor according to the present invention.
• This sensor comprises a housing 100 which houses a sensitive stator element 200 and a rotor 300 placed in the section 10 of the column.
• the rotor 300 can be the subject of numerous embodiments. It is preferably formed from an electrically non-conductive part, advantageously made of material of high dielectric permittivity, driven onto the steering shaft.
• the rotor can be formed from an electrically conductive material, for example from metal.
• the rotor 300 comprises two protrusions 310, 312 diametrically opposite on a hub 302 linked to the steering shaft.
• Each projection 310, 312 preferably covers an angle of the order of 90 °.
• the outer periphery of each protuberance 310, 312 is defined by a sector of cylinder of revolution centered on the axis of rotation 0-0 of the rotor 300.
• these two protuberances 310, 312 are formed by sectors of planar crown perpendicular to the axis of rotation 0-0 and each typically covers an angle of 90 °.
• the column section 10 consists of a cylinder of revolution centered on the same axis O-O.
• This cylindrical section 10 is also provided with a side cage
• the cage 50 This extends transversely to the axis O-O.
• the cage 50 opens both radially inward in the section 10, and radially outward.
• the cage 50 is adapted to receive the housing 100 and the stator element 200 housed therein.
• the cage 50 consists of two main walls 52, 54 generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis 0-0 and two secondary walls 56, 58 perpendicular to the main walls 52, 54, and parallel to each other and to the axis OO .
• the two secondary walls 56 and 58 are each provided on their outer surface of a toothing 57, 59. These are intended to receive clip tabs 110, 115 secured to the housing 100.
• the housing 100 comprises a central hollow body 120 generally parallelepipedic provided with the two legs 110, 115 above.
• the body 120 has a generally rectangular cross section complementary to the internal free section of the cage 50.
• the legs 110, 150 are arranged along the short sides of the body 120. As can be seen in the appended figures, the legs 110, 150 are each provided with an opening 111, 116 complementary to a toothing 57, 59. In addition, the legs 110, 150 diverge in proximity to their free ends, to facilitate their engagement on the cage 50.
• the end of the main walls of the body 120 intended to be engaged in the cage 50 has a generally semi-cylindrical concave outline.
• the body 120 On its opposite end, remaining accessible from the outside of the cage 50, the body 120 preferably has a connector housing 130.
• the body 120 as well as the cage 50 may have a cross section not symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis OO. This asymmetry can be formed for example by a longitudinal boss 122 on one of the main faces of the body 120. This asymmetry forms a keying means.
• the sensitive stator assembly 200 can be the subject of numerous embodiments.
• the stator 200 essentially comprises two printed circuits 210, 220 parallel, separated by a spacer 230.
• one 210 of the printed circuits is provided with an electrode 212 in the form of a crown sector of the order of 180 °.
• This electrode 212 is preferably surrounded by a guard electrode 214.
• the second printed circuit 220 comprises a series of adjacent sectors of electrodes which cover in combination an area substantially equal to the electrode 212.
• the second printed circuit 220 comprises four adjacent crown sectors 222, 223, 224 and 225 each covering an angle of around 45 °.
• 8 sectors of 22.5 ° are provided.
• the aforementioned electrodes 212, 222, 223, 224, 225 are formed of flat crown sectors perpendicular to the axis of rotation O-O.
• the spacer 230 is preferably made of an electrically conductive alloy, for example, aluminum or zamak. It is formed of a frame 232 composed of two main beams 233, 234 longitudinal and two transverse beams 235 and 238.
• the main beams 233 and 234 are straight and parallel to each other. They are placed between the longitudinal edges of the printed circuits 210 and 220.
• the transverse beam 235 is close to the transverse edge of the printed circuits 210 and 220 outside the cage 50. However, preferably this transverse beam 235 is placed back from this transverse edge of the printed circuits 210 and 220 as seen in FIG. 4 Furthermore, the transverse beam 235 is provided with two projections 236, 237, on its outer surface and in the vicinity of its ends. These projections 236 and 237 can serve as stops for driving the stator element 200 into the housing 100. In fact, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, to immobilize the stator element 200 in the housing 100 preferably the longitudinal beams 233 and 234 are provided on their outer surface with notches 239 capable of coming into engagement with the internal surface of the housing 100 when the stator element 200 is introduced into the latter.
• the transverse beam 238 is in turn disposed near the end of the printed circuits 210 and 220 adjacent to the rotor 300.
• This transverse beam 238 has the general shape of a half cylinder of radius greater than the radius of the semi-cylindrical edge of the printed circuits 210 and 220.
• the electrodes 212 and 222, 223, 224, 225 of general semi-cylindrical shape are placed between this semi-cylindrical edge of the printed circuits 210, 220 and this transverse beam 238 semi-cylindrical.
• the respectively radially internal and external radii of these electrodes 212 and 222, 223, 224, 225 are at least substantially equal respectively to the respectively radially internal and external radii of the protrusions 310 and 312 of the rotor 300.
• the components of the electronic circuit ensuring the processing of the sensor's electrical signals can be carried by one of the printed circuits 210 and 220 and housed in the volume defined between them by the spacer 230. This then ensures in combination with the printed circuits 210 and 220 a shielding against external parasites of an electrical or magnetic nature.
• One or more additional beams can be added to separate the locations of the components into distinct zones, acting as an additional Faraday cage to isolate the very sensitive elements from the disturbing components.
• the input / output terminals of this circuit, accessible at the level of the connector housing 130 are preferably placed between the stops 236 and 237 of the spacer 230, as seen in FIG. 4.
• the printed circuits 210 and 220 can be assembled on the spacer 230 by any suitable means, for example by riveting.
• the housing 100 and the cage 50 are made by molding in elastic material.
• the assembly forming the stator element composed of the two printed circuits 210, 220 and the spacer 230 inside the housing 100 immobilization of the element stator 200 inside the housing 100 is provided by the notches 239), then engaging the body 120 inside the cage 50 until the openings 111, 116 of the legs 110 and 115 receive the teeth 57 and 59.
• the rotor 300 is then placed between the two printed circuits 210 and 220 so that it modifies, according to its angular position, the coupling between the electrodes 212 and 222, 223, 224, 225.
• a seal is interposed between the opening contour of the cage 50 and the housing 100.
• the signals applied to the stator element 200 may generally conform to the arrangements described in any one of the aforementioned prior art documents US-A-3845377, EP-0459118,
• general means can be provided which apply excitation signals as defined in document EP-A-0551066 to the electrodes 222, 223, 224, 225 and means suitable for detecting the electrical signals received coincidentally. on electrode 212.
• the amplitude and the shape of the signals received on this electrode 212 depend on the coupling between the stator electrodes, and consequently on the position of the rotor.
• the senor according to the present invention offers the advantage of allowing lateral insertion, therefore great ease of assembly. / disassembly whether for an original assembly on the chain or for a subsequent maintenance operation.
• the angle sensor according to the present invention can be used for example for electronic stability management: in a differential and / or intelligent ABS system, for controlling an electronic navigation system, active suspension, etc.
• the column section 10 and the housing 100 can be formed from two generally semi-cylindrical complementary shells. We will now describe the structure of the second embodiment in accordance with the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12.
• the sensor according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 comprises a spacer 230 forming a shield, two printed circuit plates 210, 220 defining the stator electrodes, carried on the opposite faces of the spacer 230 , two housing covers 150 which hold the printed circuit boards 210, 220 against the spacer, and a rotor 300 (the latter not being shown in the appended figures to simplify the illustration).
• This second embodiment differs mainly from the first embodiment previously described by the fact that according to the second embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12, the housing 100 is limited to the two covers 150 ensuring the maintenance of the printed circuit boards 210, 220 against the spacer 230.
• the electrical connector as well as the mechanical fixing function and the sealing function on the cage 50 of the column, are provided by the spacer 230 and not more by the housing 100.
• the spacer 230 is made of an electrically conductive material, to form shielding. It is preferably formed by molding in Zamak. In a manner comparable to the first embodiment, the spacer
• 230 is formed of a frame made up of two longitudinal beams 232, 234 and two transverse beams 235, 238.
• the external beam 235 in the form of a base generally perpendicular to the longitudinal beams 232 and 234.
• This base 235 carries the electrical connector 130 projecting from its external face.
• the base 235 is further provided with two bores 2350 parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal beams 232, 234. These bores 2350 are intended to receive screws or equivalent fixing means engaging with complementary threads formed on the cage 50, to ensure the fixing of the sensor.
• the base 235 is of oblong shape, of the hypodrome track type.
• this base 235 is provided on its internal face with a groove 2351 adapted to receive a seal ensuring the seal between the sensor and the cage 50.
• the spacer 230 forming a shield comes directly into contact with the cage 50, in particular at the level of the external base 235. This arrangement makes it possible to improve the performance of the sensor, in particular by limiting the risk of influence of the treatment components housed in the internal chamber of the spacer 230, by electromagnetic interference.
• the electrical connector 130 carried by the base 235 comprises structures adapted to receive and immobilize the complementary connector element in the manner of a bayonet mounting.
• this connector 130 also includes keying means.
• the sides of the longitudinal beams 232, 234 are no longer provided with notches 239 intended for anchoring in the housing 100 as was the case for the first embodiment.
• the sides of the longitudinal beams 232, 234 are provided with protruding studs 2320, 2340 (for example of pyramidal geometry), designed to come to rest on the internal face of the complementary housing formed in the cage 50.
• the spacer 230 is provided with two pairs of studs 2380, 2382 projecting respectively on its opposite main faces.
• the studs 2380 are cylindrical in outline. They are coaxial and are connected to the spacer 230 at the junction zone between the half-cylinder beam 238 and the longitudinal beam 232.
• the studs 2382 are of polygonal section, for example hexagonal. They are also coaxial and are connected to the spacer 230 at the junction zone between the beam 238 and the second longitudinal beam 234. These studs 2380, 2382 are intended to maintain and position the covers 150 and the printed circuit boards 210, 220.
• the housing 100 is formed by two covers 150 designed to hold the printed circuit boards 210, 220 forming stator electrodes against the opposite main faces of the spacer 230, more precisely the portions of these main faces located downstream of the base 235.
• each cover 150 corresponds to the geometry of the spacer 230 defined by the longitudinal beams 232, 234 and the cross member 238. It should be noted that each cover 150 preferably extends au beyond the transverse beam 238 over an amplitude equal to the amplitude of the active electrode sections formed on the printed circuits 210, 220 beyond the transverse beam 238, as can be seen in FIG. 9.
• each cover 150 has the general shape of a rectangle whose surface is equal to the chamber defined by the longitudinal beams 232, 234, which rectangle is extended inward by a generally semicircular arch, concave outward and of the same radius as the associated end of the printed circuits 210, 220.
• the two covers 150 used are identical. They are preferably formed by plastic molding.
• These covers 150 are provided with passage 152, 154 intended to receive the aforementioned positioning pads 2380, 2382.
• the covers 150 are immobilized on the spacer 230 (with the interposition of the printed circuits 210, 220) by any suitable means.
• the covers 150 are immobilized by clipping.
• each cover 150 is provided on a lateral edge with a clipping toothing 156 located substantially halfway length, and on the second lateral edge of two clipping teeth 157, 158 located respectively in the vicinity of the ends thereof.
• the central toothing 156 of one of the covers comes into engagement with a recess provided between the two teeth 157, 158 of the second cover and the latter themselves come into engagement with recesses provided for this purpose respectively on either side of said central toothing 156 (see in particular Figure 9).
• FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of printed circuit 210, 220.
• the external contour of these two printed circuits 210, 220 is preferably identical. It generally corresponds to that of the covers 150 (ie a generally rectangular contour corresponding to the chamber defined by the longitudinal beams 232, 234, extended by a substantially semicircular arch).
• each of the printed circuits is provided with through passages 2100, 2102 intended to receive the positioning pads 2380, 2382.
• the electrodes provided respectively on the two printed circuits 210, 220 are different from one circuit to another. These electrodes are preferably respectively in accordance with the arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
• the printed circuit 210 is provided with an electrode
• This electrode 212 can be surrounded by a guard electrode 214.
• the printed circuit 220 is preferably provided with four adjacent electrodes 222, 223, 224, 225, plane and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 0-0 in the form of crown sectors each having an angular opening of the order of 45 ° . Again, these electrodes 222, 223, 224, 225 may be surrounded by a guard electrode 214.
• the rotor 300 may be generally in accordance with the arrangements described above for the first embodiment, that is to say for example comprising two protrusions 310, 312 diametrically opposite, in the form of a flat crown sector, with an angular opening of the order of 90 ° each and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 0- O.
• the procedure is essentially as follows.
• the electronic processing means are positioned in the chamber defined by the spacer 230 and connected both to the connector 130 and to the respective electrodes provided on the printed circuits 210, 220.
• the latter being pressed against the main faces of the spacer 230, it suffices to clip the two covers 150 to immobilize the aforementioned printed circuits 210, 220.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
• Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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• 1998
  • 1998-05-15 US US09/423,847 patent/US6433559B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-05-15 WO PCT/FR1998/000972 patent/WO1998053275A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1998-05-15 EP EP98925720A patent/EP0981720A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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