Patent ID: 7337739
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: B63B,B63H,G01L

Abstract:
1. A steering-force detection device for a steering handle of a vehicle, comprising: a pair of steering-force detection sections, each including a pressure-receiving section and a received-pressure detection section, the steering-force detection sections being spaced from one another and located in a vicinity of a steering shaft connected to the steering handle so as to be rotatable in opposite directions according to operation of the steering handle; a pair of pressing sections provided in the steering handle or steering shaft, each pressing section being adapted to press a corresponding one of the pressure-receiving sections when the steering handle is rotated to its maximum steering angle in either direction; an electric circuit board integrally connected to the received-pressure detection sections; a pressure-receiving section casing, including a pressure-receiving section mounting cavity for housing the pressure-receiving section; and a detection section casing formed in a continuous manner with two received-pressure detection section mounting cavities for housing the received-pressure detection sections, and a circuit board housing recess for housing the electric circuit board; the steering-force detection device being adapted to detect a steering force of the steering handle by detecting, with the received-pressure detection sections, a pressure-receiving state of the pressure-receiving sections, when the pressure-receiving sections are pressed by the pressing sections; wherein the two received-pressure detection section mounting cavities are formed along a pressure-receiving direction of the pressure-receiving section, and the two received-pressure detection section mounting cavities and the circuit board housing recess are each formed with a mounting opening for the received-pressure detection section and the electric circuit board, respectively, and the mounting openings are formed in the same direction as each other and perpendicularly to the pressure-receiving direction of the pressure-receiving section.