Patent ID: 7677114
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: B62D,G01D,G01L

Abstract:
1. A torque sensor for an electric power steering system that has an output shaft for rotating in response to rotation of an input shaft, the torque sensor comprising: a first rotor for rotating with the input shaft; a second rotor for rotating with the output shaft, wherein the first rotor and the second rotor are mounted for there being relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor; a first pinion gear mounted for rotating about a first axis in response to rotation of the first rotor; a first magnet mounted for rotating about the first axis with the first pinion gear; a second pinion gear mounted for rotating about a second axis in response to rotation of the second rotor, wherein the second pinion gear is laterally spaced apart from the first pinion gear so that the second axis is laterally spaced apart from, and thereby not coaxial with, the first axis; a second magnet mounted for rotating about the second axis with the second pinion gear, so that the second magnet is laterally spaced apart from the first magnet; a first sensor positioned for sensing an angular position of the first magnet; and a second sensor positioned for sensing an angular position of the second magnet, wherein the second sensor is laterally spaced apart from the first sensor.