Rotation angle sensor

A rotation angle sensor includes a first and a second detection gears rotatable with a steering shaft, a first detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the first detection gear, a second detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the second detection gear, a processor configured to calculate a rotation angle of the steering shaft based on the rotation angles detected by the first and second detectors and a discriminator configured to discriminate whether the rotational angle of the steering shaft, calculated by the processor, falls in an abnormal value, wherein a least common multiple between a cycle of the first detector and a cycle of the second detector is greater than a steering angle measurement range.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application P2004-134430 filed on Apr. 28, 2004; the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rotation angle sensor that is able to detect a rotation angle of a steering shaft.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, there has been known a rotation angle sensor installed on a vehicle for detecting a rotation angle of a steering shaft.

FIG. 1is a schematic view of a rotation angle sensor100of the related art. As shown inFIG. 1, the rotation angle sensor100is comprised of a main gear101, detection gears102,103, magnet sensors104,105and a processor106.

The main gear101integrally rotates with a steering shaft The detection gears102,103rotate directly with the main gear101at a higher speed than the main gear101. The magnet sensor104detects an absolute angle of the detection gear102in a value ranging from 0 to 180 [deg] to output a detection signal. The magnet sensor105detects an absolute angle of the detection gear103in a value ranging from 0 to 180 [deg] to output a detection signal. The processor106calculates an absolute angle of the steering shaft depending on detection signals delivered from the magnet sensors104,105. As used herein, the term “absolute angle” refers to a rotation angle uniquely determined within a rotatable range. For instance, if an apparent rotation angle of the steering shaft lies at 10 [deg], the absolute angle of the steering shaft lies at 10 [deg], 370 [deg], 730 [deg], . . . depending on the number of rotations of the steering shaft.

Further, the processor106monitors cycle variations of the magnet sensors104,105and calculates a given numeric value k based on the detection signals delivered from the magnet sensors104,105and gear teeth of the detection gears102,103. Then, the processor106discriminates based on the calculated numeric value k and the cycle variations of the magnet sensors104,105to find whether the absolute angle of the steering shaft, calculated by the processor106, falls in an abnormal value.

More particularly, the processor106monitors the cycle variations of the magnet sensors104,105and, as a result, if the numeric value k drastically varies due to the cyclic variations to an extent that is normally unthinkable or when the numeric value varies with no cycle variations, discriminates that the calculated absolute angle of the steering shaft lies in the abnormal value.

Also, as used herein the term “a cycle of the magnet sensor104” refers to an angle at which the steering shaft rotates during a period in which the detection gear102rotates at an angle of 180 [deg] and the term “a cycle of the magnet sensor105” refers to an angle at which the steering shaft rotates during a period in which the detection gear103rotates one turn.

However, under circumstances where the gear teeth of the detection gears102,103take the other value than particular gear teeth, the above described technology encounters issues wherein the processor106is hard to discriminate whether the absolute angle of the steering shaft calculated by the processor106falls in the abnormal value.

Further, if the steering shaft has to remain operative, the processor106cannot discriminate whether the absolute angle of the steering shaft, calculated by the processor106, lies at the abnormal value. Accordingly, when the rotation angle sensor100is powered on, the processor106cannot discriminate whether the absolute angle of the steering shaft, calculated by the processor106, falls in the abnormal value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been completed with a view to addressing the above issues and it is a first object of the present invention to provide a rotation angle sensor that is able to discriminate whether a calculated absolute angle of a steering shaft falls in an abnormal value even in cases where a combination between gear teeth of detection gears lies in the other area than a particular combination. Further, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a rotation angle sensor that is able to discriminate whether an absolute angle of a steering shaft, calculated when the rotation angle sensor is powered on, falls in an abnormal value, without rendering the steering shaft operative.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention, defined in an appended claim, provides a rotation angle sensor comprising first and second detection gears rotatable with a steering shaft, first detector for detecting a rotation angle of the first detection gear, first detector for detecting a rotation angle of the second detection gear, processor for computing a rotation angle of the steering shaft based on the rotation angles detected by the first and second detectors, and discriminator for discriminating whether the rotational angle of the steering shaft, calculated by the processor, falls in an abnormal value, wherein a least common multiple between a cycle of the first detector and a cycle of the second detector is greater than a steering angle measurement range.

The present invention, defined in the appended claim, mainly has advantageous effects described below. That is, cycles of the first and second detectors depend on the gear teeth of the first and second detection gears. Consequently, the present invention makes it possible to discriminate whether the rotational angle of the steering shaft falls in the abnormal value as far as the gear teeth of the first and second detection gears satisfy a condition that “a least common multiple between a cycle of the first detector and a cycle of the second detector is greater than a steering angle measurement range”. Therefore, not only in a case where the gear teeth of the first and second detection gears fall in gear teeth disclosed in the described-above related art but also in a case where the gear teeth of the first and second detection gears fall in the other range than the gear teeth disclosed in the described-above related art, discrimination can be made to find whether the rotation angle of the steering shaft falls in the abnormal value.

Further, upon setting such that a second reference angular difference satisfies a formula (27-1) set forth below, the present invention makes it possible to discriminate whether the absolute angle of the steering shaft, calculated when the rotation angle sensor is powered on, falls in the abnormal value without rendering the steering shaft operative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Now, a first embodiment according to the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, reference is made toFIGS. 2 to 8to describe a structure of a rotation angle sensor1of the first embodiment and principal functions of respective component parts. Also, throughout the following description, an absolute angle of a steering shaft is zeroed when the steering shaft remains in a neutral condition.

FIG. 2is a plan view showing the rotational angle sensor1. As shown inFIG. 2, the rotation angle sensor1, which is accommodated in a case10, is comprised of detection gears2,3, a magnet21, a magnet (second magnet)31, magnetic sensor (first detector)22, a magnet sensor (second detector)32and a processor (processor and discriminator)5.

A main gear la integrally rotates with a steering shaft. The detection gear3rotates with the main gear1aand has a radius smaller than that of the main gear1a.Consequently, the detection gear3rotates at a rotational speed higher than the main gear1a.

The magnet31includes a magnet, magnetized in two poles, which is disposed at a rotational center of the detection gear3and rotates with the detection gear3.

FIG. 3Ais a view for illustrating a graph L1, indicative of the relationship between an actual absolute angle of a steering shaft and a value S3of a digital signal outputted from the magnet sensor32, which is plotted on a plane wherein the abscissa indicates the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the coordinate indicates the value S3of the digital signal.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3A, the magnet sensor32is disposed in a vicinity of the magnet31to detect a direction of magnetic fluxes of the magnet31, that is, an absolute angle of the detection gear3throughout angles of 0 to 360 [deg] in terms of a counterclockwise direction serving as a positive direction. Additionally, the magnet sensor32generates a digital signal, at a rate of rez3bits (the term “rez3” represents a resolution of the magnet sensor32and, for instance, takes an integral number from 6 to 10) corresponding to the detected absolute angle, which is outputted to the processor5when applied with a selection signal and clock pulses from the processor5. Further, the digital signal, read out by the processor5when executing cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation, which will be described later, takes a value of S3(0). Also, the digital signal, which is read out by the processor5at an n-th number (n: integral number greater than 1) of times during count absolute-angle calculating operation, takes a value of S3(n). As used herein, the term “neutral condition” refers to a status of the steering shaft under which a vehicle is traveling straight.

Furthermore, the magnet sensor32detects the magnitude of the magnetic fluxes of the magnet31, that is, a magnetic intensity thereof and, under a situation where the detected magnetic intensity exceeds a given intensity range, generates a magnetic-intensity abnormal-value signal, when applied with the selection signal and the clock pulses, which is outputted together with the digital signal to the processor5. Also, examples of cases wherein the magnetic intensity of the magnet31exceeds the given intensity range may be considered to include a case wherein the magnet31drops off or a distance between the magnet31and the magnet sensor32becomes extremely shortened.

The detection gear2, shown inFIG. 2, rotates with the main gear la and has a radius smaller than that of the main gear1abut larger than that of the detection gear3. Accordingly, the detection gear2rotates at a higher rotational speed than the main gear1abut at a lower rotational speed than the detection gear3. As a consequence, an acceleration ratio of the detection gear3is greater than that of the detection gear2. As used herein, the term “acceleration ratios of the detection gears2,3” refers to ratios between a rotational speed of the main gear la and rotational speeds of the detection gears2,3. The greater the acceleration ratios of the detection gears2,3, the higher will be the rotational speeds of the detection gears2,3with respect to the main gear1a.

The magnet21, which includes a magnet that is magnetized in two poles, is disposed at a rotational center of the detection gear2and rotates with the detection gear2.

FIG. 3Bis a view for illustrating a graph L2, indicative of the relationship between an actual absolute angle of a steering shaft and a value S2of a digital signal outputted from the magnet sensor22, which is plotted on a plane wherein the abscissa indicates the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the coordinate indicates the value S2of the digital signal.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3B, the magnet sensor22is disposed in a vicinity of the magnet21to detect a direction of magnetic fluxes of the magnet21, that is, an absolute angle of the detection gear2throughout angles of 0 to 360 [deg] in terms of a counterclockwise direction serving as a positive direction. Additionally, the magnet sensor22generates a digital signal, at a rate of rez2bits (the term “rez2” represents a resolution of the magnet sensor22and, for instance, takes an integral number from 6 to 10) corresponding to the detected absolute angle, which is outputted to the processor5when applied with the selection signal and clock pulses from the processor5. Further, the digital signal, read out by the processor5when executing cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation, which will be described later, takes a value of S2(0). Also, the digital signal, which is read out by the processor5at an n-th number of times during count absolute-angle calculating operation, takes a value of S2(n).

Furthermore, the magnet sensor22detects the magnitude of the magnetic fluxes of the magnet21, that is, the magnetic intensity thereof and, under a situation where the detected magnetic intensity exceeds a given intensity range, generates a magnetic-intensity abnormal-value signal, when applied with the selection signal and the clock pulses, which is outputted together with the digital signal to the processor5. Also, examples of cases wherein the magnetic intensity of the magnet31exceeds the given intensity range may be considered to include a case wherein the magnet21drops off or a distance between the magnet21and the magnet sensor22becomes extremely shortened.

Moreover, a least common multiple LCM between a cycle c3of the magnet sensor32and a cycle c2of the magnet sensor22takes a value that exceeds a value greater than a steering angle measurement range. As used herein, the term “steering angle measurement range” refers to a range that, among the rotational angles of the steering shaft, forms an object whose absolute angle is calculated by the rotation angle sensor1.

In particular, the LCM satisfies a formula (0) described below. Also, the steering angle measurement range falls in a value ranging from −α (deg) to +α (deg).
LCM≧2α  (0)

As used herein, the term “a cycle c3of the magnet sensor32” refers to an angle at which the steering shaft rotates during one revolution of the detection gear3and the term “a c2of the magnet sensor22” refers to an angle at which the steering shaft rotates during one revolution of the detection gear2. In particular, the cycles c2, c3are expressed by the formulae (1) and (2), where m represents a gear teeth of the main gear1a,n2represents a gear teeth of the detection gear2and n3represents a gear teeth of the detection gear3.
c2=360*n2/m(1)
c3=360*n3/m(2)

Since a set of values S2, S3of the digital signals are uniquely determined within a range of the least common multiple LCM, if this condition is satisfied, the set of the values S2, S3of the digital signals are uniquely determined within the steering angle measurement range as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

Further, the values S2, S3of the digital signals are zeroed when the actual absolute angle of the steering angle becomes less than the minimum value of the steering angle measurement range.

Furthermore, the magnet sensors22,32are adjusted such that under circumstances where the steering shaft assumes the neutral position, the cycle-value absolute angle and the count absolute angle become zeroed.

Now, the processor5executes the operations described below.

The processor5generates selection signals and clock signals, when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, which in turn are outputted to the magnet sensors22,32. Then, digital signals, delivered from the magnet sensors22,32depending on these outputs, are read in and, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, cycle values j2(0) and j3(0) delivered from the magnet sensors22,32at this moment are calculated.

Here, the cycle value j2represents the number of rotations of the detection gear2and takes a reference value (i.e., at zero) when the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft becomes less than the minimum value of the steering angle measurement range.

Further, the cycle value j3represents the number of rotations of the detection gear3and takes a reference value (i.e., at zero) when the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft becomes less than the minimum value of the steering angle measurement range.

Furthermore, the cycle values j2and j3, to be calculated in the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation, take values of j2(0) and j3(0), respectively, and the cycle values j2and j3, at an n-th sampling timing in the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation, take values of j2(n) and j3(n), respectively.

As set forth above, a set of the value S3(0) of the digital signal and the value S2(0) of the digital signal are uniquely determined and, so, the processor5is able to calculate the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) based on the digital signals delivered from the magnet sensors22and32.

In particular, the processor5executes the following operations to calculate the cyclic vales j2(0), j3(0) and the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0). That is, the processor5calculates cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2, MARKrevo3by substituting the values S2(0), S3(0) of the digital signals to S2, S3of the following formulae (3) to (10), respectively.

Here, m represents the gear teeth of the mina gear1a,n2represents the gear teeth of the detection gear2and n3represents the gear teeth of the detection gar3. Also, Δ t2represents a cycle-value judgment width related to the magnet sensor22, that is, a range of the MARKrevo2, which one cycle value j2is able to take, and t3represents a cycle-value judgment width related to the magnet sensor32, that is, a range of the MARKrevo3which one cycle value j3is able to take. Also, x2represents the number of cycles of the magnet sensor22and x3represents the number of cycles of the magnet sensor32. As used herein, the term “the number x2of cycles” refers to the number of times in which the detection gear2rotates within the least common multiple LCM.
MARKrevo2=Residue of {(S2*i3/i2−S3+a2)/2^rez2}  (3)
MARKrevo3=Residue of {(S3*i2/i3−S2+a3)/2^rez3}  (4)
i2=m/n2  (5)
i3=m/n3  (6)
a2=Δt2/2=2^rez/x2/2  (7)
a3=Δt3/2=2^rez/x3/2  (8)
x2=LCM/c2  (9)
x3=LCM/c3  (10)

Then, the processor5calculates the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) based on the cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2, MARKrevo3.

Now, reference is made to describe why the cycle value j2(0) can be calculated based on the cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2. That is, in the formula (3), by {(S2*i3/i2−S3) is meant that as shown inFIG. 3A, an inclination of the graph L2is shifted to an inclination of the graph L1to form a graph L2′ and the value S3of the digital signal is subtracted from a value S2′ (=S2*i3/i2) of a digital signal designated by the graph L2′. In the meanwhile, since the set of the S3of the digital signal and the value S2of the digital signal are uniformly determined within the steering angle measurement range, a positional relationship between the graph L1and the graph L2′ differs from one another depending on the cycle value j2.

Accordingly, a value of {(S2*i3/i2−S3} is uniquely determined in accordance with the cycle value j2, the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo2is uniquely determined in accordance with the cycle value j2.

Therefore, the processor5is able to calculate the cycle value j2(0) based on the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo2. For the same reason, the processor5is able to calculate the cycle value j3(0) based on the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo3.

Now, examples of the cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2and MARKrevo3are described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 7. Also, in case ofFIGS. 4 to 7, the relationships stand for m=135, n2=48, n3=34 and rez2=rez3=10 (bit).

FIG. 4is a view showing a graph L4, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and ideal values of the digital signals S2, S3, and a graph L5, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and actually measured values of the digital signals S2, S3, which are plotted on planes wherein the abscissa designates the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and the coordinate designates the digital signals S2, S3.FIG. 5is a view showing a graph L6, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and an error (=(Actually Measured Value)−(Ideal Value) of the values S2, S3of the digital signals, which is plotted on a plane in which the abscissa designates the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and the coordinate designates the errors of the values S2, S3of the digital signals.FIG. 6is a graph showing a graph L7, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo3, which is plotted on a plane in which the abscissa designates the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the coordinate designates the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo3.FIG. 7is a graph showing a graph L8, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo2, which is plotted on a plane in which the abscissa designates the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the coordinate designates the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo2.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, with the digital signals having the values S2, S3whose actually measured values are ideal, the relevant actually measured values are substantially coincident with the ideal values and the errors of the values S2, S3of the digital signals include only errors (=360 (deg)/10 (bit)=0.3516 (deg) resulting from resolutions of the magnet sensors22,32. In this case, the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo3varies as shown inFIG. 6and the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo2varies as shown inFIG. 7.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2and MARKrevo3are uniquely determined for the cycle values j2, j3within the steering angle measured range.

In particular, the graph L7, shown inFIG. 6, has 24 pieces (=x3) of cycle-value judgment sections (sections which are substantially horizontal in graph L7). These cycle-value judgment sections corresponds to the cycle value j3=0, 1, 2, 3, . . . 23 in order from a left end of the cycle-value judgment sections inFIG. 6. Also, among divided ranges obtained upon dividing a range (=0 to 2^rez3), which the value S3of the digital signal can take, into24(=x3) pieces, the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo3of each cycle-value judgment section has a value in the divided ranges that are mutually different from one another. Here, each divided range has a width of Δ t3. For instance, the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo3, corresponding to j3=4, takes a value falling in the divided range from 170.7 to 213.3.

Similarly, the graph L8, shown inFIG. 7, has 17 pieces (=x2) of cycle-value judgment sections (sections which are substantially horizontal in the graph L8). These cycle-value judgment sections corresponds to the cycle value j2=0, 1, 2, 3, . . . 16 in order from a left end of the cycle-value judgment sections inFIG. 7. Also, among divided ranges obtained by dividing a range (=0 to 2^rez2), which the value S2of the digital signal can take, into 17 (=x2) pieces, the cycle-value judgment width MARKrevo2of each cycle-value judgment section has a value involved in divided ranges that are mutually different from one another. Here, each divided range has a width of Δ t2. Accordingly, the cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2and MARKrevo3are uniquely determined for the cycle values j2, j3within the steering angle measurement range.

Upon calculating the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) in such a way, the processor5calculates the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) of the steering shaft using formulae described below based on the calculated cycle values j2(0), j3(0).
θ2(0)=S2(0)*360*n2/2^rez2/m+j2(0)*360*n2/m−θ offset  (11)
θ3(0)=S3(0)*360*n3/2^rez3/m+j3(0)*360*n3/m−θ offset  (12)
θ offset=LCM/2  (13)

Here, as set forth above, the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) are calculated based on the values S2, S3of the digital signals outputted from the magnet sensors22,23. Accordingly, by the term “the cycle-value absolute angle” is meant the absolute angle of the steering shaft calculated on the basis of the values S2, S3of the digital signals outputted from the magnet sensors22,23.

Then, the processor5generates cycle-value absolute angle signals, related to the calculated cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), which are outputted to a higher rank system on a vehicle.

Upon executing the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation several times, the processor5generates selection signals and clock signals at a given n-th sampling timing that are outputted to the magnet sensors22,32. Then, the processor5reads the digital signals, delivered from the magnet sensors22,32, depending on the relevant outputs and calculates the cycle values j2(n), j3(n) of the magnet sensors22,32at the given n-th sampling timing (that is, at a current sampling timing) on the basis of the digital signals that are read in, the digital signals that has been read in a preceding calculation, and the cycle values j2(n−1), j3(n−1) calculated in the preceding calculation. Further, the processor5calculates the current count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) of the steering shaft based on the relevant digital signals that are currently read, and the calculated cycle values j2(n), j3(n).

More particularly, as shown inFIG. 3A, the processor5calculates a difference Δ S3(n) between the value S3(n) of the digital signal, which is currently read, and the value S3(n−1) of the digital signal that is read in the preceding operation. Likewise, as shown inFIG. 3B, the processor5calculates a difference Δ S2(n) between the value S2(n) of the digital signal, which is currently read, and the value S2(n−1) of the digital signal that is read in the preceding operation. Then, depending on the calculated differences Δ S2(n) and Δ S3(n), the processor5calculates current cycle values j2(n), j3(n) using formulae (14) to (19) that are described below. In particular, if the difference Δ S2(n) satisfies the formula (14), the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) to have a value equal to the preceding cycle value j2(n−1) and if the difference Δ S2(n) satisfies the formula (15), the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) to have a value less than the preceding cycle value j2(n−1) by 1. Also, if the difference Δ S2(n) satisfies the formula (16), the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) to have a value greater than the preceding cycle value j2(n−1) by 1.
|ΔS2(n)|≦Sx2  (14)
ΔS2(n)>Sx2  (15)
ΔS2 (n)<−Sx2  (16)

Similarly, in a case where the difference Δ S3(n) satisfies the formula (17), the processor5calculates the current cycle value j3(n) to have a value equal to the preceding cycle value j3(n−1) and if the difference Δ S3(n) satisfies the formula (18), the processor5calculates the current cycle value j3(n) to have a value less than the preceding cycle value j3(n−1) by 1. Also, if the difference Δ S3(n) satisfies the formula (19), the processor5calculates the current cycle value j3(n) to have a value greater than the preceding cycle value j3(n−1) by 1.
|ΔS3(n)|≦Sx3  (17)
ΔS3(n)>Sx3  (18)
ΔS3(n)<−Sx3  (19)
where Sx2and Sx3represent constants that satisfy formulae (20) and (21) expressed below.
Sx2<2^rez2/2  (20)
Sx3<2^rez3/2  (21)

Here, description is made of a method of setting a sampling time interval with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a view showing the graph L3, indicative of the relationship between time and the value S3(T) of the digital signal outputted from the magnet sensor32, which is plotted on a plane in which the abscissa designates time and the coordinate designates the value S3(T) of the digital signal outputted from the magnet sensor32. InFIG. 8, by the term “time Tx” is meant the shortest time interval required for the detection gear3to rotate with in a given rotation range (i.e., a rotation range, for which the magnet sensor3is able to detect, and which takes a value of 360 (deg) in the first embodiment and second and third embodiments which will be described later).

As shown inFIG. 8, in cases where the processor5reads only the digital signal, outputted from the magnet sensor32, and where the value S3(Sam1) of the digital signal at the concurrent sampling timing Sam1lies at a value of 2^rez3/2, difficulties are apt to occur in distinguishing whether, when a sampling time interval Tsam3is longer than a half of the time Tx, the value S3(Sam2) of the digital signal, generated at a subsequent sampling timing Sam2, is a value obtained at the sampling timing Sam2′ or a value obtained at the sampling timing Sam2.

Stated another way, a probability is apt to occur with difficulties in distinguishing whether the cycle value j3(Sam2) at a subsequent sampling timing Sam2is identical to the cycle value j3(Sam1) at a current sampling timing Sam1.

Accordingly, in order to accurately calculate the cycle value j3at a certain sampling timing, a need arises for the sampling time interval Tsam3to satisfy a formula (22) described below. In the formula (22), ω designates the maximum angular velocity of the steering shaft and a value indicated at the rightmost side is a half of the time Tx.
TSam3<Sam3−Sam1=360*n3/m/2/ω  (22)

In cases where the processor5reads only the digital signal, outputted from the magnet sensor22, in a similar concept, the sampling time interval Tsam2needs to satisfy a formula (23) expressed below.
TSam2<360*n2/m/2/ω  (23)

With the presently filed embodiment, since the processor5calculates the cycle values j2(n), j3(n) upon reading the digital signals outputted both from the magnet sensors22,32, the sampling time interval Tsam is set to satisfy a formula (24) expressed below.
Tsam<(a small value between Tsam2and Tsam3)  (24)

The processor5calculates the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3using formulae (25) and (26) based on the cycle values j2(n), j3(n), calculated in the above-described operation, and the values S2(n), S3(n) of the digital signals read out in current operation. Then, the processor5generates count absolute-angle signals, associated with the calculated count absolute-angle signals θ2(n), θ3(n), which in turn is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.
θ2(n)=S2(n)*360*n2/2^rez2/m+j2(n)*360*n2/m−θ offset  (25)
θ3(n)=S3(n)*360*n3/2^rez3/m+j3(n)*360*n3/m−θ offset  (26)

Here, as shown in the formulae (14) to (26), the count absolute angle θ2(n) represents an absolute angle of the steering shaft calculated based on the cycle value j2(n−1), calculated in preceding operation, and the values S2(n−1) and S2(n) of the digital signals generated in preceding and current operations. Likewise, the count absolute angle θ3(n) represents an absolute angle of the steering shaft calculated based on the cycle value j3(n−1) calculated in preceding operation and the values S3(n−1) and S3(n) of the digital signals generated in preceding and current operations.

Further, the processor5executes first to fourth fail-safe operations in a manner described below.

In cases where the processor5is applied with a magnet-intensity abnormal-value signal from at least one of the magnet sensors22,32when the selection signals and clock signals are applied to the magnet sensors22,32from the processor5, discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), which are calculated, are abnormal values.

The reason why such judgment is made resides in a fact that if the magnet intensity exceeds a given intensity range, the magnet sensors2,3encounter difficulties in accurately calculating the absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and it becomes hard for the processor5to accurately calculate the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n).

The processor calculates the angular difference Δ θ between the count absolute angles θ2(n) and the count absolute angles θ3(n).

Then, under situations where the calculated angular difference Δ θ and a reference angular difference Δ Θ satisfy a formula (29) expressed below, that is, when the angular difference Δ θ exceeds the reference angular difference Δ Θ, the processor5discriminates that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are abnormal values. Here, the reference angular difference Δ Θ is expressed by a formula (27) or a formula (28) indicated below.
ΔΘ=c2/x3/2  (27)
ΔΘ=c3/x2/2  (28)
|ΔΘ|>ΔΘ  (29)

Here, the reason why the processor5is able to make the above-described discrimination comes from the reasons described below. That is, in cases where the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are accurately calculated, the count absolute angles θ2(n) and the count absolute angles θ3(n) are coincident and, so, a set of cycle values j2, j3, calculated from the values S2(n), S3(n) of the digital signals, and a set of cycle values j2, j3, used for calculating the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), become coincident.

Here, if the angular difference Δ Θ satisfies the formula (29), the set of cycle values j2, j3, calculated from the values S2(n), S3(n) of the digital signals, and the set of cycle values j2, j3, used for calculating the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), are not coincident. Then, it can be said that if the sets of these cycle values j2, j3are not coincident, the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are not coincident. From the above operations, the processor5can make the above-described judgment.

Here, by setting such that reference angular difference Δ Θ satisfies a formula (27-1) expressed below, it becomes possible for the processor5to make judgment whether the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in abnormal values before the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) actually fall in the abnormal values.
ΔΘ<c2/x3/2  (27-1)

For instance, even when the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), calculated when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, remain in normal values, if in this moment the formula (29) is satisfied, the processor5is able to discriminate that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values. Therefore, the processor5is possible to make discrimination, before a steering wheel is actuated, whether the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), calculated when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, fall in the abnormal values.

Under circumstances where the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), which are calculated, satisfy any of formulae (30) to (33) indicated below, the processor5discriminates that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), which are calculated, fall in the abnormal values.
|θ2(0)|>α  (30)
|θ3(0)|>α  (31)
|θ2(n)|>α  (32)
|θ3(n)|>α  (33)

Also, the processor5is able to make the above-described discrimination because of reasons described below. That is, as described above, the processor5uniquely calculates the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft, within the steering angle measurement range, as the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(n), θ3(n) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n). Accordingly, under normal operations, the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) do not exceed the steering angle measurement range. Consequently, the processor5is able to make the above-described discrimination.

The processor5calculates angular velocities ω21, ω22, ω31, ω32, on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), respectively, using formulae (34) to (37). Here, θ2′ (0) represents a cycle-value absolute angle calculated in a preceding operation using the formula (11) and θ '3(0) represents a cycle-value absolute angle calculated in a preceding operation using the formula (12).
ω21=|θ2(0)−θ2′(0)|/Tsam(34)
ω31=|θ3(0)−θ3′(0)|/Tsam(35)
ω22=|θ2(n)−θ2(n−1)|/Tsam(36)
ω32=|θ3(n)−θ3(n−1)|/Tsam(37)

Then, in cases where the angular velocities ω21, ω22, ω31, ω32satisfy any of formulae (40) to (43) expressed below, the processor5discriminates that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the absolute values. Here, in the formulae (40) to (43), reference angular velocities Ω2, Ω3are expressed in formulae (38) and (39).
Ω2=LCM/x2/Tsam(38)
Ω3=LCM/x3/Tsam(39)
ω21>Ω2  (40)
ω22>Ω2  (41)
ω31>Ω3  (42)
ω32>Ω3  (43)

Also, under circumstances where the maximum angular velocity ω (seeFIG. 8) of the steering shaft is set to be a reference angle and any one of the angular velocities ω21, ω22, ω31, ω32exceeds the maximum angular velocity ω, the processor5may execute discrimination such that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the absolute values. Also, the maximum angular velocity ω may be preferably smaller than a value of a smaller one of the reference angular velocities Ω2, Ω3.

Here, the processor5is able to execute the above-described discrimination for the reasons described below.

In the formulae (38) and (39), LCM/x2represents the cycle c2and LCM/x3represents the cycle c3. In the meanwhile, Tsam is shorter than the shortest time interval required for each of the detection gears2,3to rotate one turn as expressed in the formulae (22) to (24). Accordingly, under normal conditions, no angular velocities ω21, ω22exceed the reference angular velocity Ω2. Similarly, no angular velocities ω31, ω32exceed the reference angular velocity Ω3. Further, since the maximum angular velocity ω is the maximum angular velocity of the steering shaft, none of the angular velocities ω21, ω22, ω31, ω32exceeds the maximum angular velocity ω under the normal conditions. From the above reasons, the processor5is able to execute the above-described judgment.

If the processor5executes discrimination, upon the execution of the first to fourth fail-safe operations set forth above, that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the abnormal values, then, abnormal-value signals are generated and outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Likewise, when the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are discriminated to fall in the abnormal values, the abnormal-value signals are generated and outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

Now, a basic sequence of operations of the rotation angle sensor1is described with reference to flowcharts shown inFIGS. 9 to 10.

In step ST1, the rotation angle sensor1is powered on and in step ST2, the processor5outputs selection signals and clock signals to the magnet sensors22,32at time when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on. Subsequently, when applied with the selection signals and clock signals, the magnet sensors22,32generate digital signals, through the operations described above, which in turn are outputted to the processor5. When this takes place, the magnet sensors22,32detect magnet intensities of the magnets21,31and when the detected magnet intensities are found to exceed a given intensity range, a magnet-intensity abnormal-value signal is generated and outputted together with the digital signals to the processor5. Next, the processor5reads in the digital signals delivered from the magnet sensors22,32.

In consecutive step ST3, the processor5executes the first fail-safe operation set forth above. As a result, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in abnormal values, the processor5generates an abnormal-value signal that is outputted to an upper rank system on the vehicle.

In succeeding step ST4, the processor5executes the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation based on the digital signals, read in step ST1, to calculate the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0).

In subsequent step ST5, the processor5executes the third fail-safe operation set forth above based on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) calculated in step ST4. As a result, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in abnormal values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

In succeeding step ST6, the processor5stores the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), calculated in step ST4, in a memory.

In next step ST7, the processor5outputs the selection signals and the clock signals to the magnet sensors22,32. Subsequently, when applied with the selection signals and clock signals, the magnet sensors22,32generate digital signals, through the operations described above, which in turn are outputted to the processor5. When this takes place, the magnet sensors22,32detects magnet intensities of the magnets21,31and when the detected magnet intensities exceed the given intensity range, the magnet-intensity abnormal-value signal is generated and outputted together with the digital signals to the processor5. Next, the processor5reads the digital signals delivered from the magnet sensors22,32.

In consecutive step ST8, the processor5executes the first fail-safe operation set forth above. As a result, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), Θ3(0) fall in the absolute values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

In succeeding step ST9, the processor5executes the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation based on the digital signals, read in step ST7, to calculate the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0).

In next step ST10, if no operations subsequent to step ST17are executed, the processor5executes the above-described third fail-safe operation based on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), Θ3(0) calculated in step ST9. As a result, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the absolute values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

Further, if the operations subsequent to step ST17have been already executed, then, the processor5executes the above-described third fail-safe operation based on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) that are currently calculated. As a result, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the absolute values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

In succeeding step ST11, if no operations subsequent to step ST17are executed, the processor5calculates the angular velocities ω21, ω31through the operations set for above in such a way that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), stored in the memory in step ST6, is treated as the cycle-value absolute angles θ2′ (0), θ3′ (0), which are calculated in a preceding stage, and the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), calculated in step ST9, are treated as the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3′ (0) that are currently calculated.

Further, if the operations subsequent to step ST17have been already executed, then, the processor5calculates the angular velocities ω21, ω31through the above-described operations based on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(n−1), θ3(n−1) that are stored in the memory in the preceding step and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) that are currently calculated.

In next step ST12, if no operations subsequent to step ST17are executed, the processor5executes the above-described fourth fail-safe operation based on the angular velocities ω21, ω31that are calculated in step ST11.

Further, if the operations subsequent to step ST17have been already executed, then, the processor5executes the above-described fourth fail-safe operation based on the angular velocities ω22, ω32that are calculated in step ST1.

As a result of these operations, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in absolute values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

In next step ST13, if no operations subsequent to step ST17are executed, the processor5stores the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), calculated in step ST19, in the memory, and generates the cycle-value absolute angle signals, related to the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), which are outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

Further, if the operations subsequent to step ST17have been already executed, then, the processor5stores the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) in the memory and generates the count absolute-angle signals, related to the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) that are calculated, which in turn are outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

In succeeding step ST14, if no operations subsequent to step STl7are executed, the processor5stores the cycle values j2(0), j3(0), calculated in step ST9, in the memory.

Further, if the operations subsequent to step ST17have been already executed, then, the processor5stores the cycle values j2(n), j3(n), calculated in step ST17, in the memory.

In succeeding step ST15, if no operations subsequent to step ST17are executed, the processor5stores the digital signals S2(0), S3(0), delivered from the magnet sensors22,32, in the memory.

Further, if the operations subsequent to step ST17have been already executed, then, the processor5stores the digital signals S2(n), S3(n), delivered from the magnet sensors22,32, in the memory.

In consecutive step ST16, the rotation angle sensor1terminates the present operation when powered off and in other cases (with “NO” in step ST16), the operation proceeds to step ST17.

In step ST17, the rotation angle sensor1executes the operations in steps ST1701to ST1716sown inFIG. 10.

More particularly, when the current timing becomes the n-th sampling timing set forth above in step ST1701shown inFIG. 10, the processor5outputs the selection signals and the clock signals to the magnet sensors22,32. Subsequently, upon receipt of the selection signals and the clock signals, the magnet sensors22,32execute the operations described above to generate the digital signals that are outputted to the processor5. When this takes place, the magnet sensors22,32detect the magnetic field intensities of the magnets21,31and, if the detected magnetic field intensity exceeds the given intensity range, generate magnetic field intensity abnormal-value signals that are outputted together with the digital signals to the processor5. Subsequently, the processor5reads the digital signals delivered from the magnetic sensors22,32.

In consecutive step ST1702, the processor5executes the above-described first fail-safe operation. As a result, if discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in absolute values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle.

In succeeding step ST1703, the processor5calculates a difference Δ S3(n) between the value S3(n−1) of the preceding digital signal, stored in the memory, and the value S3(n) of the digital signal that is currently read.

In subsequent step ST1704, the processor5discriminates whether the difference Δ S3(n) satisfies the formula (17) set forth above. As a result, if satisfied, the operation proceeds to step ST1705and if not (with “NO” in step ST1704), the operation proceeds to step SR1706.

In step ST1705, the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) as a value equal to the preceding cycle value j3(n−1), stored in the memory, and the operation proceeds to step ST1709.

In step ST1706, the processor5discriminates whether the difference Δ S3(n), calculated in step ST1703, satisfies the formula (18) set forth above. As a result, if satisfied, the operation proceeds to step ST1707and if not (with “NO” in step ST1706), the operation proceeds to step SR1708.

In step ST1707, the processor5calculates the current cycle value j3(n) as a value smaller than the preceding cycle value j3(n−1) by 1 and the operation proceeds to step ST1709.

In step ST1708, the processor5calculates the current cycle value j3(n) as a value greater than the preceding cycle value j3(n−1) by 1 and the operation proceeds to step ST1709.

In step ST1709, the processor5calculates the count absolute angles θ3(n) using the above formula (26) based on the cycle value j3(n), calculated in step ST1705, step ST1707or step ST1708and the digital signal read in step ST1701.

In succeeding step ST1710, the processor5calculates the difference Δ S2(n) between the preceding digital signal S2(n−1), stored in the memory, and the currently read digital signal S2(n).

In consecutive step ST1711, the processor5discriminates whether the difference Δ S2(n), calculated in step ST1710, satisfies the formula (14) set forth above. As a result, if satisfied, the operation proceeds to step ST1712and if not (with “NO” in step ST1711), the operation proceeds to step ST1713.

In step ST1712, the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) as a value equal to the preceding cycle value j2(n−1) stored in the memory, upon which the operation proceeds to step ST1716.

In step ST1713, the processor5discriminates whether the difference Δ S2(n), calculated in step ST1710, satisfies the formula (15) set forth above. As a result, if satisfied, the operation proceeds to step ST1714and if not (with “NO” in step ST1714), the operation proceeds to step ST1715.

In step ST1714, the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) as a value less than the preceding cycle value j2(n−1), stored in the memory, by 1 and the operation proceeds to step ST1716.

In step ST1715, the processor5calculates the current cycle value j2(n) as a value greater than the preceding cycle value j2(n−1), stored in the memory, by 1 and the operation proceeds to step ST1716.

In step ST1716, the processor5calculates the count absolute angle θ2(n) using the above formula (25) based on the cycle value j2(n), calculated in step ST1712, step ST1714or step ST1715, and the digital signals read in step ST1701.

In next step ST18shown inFIG. 9, the processor5calculates the angular difference Δ θ between the count absolute angle θ2(n), calculated in step ST17, and the count absolute angle θ3(n).

In succeeding step ST19, the processor5executes the above-described second fail-safe operation based on the calculated angular difference Δ θ. As a result, if discrimination is made that the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in absolute values, the processor5generates the abnormal-value signal that is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Thereafter, the operation proceeds to step ST10.

Next, first to third examples of operations of the rotation angle sensor1are described. The first to third examples are described with m=135, n2=48, n3=34, rez2=rez3=10 and α=900. In this case, cycles c2, c3, the least minimum multiple and the numbers x2, x3of cycles are expressed in formulae (44) to (48) expressed below.
c2=360*48/135=128 (deg)  (44)
c3=360*34/135=90.666 (deg)  (45)
LCM=360*24*17*2/135=2176 (deg)  (46)
x2=2176/128=17  (47)
X3=2176/90.666 . . . =24  (48)

As shown in the formula (46), the first to third examples satisfy the formula (0). Accordingly, the processor5is able to uniquely calculate the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) within the steering angle measurement range.

FIRST EXAMPLE

If the rotation axes of the magnets21,31are deviated with respect to the magnet sensors22,32or the magnet sensors22,32encounter magnetic affects prevailing outside the rotation angle sensor1, errors occur in the digital signals S2, S3as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. Hereunder, the errors shown inFIGS. 11 and 12are referred to as “output errors of digital signals”.

Here,FIG. 11shows a graph L9, indicative of the relationship between actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and ideal values of the signals S2, S3outputted from the magnet sensors22,32, and a graph L10, indicative of the relationship between actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and actual measurement values of the signals S2, S3outputted from the magnet sensors22,32, which are plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3plotted on the abscissa and the values S2, S3of the digital signals plotted on the coordinate. Also,FIG. 12shows a graph L11, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3and the errors of the values S2, S3of the digital signals, which is plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angles of the detection gears2,3plotted on the abscissa and the values S2, S3of the digital signals plotted on the coordinate.

In cases where the above-described output errors occur in the values S2(0), S3(0), the processor5executes the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation to calculate cycle-value judgment widths MARKrevo2and MARKrevo3.

Here,FIG. 13shows a graph L12, indicative of the relationship between an actual absolute angle of a steering shaft and the cycle-value judgment value MARKrevo3, which is plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value judgment value MARKrevo3plotted on the coordinate. Also,FIG. 14shows a graph L13, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value judgment value MARKrevo2, which is plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value judgment value MARKrevo2plotted on the coordinate.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the graph L12has 24-pieces of cycle-value judgment sections, like those of the graph L7shown inFIG. 6, and the graph L13has 17-pieces of cycle-value judgment sections like the graph L8shown inFIG. 7.

However, in the graphs L12and L13, the cycle-value judgment values MARKrevo2and MARKrevo3, each of which belongs to one cycle-value judgment section, have cycle-value jumping points (for instance, points P1to P3as shown inFIG. 14) that take values in the next upper or next lower level of divided ranges associated with a divided range to which the relevant cycle-value judgment section belongs. These points result from the occurrence in that the output errors are greater than those occurring in other points in the digital signals, respectively.

Therefore, during the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation, the processor5is susceptible to calculate error cycle values j2(0), j3(0). In other words, this results in cycle-value jumping. For instance, the cycle value j2(0) fundamentally lies at a value of 10 in the point P1but the processor5calculates the cycle value j2(0) as a value laying at 5.

Also, cycle-value jumping values (indicative of differences between actual measurement values of the cycle values j2, j3and ideal values of the same) are determined depending on combinations of the gear teeth n2, n3of the detection gears2,3and, in the examples, lie in a value of ±5 with respect to the cycle value j2and a value of ±7 with respect to the cycle value j3.

Accordingly, if the processor5calculates the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) under circumstances where the above output errors occur in the values S2(0), S3(0) of the digital signals, respectively, the cycle value jumping occurs in the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16.

Here,FIG. 15shows a graph L14, indicative of the relationship between an actual absolute angle of a steering shaft and the cycle value j3(0), which is plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle value j3(0) plotted on the coordinate.FIG. 16shows a graph L15, indicative of the relationship between an actual absolute angle of a steering shaft and the cycle value j2(0), which is plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle value j2(0) plotted on the coordinate.

For instance, the cycle value j3fundamentally lies at a value of6on a point P4but the processor5calculates the cycle value j3as a value laying at23. This is because, as shown inFIG. 13, the next lower divided range, associated with the divided range corresponding to the cycle value j3=6 by one, corresponds to the cycle value j3=23. When this takes place, upon rewriting the cycle value j3=23 with a factor expressed as —(=23−24), the cycle value jumping takes a value expressed as −1−6=−7. Also, for instance, the cycle value j2lies at a value of 6 on a point P5, where the cycle value jumping takes place, but the processor5calculates the cycle value j2as a value of 1. When this takes place, the cycle value jumping results in a value expressed as 1−6=−5.

Further, according to the formulae (11) to (12), in cases where the cycle value jumping takes place, an angular error E2, expressed in the formula (49), occurs in the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0) and an angular error E3, expressed in the formula (50), occurs in the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0).
E2=c2*(±5)=128*(±5)=±640  (49)
E3=c3*(±7)=90.666 . . . *(±7)=±634.66  (50)

Further, upon increasing or decreasing the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) as set forth above, the processor5calculates the cycle values j2(n), j3(n). As a consequence, with the cycle-value jumping taking place in the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation, the angular error E2also occurs in the count absolute angle θ2(n) and the angular error E3also occurs in the count absolute angle θ3(n).

Accordingly, in the occurrence of the cycle-value jumping, the angular velocities ω21, ω31dramatically varies and, hence, either one of the formulae (40) to (43) are satisfied. Accordingly, the processor5executes the above-described fourth fail-safe operation with a possibility to discriminate that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the abnormal values.

Furthermore, as a result of cycle-value jumping effects, under circumstances where at least one of the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) exceeds the steering angle measurement range, the processor5executes the above-described third fail-safe operation with a possibility to discriminate that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the abnormal values.

FIG. 17shows a graph L16, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0), which is plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0) plotted on the coordinate.FIG. 18shows a graph L17, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0), and regions A1and A2outside the steering angle measurement range of the steering shaft, which are plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0) plotted on the coordinate.

SECOND EXAMPLE

Next, the second example is described. If the processor5executes the cycle-value absolute angle calculating operation to calculate the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) under circumstances where an actual absolute steering angle of the steering shaft lies at a value of −677.8 (deg) (in the point A indicated inFIGS. 19 and 20) at time when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, the cycle-value jumping occurs in the cycle values j2(0), j3(0).

Here,FIG. 19shows graphs L18, L19that are plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the count absolute angle θ3(n) plotted on the coordinate. The graph L18shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0), and the graph L19shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the count absolute angle θ3(n) which the processor5has calculated based on the cycle values j3(0) calculated at the point A.

Further,FIG. 20shows graphs L20, L21that are plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0) and the count absolute angle θ2(n) plotted on the coordinate. The graph L20shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0). Also, the graph L21shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the count absolute angle θ2(n) which the processor5has calculated based on the cycle values j2(0) calculated at the point A.

With no rotation occurring in the steering shaft under such a condition, the angular velocities ω21, ω31become zeroed and, hence, the processor5is hard to discriminate during the above-described fourth fail-safe operation that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the abnormal values. Moreover, under such a condition, either of the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) takes a value within the steering angle measurement range and even if the processor5executes the above-described third fail-safe operation, the processor5cannot discriminate that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) fall in the abnormal values. Thus, under such a condition, this results in the execution of the count absolute-angle calculating operation with the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) remaining unchanged in the abnormal values.

In the execution of the count absolute-angle calculating operation under such a condition, as shown inFIG. 21, the angular velocity Δ θ between the count absolute angle θ2(n) and the count absolute angle θ3(n) does not satisfy the formula (29) and, hence, even if the processor5executes the above-described second fail-safe operation, the processor5cannot discriminate that the count absolute angle θ2(n) and the count absolute angle θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

Here,FIG. 21shows a graph L22and regions A3, A4, outside the reference angle difference Δ Θ, which are indicated on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the angular velocity Δ θ plotted on the coordinate.

Here, the relationship between the reference angle difference Δ Θ and the angular differences E2, E3is expressed by a formula (51) described below.
ΔΘ*2=c2/x3=c3/x2=5.33 . . . =E2−E3  (51)

In the meantime, with such a condition, since the cycle-value jumping occurs, the formula (51) shows that the reference angle difference Δ θ should satisfy the formula (29). However, under such a condition, the angular difference Δ θ does not satisfy the formula (29). This results from reasons described below. That is, not only the above-described angular errors E2, E3but also errors, resulting from the output errors in the digital signals, occur in the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) as expressed in the formulae (25) and (26). Stated another way, the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are also adversely affected with the output errors in the digital signals. In the meanwhile, under such a condition, the digital signals have increased output errors. Therefore, due to an increase in the adverse affect from the output errors in the digital signals, no angular difference Δ θ satisfies the formula (29).

However, if the steering shaft rotates by a little extent under such a condition, the output errors of the digital signals decrease as shown inFIG. 11, resulting in a decrease in the adverse affect of the output errors of the digital signals on the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n). Therefore, the angular difference Δ θ takes a value at the same level as a difference between the angular differences E2and E3and the formula (29) is satisfied. Accordingly, due to the above-described second fail-safe operation, the processor S is enabled to discriminate that the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

Further, in cases where due to the rotation of the steering shaft, the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take values remaining outside the steering angle measurement range, the execution of the above-described third fail-safe operation allows the processor5to enable judgment that the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values. Here,FIG. 22shows a graph L23, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the count absolute angles θ3(n), and regions A5, A6, outside the steering angle measurement range, which are indicated on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the count absolute angles θ3(n) plotted on the coordinate.

Further, in cases where the reference angular difference Δ Θ satisfies the formula (27-1), when executing the second fail-safe operation, the processor5is able to discriminate, prior to the occurrence of the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) actually falling in the abnormal values, whether the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

For instance, in cases where the reference angular difference Δ Θ takes a value of 2 (deg) less than a value of 2.665 (=c2/x3/2) (deg), due to the operation of the processor5to execute the second fail-safe operation after executing steps ST4and ST9shown inFIG. 9, the processor5is able to discriminate that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values. That is, the processor5enables discrimination to find, without rendering the steering operative, whether the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), which are calculated when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, fall in the abnormal values.

Accordingly, the processor5is able to discriminate, prior to the steering shaft being actuated, that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), which are calculated when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, fall in the abnormal values.

THIRD EXAMPLE

Next, the third example is described. In cases where the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft lies at −750 (deg) (at a point B inFIGS. 23 and 24) when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, the processor5enables the accurate calculation of the cycle values j2(0), j3(0) as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24. Under such a condition, since the output errors of the digital signals become less and, thus, the cycle-value jumping does not occur.

Here,FIG. 23shows graphs L24, L25that are plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ3(n) plotted on the coordinate. The graph L24shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0). Also, the graph L25shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the count absolute angle θ3(n) which the processor5has calculated based on the cycle values j3(0) calculated at the point B.

Further,FIG. 24shows graphs L26, L27that are indicated on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), calculated by the processor5, which are plotted on the coordinate. The graph L26shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0). Also, the graph L27shows the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the count absolute angle θ2(n) which the processor5has calculated based on the cycle values j2(0) calculated at the point B.

Consequently, the processor5is able to execute the count absolute-angle calculating operation based on the accurately calculated cycle values j2(0), j3(0).

However, as set forth above with reference to the second example, the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are susceptible to be adversely affected with the output errors in the digital signals. Such adverse affects vary such that the larger the output errors in the digital signals, the larger will be the adverse affects as shown inFIG. 25. As a consequence, as shown inFIG. 26, immediately after the processor5commences to calculate the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), although the angular difference Δ θ does not satisfy the formula (29), if the steering shaft subsequently rotates to cause the output errors in the digital signals to increase to the extent at which the cycle-value jumping occurs, there is a probability for the angular difference Δ θ to satisfy the formula (29).

Here,FIG. 25shows a graph L28, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and a detection error (a difference between the count absolute angles θ3(n) and the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft) of the count absolute angles θ3(n), which is indicated on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft plotted on the abscissa and the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0) and the detection error of the count absolute angles θ3(n) plotted on the coordinate.FIG. 26shows a graph L29, indicative of the relationship between the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft and the angular difference Δ θ, and regions A7, A8prevailing outside a range of the reference angular difference Δ Θ, which are plotted on a plane in terms of the actual absolute angle of the steering shaft on the abscissa and the angular difference Δ θ on the coordinate.

Accordingly, due to the above-described second fail-safe operation, the processor5enables the judgment that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

From the foregoing procedure, with the first embodiment, the rotation angle sensor1enables the discrimination to find whether the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

As a consequence, the upper rank system on the vehicle is able to utilize the result of the above discrimination. More particularly, in the presence of the judgment in that either the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) or the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal value, the rotation angle sensor1outputs the abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Accordingly, upon receipt of the abnormal-value signal, the upper rank system on the vehicle is able to avoid the utilization of the cycle-value absolute angle signals and the count absolute-angle signals delivered from the rotation angle sensor1. Therefore, the rotation angle sensor1is able to protect the upper rank system on the vehicle from erroneous operation. Also, the rotation angle sensor1has an improved reliability and precision.

Further, in cases where, during the second fail-safe operation, the angular difference Δ θ exceeds the reference angular difference Δ Θ even for one time, the rotation angle sensor1outputs the abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle even when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on. As a consequence, under circumstances where the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), calculated when the rotation angle sensor1is powered on, take the abnormal values, the rotation angle sensor1is able to immediately output the abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Therefore, the rotation angle sensor1is able to reliably protect the upper rank system on the vehicle from erroneous operation.

Furthermore, due to the execution of the second fail-safe operation, even under circumstances where the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values as a result of secular variations of the rotation angle sensor1, the rotation angle sensor1is able to discriminate that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

Moreover, the least common multiple LCM between the cycle c2of the magnet sensor22and the cycle c3of the magnet sensor32exceeds the steering angle measurement range. Here, as set forth above, the cycles c2, c3of the magnet sensors22,32depend on the gear teeth n2, n3of the detection gears2,3. Consequently, as far as the gear teeth n2, n3of the detection gears2,3satisfy a condition that “the least common multiple LCM between the cycle c2of the magnet sensor22and the cycle c3of the magnet sensor32exceeds the steering angle measurement range”, the rotation angle sensor1is able to make discrimination to find whether the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), that is, the absolute angle of the steering shaft, take the absolute values. Therefore, not only in cases where the gear teeth n2, n3of the detection gears2,3are equal to the gear teeth described in the “Patent Literature 1” but also in cases where the gear teeth n2, n3of the detection gears2,3take values different from the gear teeth described in the “Patent Literature 1”, the rotation angle sensor1is able to make discrimination whether the absolute angle of the steering shaft takes the abnormal value.

Further, the rotation angle sensor1is able to discriminate whether any of the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal value. As a consequence, under circumstances where any of these absolute angles falls in the absolute value, the rotation angle sensor1is able to output the abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle and, thus, erroneous operation of the upper rank system on the vehicle can be reliably prevented.

Furthermore, the rotation angle sensor1has a capability of calculating the angular difference Δ θ between the count absolute, angles θ2(n) and θ3(n) and discriminating that both the count absolute angles θ2(n) and θ3(n) fall in the absolute values when the angular difference Δ θ exceeds the reference angular difference Δ Θ.

Moreover, with the reference angular difference Δ Θ set to a value to satisfy the formula (27-1), the rotation angle sensor1is able to make judgment, prior to the occurrence of the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) actually falling in the abnormal values, that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values.

In addition, in cases where the angular velocities ω21, ω22, ω31, ω32are calculated and the angular velocities ω21, ω22, ω31, ω32satisfy any of the above-described formulae (40) to (43), the rotation angle sensor1enables the judgment that both the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

Besides, in cases where the magnet sensors22,32output magnetic-field-intensity abnormal-value signals, the rotation angle sensor1discriminates that both the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values. Consequently, even in the presence of abnormalities in the magnetic field around the magnet sensors22,32, the rotation angle sensor1enables the judgment that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) fall in the abnormal values.

In addition, in cases where any of the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) exceeds the steering angle measurement range, the rotation angle sensor1discriminates that both the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) have the absolute values.

Also, while the first embodiment has been described with reference to exemplary cases where the third and fourth fail-safe operations are executed based on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the first to fourth fail-safe operations are executed based on the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), the first to fourth fail-safe operations are executed based on both the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n).

In this case, the rotation angle sensor1enables the judgment, prior to the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) falling in the abnormal values, that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values.

Further, while the rotation angle sensor1has been described as having a capability of outputting the abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle in a case where discrimination is made that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values, in this case, the rotation angle sensor1may be configured not to output the cycle-value absolute angle signals and the count absolute-signal signals to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Furthermore, the value of 360 (deg) in the formulae (11), (12), (22), (23), (25) and (26) represents a rotation range which the magnet sensors22,23can detect. Accordingly, this value may be altered depending on the relevant rotation range.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A rotation angle sensor1-2of the second embodiment is substantially similar in structure to the rotation angle sensor1but differs from the same in respect of abnormal judgment operation for the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n). First, a basic sequence of operations of the rotation angle sensor1-2is described in conjunction with flowcharts shown inFIGS. 27 to 29.

In steps ST201and ST202, the rotation angle sensor2-1executes the same operation as those of steps ST1to ST15shown inFIG. 9.

In next step ST203, the rotation angle sensor1-2allows the operation to proceed to step ST205when an ignition is turned on (step ST203: YES) and if the ignition remains turned off (step ST203: NO), the operation proceeds to step ST204.

In step ST204, the rotation angle sensor1-2executes the operations in steps ST2041to ST2046shown inFIG. 28.

In step ST2041, the rotation angle sensor1-2executes the same operation as that of step ST17shown inFIG. 9, calculating the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n). However, a sampling time interval Tsam′ satisfies both of formulae (52) and (53) described below. Accordingly, sampling time interval Tsam′ in step ST2041is longer than the sampling time interval Tsam.
Tsam′<(of Tsam2and Tsam3, a lower value)  (52)
Tsam<Tsam  (53)

In step ST2042, the rotation angle sensor1-2executes the same operation as that of step ST5shown inFIG. 9for the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) calculated in step ST2041.

In step ST2043, the rotation angle sensor1-2calculates the angular difference Δ θ between the current count absolute angle θ2(n) and the current count absolute angle θ3(n) that are calculated in step ST2041.

In succeeding step ST2044, the processor5discriminates whether the currently calculated angular difference Δ θ and the reference angular difference Δ Θ satisfy the formula (29). If the processor5discriminates that no such formula is satisfied (step ST2044:YES), then, the operation proceeds to step ST2045and if found to be satisfied (step ST2044:NO), the operation proceeds to step ST2046.

In step ST2045, the processor5stores values S2(n), S3(n) of digital signals, cycle values j2(n), j3(n) and count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), currently calculated in step ST2041for detection, in a memory. Subsequently, the rotation angle sensor1-2allows the operation to return to step ST203shown inFIG. 27.

In step ST2046, the processor5discriminates that the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) takes abnormal values, outputting an abnormal-value signal to an upper rank system on a vehicle. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-2allows the operation to proceed to step ST2045.

In step ST207shown inFIG. 27, the rotation angle sensor1-2executes the same operation as that of step ST4shown inFIG. 9for calculating the count absolute angles θ2(n) and θ3(n), which in turn are stored in the memory.

In step ST206, the processor5calculates an angular difference Δ θ2between the cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0), calculated in step ST205, and the current count absolute angle θ2(n), and an angular difference Δ θ2between the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0), calculated in step ST205, and the current count absolute angle θ3(n). Here, in th absence of the count absolute angles θ2(n) and θ3(n) stored in the memory, the processor5calculates the angular differences Δ θ2and Δ θ3by substituting the count absolute angles θ2(n) and θ3(n) with the newest cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0) and θ3(0) retained in step ST202. Subsequently, the processor5makes discrimination based on the calculated angular differences Δ θ2and Δ θ3to find whether formulae (54) and (55), expressed below, are satisfied. Here, in the formulae (54) and (55), the magnitude of the reference angular difference Δ Θ takes a value of, for instance, 3 (degrees).
|Δθ2|≦ΔΘa(54)
|Δθ3|≦ΔΘa(55)

As a result, if it is discriminated that both the formulae (54) and (55) are satisfied (step ST206: YES), the processor5allows the operation proceed to step ST208and if not (step ST206: NO), the operation proceeds to step ST207.

In step ST207, the processor5discriminates that the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values, thereby outputting an abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-2allows the operation to proceed to step ST208.

In step ST208, the rotation angle sensor1-2allows the operation to proceed to step ST209when the ignition is turned on (step ST208: YES) and if the ignition remains turned off (step ST208: NO), the operation is routed back to step ST204.

In step ST209, the rotation angle sensor1-2executes the same operations as those of step ST2091to ST2099shown inFIG. 29. Here, the operations in step ST2091to ST2099are similar to the operations in step ST17to ST19shown inFIG. 9and the operations in step ST2094to ST2099are similar to the operations in step ST10to ST15shown inFIG. 9.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that with the second embodiment, even if the ignition remains turned off, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to output the abnormal-value signal to the upper rank system on the vehicle under a situation where the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values (see steps ST2041to ST2045). Accordingly, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to protect the upper rank system on the vehicle from erroneous operation during a turned-off state of the ignition, making it possible to prevent the upper rank system on the vehicle from erroneous operation in a more reliable manner than that attained by the first embodiment. Further, the rotation angle sensor1-2has further improved reliability and precision than those of the first embodiment. For instance, even under circumstances where during a turned-off period of the ignition, either one of the magnet sensors22,32fails to operate to cause the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) to take the abnormal values, the next lower the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to further immediately output the abnormal-value signal than the first embodiment.

Further, immediately after the ignition of the vehicle is turned on, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to discriminate where the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) take the abnormal values and if the abnormal-values are found, the abnormal-value signal is outputted to the upper rank system on the vehicle. Consequently, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to protect the upper rank system on the vehicle from erroneous operation immediately after the ignition is turned on (for instance, before a steering wheel is rotated).

Furthermore, with the ignition turned off, the sampling time interval Tsam′ is longer than the sampling time interval Tsam when the ignition is turned on, enabling power consumption of a battery, caused by the operation of the rotation angle sensor1-2, to be minimized.

Also, both the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) are calculated during a period in which the ignition remains turned off for the reasons listed below. That is, although if either one of the magnet sensors22,32fails to operate during the period in which the ignition remains turned off, calculating in such a way enables the rotation angle sensor1-2to output the abnormal-value signal during a period between time at which the relevant failure occurs and time immediately after the ignition is turned on, the presence of an availability to calculate only one of the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) causes the rotation angle sensor1-2to be susceptible to encounter a difficulty in outputting the abnormal-value signal during the period between time at which the relevant failure occurs and time immediately after the ignition is turned on.

Hereunder, the relevant reasons are described in detail with reference toFIGS. 30 and 31.FIGS. 30 and 31show graphs L30to L33that are plotted on a plane in terms of an actual steering angle of a steering shaft indicated on the abscissa and values of digital signals indicated on the coordinate. The graphs L30, L32show the relationships between the actual steering angle of the steering shaft and a signal S3of the digital signal. Also, the graphs L31, L33show the relationships between the actual steering angle of the steering shaft and a signal S3of the digital signal. Besides, if the magnet sensors22,32or the detection gears2,3encounter failures, the values S2, S3of the digital signals are constant.

First, description is made of a case in which only the count absolute angle θ3(n) is calculated. In this case, since the rotation angle sensor1-2calculates only the count absolute angle θ3(n), the abnormal-value signal cannot be outputted through the operation in step ST204. As a consequence, for the rest of a period immediately after the ignition is turned on, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to output the abnormal-value signal in steps ST206and ST207. Also, in this case, if the formula (55) is not satisfied in step ST206, the operation proceeds to step ST207. However, as shown inFIG. 30, under a situation where after the magnet sensor32encounters the failure at time t1, the ignition is turned on at time t2, the count absolute angle θ3(n), calculated at time t2, and the count absolute angle θ3(n), calculated immediately before time t2coincide with one another. Accordingly, in cases where the ignition is turned on at time t2, since the formula (55) is satisfied in step ST206, the rotation angle sensor1-2encounters a difficulty in permitting the operation to proceed to step ST207. In other words, the rotation angle sensor1-2cannot output the abnormal-value signal until a time immediately after the ignition is turned on when a failure occurs in the magnet sensor32.

Next, description is made of a case where only the count absolute angle θ2(n) is calculated. In this case, since the rotation angle sensor1-2calculates only the count absolute angle θ2(n), the abnormal-value signal cannot be outputted through the operation in step ST204. Accordingly, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to output the abnormal-value signal in steps ST206and ST207until a time immediately after the ignition is turned on. Also, in this case, if the formula (54) is not satisfied in step ST206, the operation proceeds to step ST207. However, as shown inFIG. 31, under a situation where after the magnet sensor22encounters the failure at time t3, the ignition is turned on at times t4or t5, the count absolute angle θ2(n), calculated at times t4or t5, and the count absolute angle θ2(n), calculated immediately before the ignition is turned on, coincide with one another. Accordingly, in cases where the ignition is turned on at times t4or t5, since the formula (54) is satisfied in step ST206, the rotation angle sensor1-2encounters a difficulty in permitting the operation to proceed to step ST207. In other words, the rotation angle sensor1-2cannot output the abnormal-value signal until a time immediately after the ignition is turned on when the magnet sensor32encounters the failure.

In contrast, calculating both the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) during the period in which the ignition remains turned off causes no such issues to occur. For instance, in a case shown inFIG. 30, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to output the abnormal-value signal during a period from time t1to time t2. In a case shown inFIG. 31, the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to output the abnormal-value signal during a period from time t3to time t4. Consequently, upon calculating both the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n), the rotation angle sensor1-2is able to output the abnormal-value signal during a period from time at which the relevant failure occurs to time immediately after the ignition is turned on under circumstances where any of the magnet sensors22,32encounters the failure during the period in which the ignition remains turned off.

Next, a modified form of the rotation angle sensor1-2is described. The rotation angle sensor1-2of the presently filed modified form (hereinafter referred to as “rotation angle sensor1-2a”) is substantially similar in structure to the rotation angle sensor1-2but differs in operations in steps ST204to ST206. Hereunder, these operations are described below in detail.

In step ST204, the rotation angle sensor1-2acalculates only the cycle values j2(n), j3(n) due to the operation indicated in the count absolute-angle calculating operation. In step ST205, the rotation angle sensor1-2acalculates the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) based on, in addition to the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0), the current cycle values j2(n), j3(n) calculated in step ST204, and the values S2, S3of the digital signals read at a timing in step ST205. Subsequently, the rotation angle sensor1-2astores the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) that are calculated.

In step ST206, the rotation angle sensor1-2acalculates the above-described angular differences Δ θ2and Δ θ3based on the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) and the count absolute angles θ2(n), θ3(n) that are calculated in step ST205. Then, the processor5discriminates, based on the calculated angular differences Δθ2and Δ θ3, whether the above-described formulae (54) and (55) are satisfied. Subsequently, if both the above-described formulae (54) and (55) are satisfied (step ST206: YES), the rotation angle sensor1-2aallows the operation to proceed to step ST208and if not (step ST206: NO), the operation proceeds to step ST207.

With the rotation angle sensor1-2a, in cases where the magnet sensors22,32encounter the failure during the period in which the ignition remains turned off, the abnormal-value signal can be outputted immediately after the ignition is turned on.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A rotation angle sensor1-3of the third embodiment is substantially similar in structure to the rotation angle sensor1but differs from the same in that a cylinder sensor is provided for detecting whether an ignition key is inserted to a key cylinder and in respect of abnormal judgment operation for the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0). Further, the rotation angle sensor1-3is installed on a vehicle equipped with a lock mechanism (lock means).

The cylinder sensor cylinder sensor detects whether the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder and a key signal, related to a detected result, to the processor5. This enables the rotation angle sensor1-3to execute operations depending whether the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder.

With the ignition key pulled out from the key cylinder, the lock mechanism enables rotation within a lockable range of a steering shaft. While the lockable range covers 360 (deg) under normal conditions, it is not sure, depending on an absolute angle of a steering shaft at which the ignition key is pulled out from the key cylinder, to find at which position of the range in ±360 (deg) about a center of the absolute angle of the steering shaft the steering shaft is locked.

First, a basic sequence of operations of the rotation angle sensor1-3is described with reference to timing charts L34to L37shown inFIG. 32. The timing chart L34shows the relationship between a time and a status of a power supply. The timing chart L35shows the relationship between a time and a status of an ignition. Further, timing chart L36shows the relationship between a time and a status of an ignition key. Timing chart L37shows the relationship between a time and timing at which a digital signal is read out. Also, a peak portion of timing chart L37shows the timing at which the digital signal is read out. As shown inFIG. 32, the rotation angle sensor1-3is powered on at a time t6and the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder at a time t7. Also, at a time t10, the ignition key is pulled out from the key cylinder.

If the rotation angle sensor1-3is powered on at time t6, the rotation angle sensor1-3executes the operations in step ST201and ST202. Here, when executing the operation in step ST202, the rotation angle sensor1-3stores the calculated newest cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) in a memory as lock range reference angles θ2key, θ3key. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-3operates in a rest mode (more particularly, in a mode in which no operations shown inFIGS. 27 to 29are executed).

If the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder at time t7, the rotation angle sensor1-3executes the same operation as that of step ST205shown inFIG. 27for thereby calculating the cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0) and θ3(0). Subsequently, the rotation angle sensor1-3calculates a first lock reference range, indicative of a range covering ±360 (deg) about a center of the lock range reference angle θ2key and a second lock reference range, indicative of a range covering ±360 (deg) about a center of the lock range reference angle θ3key. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-3discriminates based on the currently calculated cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0) and θ3(0) and the first and second lock reference ranges whether a condition, described below, is satisfied.

Condition: The cycle-value absolute angle θ2(0) is contained in the first lock reference range and the cycle-value absolute angle θ3(0) is contained in the second lock reference range.

As a result, if discrimination is made that the relevant condition is satisfied, the rotation angle sensor1-3executes the same operations as those of steps ST203and204shown inFIG. 27. On the contrary, if discrimination is made that no relevant condition is satisfied, it is judged that the currently calculated cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0) and θ3(0) fall in abnormal values, the lock mechanism encounters a failure or a location, in which the rotation angle sensor1-3is mounted, is changed, upon which an abnormal-value signal is outputted to an upper rank system on a vehicle. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-3executes the same operations as those of steps ST203and204.

Further, such judgment operation can be executed for the reasons described below. That is, after the ignition key is pulled out from the key cylinder, the lock mechanism is operative and, hence, the steering shaft has no probabilities to be rotated in a range exceeding 360 (deg) in leftward or rightward directions with respect to an absolute angle at a time in which the ignition key is pulled out from the key cylinder.

Accordingly, under a situation where the lock mechanism and the magnet sensors22,23remain normally operative and, during a period in which the ignition key is pulled out from the cylinder key, no located position of the rotation sensor1-3is changed from the original position, it is supposed that the above-described condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the rotation angle sensor1-3is able to execute the above-described judgment operation.

With the ignition turned on at time t8, the rotation angle sensor1-3discriminates in step ST203shown inFIG. 27that the ignition is turned on and executes the same operations as those of steps ST205to ST209.

With the ignition turned off at time t9, the rotation angle sensor1-3allows the operation to proceed from step ST208, shown inFIG. 27, to step ST204. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-3executes the same operations as those of steps ST203and ST204.

If the ignition key is pulled out from the key cylinder at time t10, the rotation angle sensor1-3stores the current cycle-value absolute angles θ2(0), θ3(0) in the memory as the lock range reference angles θ2key, θ3key. Thereafter, the rotation angle sensor1-3operates in the rest mode and if the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder, the rotation angle sensor1-3executes the operations subsequent to time t7.

From the foregoing, with the third embodiment, even under circumstances where failure occurs in the lock mechanism during a period in which the ignition key remains pulled out, the rotation angle sensor1-3is able to output the abnormal-value signal immediately after the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder. As a consequence, since the rotation angle sensor1-3is able to protect the upper rank system on the vehicle from erroneous operation from time immediately after the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder, the erroneous operation of the upper rank system on the vehicle can be more reliably protected than the first embodiment. Also, the rotation angle sensor1-3has more improved reliability and precision than those of the first embodiment.

Further, since the cylinder sensor and the lock mechanism are of the type that are installed on the vehicle, to rotation angle sensor1-3can be realized with no particular component parts being added to the rotation angle sensor1and the rotation angle sensor1-2.

Furthermore, since the rotation angle sensor1-3operates in the rest mode until the ignition key is inserted to the key cylinder after it is pulled out from the key cylinder, power consumption of a battery can be further minimized to a lower level than that attained by a situation under which the same operations are executed by the rotation angle sensor1-2for that time interval.

Also, the second and third embodiments may take the same application as that of the first embodiment. Also, while the third embodiment has been described with reference to an exemplary structure wherein the lock reference range covers a range of ±360 (deg) about the lock range reference angles θ2key, θ3key, the lock reference range may take other ranges.