Patent Description:
Existing and future steering systems, such as electronically controlled power steering systems (EHPS), electric power steering systems (EPS) and adaptive electric power steering systems, and certain driving assistance functions such as vehicle body electronic stability systems (ESP) and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), require reliable and cheaply obtainable steering torque and/or angle information. Sensors for detecting steering need to cover a great many application variants (different steering columns, independent fixing structures, integration in combined switches, etc.), and are preferably very cheap and reliable. No sensor solution available in the prior art is able to simultaneously meet these requirements.

<CIT> describes a sensor circuit for use with a shaft assembly rotatably mounted in a housing and having an input shaft, an output shaft and a torsion bar which connects the input and output shafts together.

<CIT> describes an inductive steering torque and angle sensor. A torque sensor for a steering mechanism has an input shaft joined to an output shaft by a torsion bar. A first coupler is connected to the input shaft while a second coupler is connected to the output shaft.

In view of the prior art mentioned above, an object of the present invention is to provide a torque sensor, an integrated torque and angle sensor configured to monitor a steering state of a vehicle, a steering angle sensor, and an active steering state monitoring system comprising such a sensor.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a torque sensor for detecting a steering torque of a steering column is provided, wherein the steering column comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a torsion bar connected between the input shaft and the output shaft, the torque sensor comprising: an input rotation component, capable of rotating together with the input shaft and provided with a first conducting part; an output rotation component, capable of rotating together with the output shaft and provided with a second conducting part; and an electromagnetic carrier, positioned in a positionally fixed manner with a first conducting part; an output rotation component, capable of rotating together with the output shaft and provided with a second conducting part; and an electromagnetic carrier, positioned in a positionally fixed manner and provided with a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic field detection means, wherein the magnetic field generating means is configured to generate a magnetic field penetrating the first conducting part and the second conducting part, the magnetic field detection means is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the positions of the first conducting part and second conducting part in the magnetic field when the steering column is under torsional stress, and the steering torque is determined at least on the basis of the detected change in the magnetic field.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an integrated torque and angle sensor for detecting a steering torque and a steering angle of a steering column is provided, the integrated torque and angle sensor at least comprising: a torque detection means for detecting the steering torque; and an angle detection means for detecting the steering angle; wherein the torque detection means is configured to comprise the torque sensor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle of a steering column is provided, at least comprising: a sleeve gear to be mounted on the steering column; a first measurement gear meshed with the sleeve gear; a first angle detector, for measuring a rotation angle of the first measurement gear; a rotation component, capable of rotating together with the steering column and provided with a conducting part; and an electromagnetic carrier, positioned in a positionally fixed manner and provided with a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic field detection means; wherein the magnetic field generating means is configured to generate a magnetic field penetrating the conducting part, the magnetic field detection means is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the conducting part in the magnetic field when the steering column rotates, rotation angle information of the steering column is obtained on the basis of the detected change in the magnetic field, and the steering angle sensor is configured to detect the steering angle at least on the basis of the rotation angle information of the steering column and the rotation angle of the first measurement gear.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an active steering state monitoring system is provided, comprising the torque sensor or the integrated torque and angle sensor or the steering angle sensor.

The sensor of the present invention may be used for various functions of a vehicle, e.g. in vehicle body electronic stability systems, advanced driving assistance systems, highly automated driving (HAD) and fault protection or fault operation solutions. There is no mechanical lag, and the cost of sensor manufacture is low.

A more comprehensive understanding of the abovementioned and other aspects of the present invention will be gained through the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, which comprise the following:.

Some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the drawings, to provide a better understanding of the basic idea and advantages of the present invention.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a torque sensor configured to detect a steering torque of a steering column of a vehicle.

The torque sensor may be formed in various configurations, one of which is shown in <FIG> as a very schematic view. <FIG> shows a steering column <NUM> of a vehicle, and a torque sensor <NUM> configured to detect a steering torque of the steering column <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the steering column <NUM> is demonstratively and schematically configured to comprise an input shaft <NUM> from a steering wheel (not shown), an output shaft <NUM> to a steering shaft connector (not shown), and a torsion bar <NUM> connected between the input shaft <NUM> and the output shaft <NUM>. The torque sensor <NUM> is disposed close to the torsion bar <NUM>.

Those skilled in the art will understand that, making use of the known mechanical characteristics of the material of the torsion bar <NUM>, it is possible to determine the steering torque on the basis of a relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM>; the relative rotation angle can characterize twisting deformation of the torsion bar <NUM>.

The torque sensor <NUM> mainly comprises an electromagnetic carrier <NUM> mounted in a fixed manner in a housing (not shown), an input rotation component <NUM> capable of rotating together with the input shaft <NUM>, and an output rotation component <NUM> capable of rotating together with the output shaft <NUM>. The housing may be fixed in the vehicle for example by means of an independent fixing structure.

For example, the input rotation component <NUM> is fixed to the input shaft <NUM>, and the output rotation component <NUM> is fixed to the output shaft <NUM>.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the input rotation component <NUM> is provided with a first conducting part, the output rotation component <NUM> is provided with a second conducting part, and the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> is provided with a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic field detection means, wherein, for clarity, the first conducting part, second conducting part, magnetic field generating means and magnetic field detection means are not shown in <FIG>. The magnetic field generating means is configured to generate a magnetic field penetrating the first conducting part and second conducting part, and the magnetic field detection means is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the positions of the first conducting part and second conducting part in the magnetic field when the steering column <NUM> is under torsional stress. The steering torque can be determined at least on the basis of the detected change in the magnetic field.

The term "conducting" means "magnetically conducting and/or electrically conducting".

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field detection means may comprise: a first magnetic field detection element, for detecting a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the first conducting part in the magnetic field; and a second magnetic field detection element, for detecting a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the second conducting part in the magnetic field. In this case, the first magnetic field detection element and second magnetic field detection element are preferably disposed at opposite sides of the electromagnetic carrier <NUM>, such that the first magnetic field detection element faces the first conducting part, and the second magnetic field detection element faces the second conducting part.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generating means may comprise: a first magnetic field generating element, for generating a first magnetic field penetrating the first conducting part; and a second magnetic field generating element, for generating a second magnetic field penetrating the second conducting part. In this case, the magnetic field detection means detects a change in the first magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the first conducting part in the first magnetic field, and a change in the second magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the second conducting part in the second magnetic field.

However, preferably, the magnetic field generating means only comprises one magnetic field generating element.

Specifically, at least on the basis of a detected change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the first conducting part in the magnetic field, a first rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM>, in particular of the first conducting part relative to the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> can be determined, and similarly, at least on the basis of a detected change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the position of the second conducting part in the magnetic field, a second rotation angle of the output shaft <NUM>, in particular of the second conducting part relative to the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> can be determined, and it is thereby possible to determine the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM>, i.e. the angle difference between the first rotation angle and the second rotation angle.

It will be noted that it is also possible, and might be advantageous, to determine the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> directly without determining the first rotation angle and second rotation angle. This is described further below with reference to some specific embodiments, and will thereby become more obvious.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> is configured to comprise a printed circuit board (PCB), with the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic field detection means being disposed on the printed circuit board.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generating means is configured to comprise a magnetic field generating coil which preferably surrounds the torsion bar <NUM> during use, and/or the magnetic field detection means is configured to comprise a magnetic field detection coil.

<FIG> shows schematically, as a top view, an arrangement of a first conducting part <NUM>, a second conducting part <NUM> and the electromagnetic carrier <NUM>, according to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, the first conducting part <NUM> and/or the second conducting part <NUM> may be configured as a metal insert.

As shown in <FIG>, the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> is provided with a magnetic field generating coil <NUM> and a mounting through-hole <NUM>, wherein the magnetic field generating coil <NUM> surrounds the mounting through-hole <NUM>, and the steering column <NUM> can extend through the through-hole <NUM> in a contact-free manner during use. The magnetic field generating coil <NUM> has a changing electromagnetic characteristic at least within a predetermined angular range in a circumferential direction, e.g. a changing coil track, especially a coil track that is unique with position, such that at least the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> can be finally detected.

<FIG> shows demonstrative relative positions of the first conducting part <NUM> and the second conducting part <NUM> relative to the magnetic field generating coil <NUM>. When the first conducting part <NUM> rotates with the input shaft <NUM> to an angular position that is different from the current angular position, the magnetic field detection means will detect a corresponding magnetic field change signal caused by a change in the electromagnetic characteristic of the magnetic field generating coil <NUM> in the circumferential direction, and can thereby detect a rotation angle of the first conducting part <NUM>. Similarly, a rotation angle of the second conducting part <NUM> can also be detected. In this case, the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> can be determined by means of the rotation angles of the first conducting part <NUM> and the second conducting part <NUM>.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> is relatively small, and can therefore be determined by means of a change in the magnetic field caused by the combination of the first conducting part <NUM> and the second conducting part <NUM> together, with no need to separately determine the rotation angles of the first conducting part <NUM> and the second conducting part <NUM>.

In general, the magnetic field generating means, in particular the magnetic field generating coil <NUM>, may be configured in any suitable form, as long as the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> can be determined on the basis of a change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection means.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, when viewed along a central axis of the through-hole <NUM>, i.e. a longitudinal axis of the steering column <NUM>, the first conducting part <NUM> and/or second conducting part <NUM> at least partially overlap the magnetic field generating coil <NUM> in an assembled state.

Those skilled in the art will also understand that the magnetic field generating coil <NUM> need not be completely closed. For example, <FIG> shows schematically, as a partial view, a demonstrative embodiment of the magnetic field generating coil <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the magnetic field generating coil <NUM> may have a small gap <NUM> which can be covered by the first conducting part <NUM>.

In addition, although the input rotation component <NUM> and the output rotation component <NUM> are disposed at opposite sides of the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, this does not mean that the first conducting part <NUM> and second conducting part <NUM> must be disposed at opposite sides of the magnetic field generating coil <NUM>; on the contrary, the input rotation component <NUM> and the output rotation component <NUM> may be configured such that the first conducting part <NUM> and the second conducting part <NUM> are disposed at the same side of the magnetic field generating coil <NUM>. This arrangement will become obvious through the description of other aspects below.

Changes in the magnetic field may be assessed and analysed by means of a processor (not shown), to obtain the steering torque of the steering column <NUM>. Preferably, the processor may be disposed on the electromagnetic carrier <NUM>, in particular on the printed circuit board.

It will be noted that the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> may also be detected by suitably configuring the input rotation component <NUM> and the output rotation component <NUM>; this will be described below with reference to some demonstrative embodiments.

<FIG> shows, as a top view, an arrangement of the input rotation component <NUM>, the output rotation component <NUM> and the electromagnetic carrier <NUM>, according to another demonstrative embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> shows this arrangement as a lateral sectional view taken along line A-A in <FIG>, and <FIG> shows this arrangement as a three-dimensional view.

As shown in <FIG>, the input rotation component <NUM> may comprise a first fixing body <NUM> adapted to be fixed to the input shaft <NUM>, and a first flat patterned structure <NUM> as the first conducting part, while the output rotation component <NUM> may comprise a second fixing body <NUM> adapted to be fixed to the output shaft <NUM>, and a second flat patterned structure <NUM> as the second conducting part, wherein the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> are configured to extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the steering column <NUM> and parallel to the magnetic field detection means (not shown here), and are staggered with respect to each other when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and preferably lie in a common plane <NUM>.

Specifically, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first fixing body <NUM> and the second fixing body <NUM> are both configured as hollow bodies, preferably cylinders, and during use the steering column <NUM> can extend through the hollow bodies, such that the input rotation component <NUM> and the output rotation component <NUM> can be fixed to the input shaft <NUM> and the output shaft <NUM> respectively. The electromagnetic carrier <NUM> is provided with a mounting through-hole, which allows the second fixing body <NUM> to extend through. The first flat patterned structure <NUM> extends radially outward from that end of the first fixing body <NUM> which is adjacent to the torsion bar <NUM>, and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> extends radially outward from that end of the second fixing body <NUM> which is adjacent to the torsion bar <NUM>. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> are disposed in the common plane <NUM> at that side of the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> which is adjacent to the input shaft <NUM>. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> could also be disposed at that side of the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> which is adjacent to the output shaft <NUM>.

The magnetic field generating means is preferably disposed directly below the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM>.

The first flat patterned structure <NUM> is configured here to comprise multiple first teeth <NUM> extending radially from the first fixing body <NUM>; the first teeth are preferably distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction, such that a first receiving opening <NUM> is defined between any two adjacent first teeth <NUM>. Preferably, the first teeth <NUM> have the same shape.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing body <NUM> comprises an annular platform <NUM> and multiple tooth connecting structures <NUM>; the multiple tooth connecting structures <NUM> preferably extend axially to the first teeth <NUM> respectively from an outer circumference of the platform <NUM>, such that the first teeth <NUM> are formed on corresponding ends, remote from the platform <NUM>, of the teeth connecting structures <NUM>.

Preferably, the platform <NUM> is configured as a flat part extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column <NUM>.

The second flat patterned structure <NUM> is configured here to comprise multiple second teeth <NUM> extending radially from the second fixing body <NUM>; the second teeth are preferably distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction, such that a second receiving opening <NUM> is defined between any two adjacent second teeth <NUM>. Preferably, the second teeth <NUM> have the same shape.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the second teeth <NUM> are connected at an outer radial end thereof to an outer ring <NUM>, and/or the second teeth <NUM> extend from an inner ring <NUM> which can be regarded as a part of the second fixing body <NUM>. In this case, all sides of the second receiving opening <NUM> are completely closed.

In an assembled state, the first teeth <NUM> and second teeth <NUM> are staggered with respect to each other. More preferably, each first tooth <NUM> is inserted into the corresponding second receiving opening <NUM>, and each second tooth <NUM> is inserted into the corresponding first receiving opening <NUM>, such that the first teeth <NUM> and the second teeth <NUM> are in the common plane <NUM>.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> should be able to rotate relative to each other at least within a predetermined rotation angle range, such that the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> can be detected on the basis of a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in a combined pattern of the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM>. This means that the first tooth <NUM> should be smaller than the second receiving opening <NUM>, and the second tooth <NUM> should be smaller than the first receiving opening <NUM>.

As stated above, the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> is relatively small, e.g. no more than <NUM> degrees; thus, the arrangement shown in <FIG> can meet this requirement. The number of teeth can be chosen according to needs.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the input rotation component <NUM> may be integrally formed, and/or the output rotation component <NUM> may be integrally formed. Preferably, the input rotation component <NUM> and/or the output rotation component <NUM> may be formed by a stamping and/or a bending process.

Preferably, the number of first teeth <NUM> is equal to the number of second teeth <NUM>, and/or the first teeth <NUM> and the second teeth <NUM> have the same shape.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and/or the second flat patterned structure <NUM> only cover a predetermined angular range, e.g. <NUM> degrees, as long as the magnetic field detection means, e.g. the magnetic field detection coil is configured to be closed in the circumferential direction, and in particular has the shape of a sine or cosine curve.

It will be noted that the combination of the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> can realize the differential principle, thereby increasing measurement precision, because sources of errors can be reduced.

In general, in the case of the capacitance and/or eddy current principle, there is only a limited air gap characteristic, but the arrangement shown in <FIG> can allow the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> to be positioned in the common plane <NUM>, and this can realize the required air gap between the common plane <NUM> and the magnetic field detection means, e.g. the magnetic field detection coil; the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM> can thereby be determined more precisely.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the shapes of the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and second flat patterned structure <NUM> may be configured in the opposite fashion, such that the first flat patterned structure <NUM> has the patterned structure of the second flat patterned structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> has the patterned structure of the first flat patterned structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field detection means is configured to comprise a magnetic field detection coil having a changing coil track shape, e.g. a gradually increasing track shape or another track shape that is unique with position; this can additionally increase detection precision. However, this is not a requirement.

<FIG> shows, as a top view, an arrangement of the input rotation component <NUM>, the output rotation component <NUM> and the electromagnetic carrier <NUM>, according to another demonstrative embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> shows this arrangement as a lateral sectional view taken along line B-B in <FIG>, <FIG> shows this arrangement as a three-dimensional view, and <FIG> shows this arrangement as an exploded view.

The arrangement shown in <FIG> is similar to the arrangement shown in <FIG>, but the first flat patterned structure <NUM> and second flat patterned structure <NUM> have different tooth designs. Only the main differences are described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the first flat patterned structure <NUM> has N first teeth <NUM>, and the second flat patterned structure <NUM> has <NUM>*N second teeth <NUM> (N being an integer), wherein the first teeth <NUM> are configured as teeth having a first radial length, and the second teeth <NUM> are configured to comprise N third teeth <NUM>' having a second radial length and N fourth teeth <NUM>" having a third radial length; the third teeth <NUM>' and the fourth teeth <NUM>" are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the first teeth <NUM> are located at a radial outer side of the third teeth <NUM>', with a radial gap <NUM> between them; moreover, the third radial length is greater than the second radial length. Preferably, the first radial length is smaller than the third radial length, and/or the sum of the first radial length, the second radial length and the radial width of the radial gap <NUM> is equal to the third radial length, such that the first teeth <NUM> and the fourth teeth <NUM>" extend radially to the same extent.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the first teeth <NUM> and the second teeth <NUM> are uniformly distributed.

According to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generating means, in particular the magnetic field generating coil is disposed on the electromagnetic carrier <NUM> close to the radial gap <NUM>; and the magnetic field detection means comprises a first magnetic field detection coil, located at a radial inner side of the magnetic field generating means and used to detect a rotation angle of the output shaft <NUM>, and a second magnetic field detection coil, located at a radial outer side of the magnetic field generating means and used to detect a change in angle between the first teeth <NUM> and the fourth teeth <NUM>". Thus, it is possible to simultaneously detect the relative rotation angle of the input shaft <NUM> relative to the output shaft <NUM>, and the rotation angle of the output shaft <NUM>. The first magnetic field detection coil can at least be used to review angular detection, in order to increase detection precision.

An active steering state monitoring system also often requires a steering angle of the steering column <NUM>. A description is given below of how to detect the steering angle. Thus, a second aspect of the present invention relates to a steering angle sensor (SAS) for detecting the steering angle of the steering column <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a demonstrative embodiment of a steering angle sensor <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the steering angle sensor <NUM> mainly comprises a sleeve gear <NUM>, a first measurement gear <NUM>, a second measurement gear <NUM>, a first angle detector <NUM> for measuring a rotation angle of the first measurement gear <NUM>, and a second angle detector <NUM> for measuring a rotation angle of the second measurement gear <NUM>, wherein the sleeve gear <NUM> will be mounted on the steering column <NUM>, in particular on the output shaft <NUM> and represents a steering angle Φ, the first measurement gear <NUM> has n1 teeth and is meshed with the sleeve gear <NUM>, and the second measurement gear <NUM> has n2 teeth and is meshed with the sleeve gear <NUM>. The rotation angle of the first measurement gear <NUM> is represented by θ, the rotation angle of the second measurement gear <NUM> is represented by ψ, and n1 and n2 are chosen so as not to be precisely divisible by each other. For example, the first measurement gear <NUM> and the second measurement gear <NUM> differ by one tooth. Of course, they may also differ by any suitable number of teeth.

Thus, this arrangement realizes the cursor (Nonius) principle. <FIG> shows demonstratively the output characteristics of the two measured angles θ and ψ, wherein the dotted line represents θ.

Using this principle, it is possible to determine a clear steering angle within more than four full revolutions of the steering wheel. In addition, on each occasion that startup or energization takes place, the position thereof is known because the steering angle sensor has the two angles θ and ψ.

The first angle detector <NUM> comprises: a magnet that is magnetized in a diameter direction, and which is disposed in a fixed manner at the centre of rotation of the first measurement gear <NUM>; and a detection element, which is used to detect the rotation angle θ on the basis of a change in the magnetic field caused by rotation of the magnet. The second angle detector <NUM> may also have a similar design. In this case, a standby current is not needed.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments above are merely demonstrative, and other embodiments may be conceptualized on the basis of the cursor principle.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to an integrated torque and angle sensor, configured to simultaneously detect the steering torque and steering angle of the steering column <NUM>. For this purpose, the integrated torque and angle sensor comprises a torque detection means for detecting steering torque, and an angle detection means for detecting a steering angle. The torque detection means and angle detection means are integrated as a single sensor.

<FIG> shows, as an exploded view, an integrated torque and angle sensor according to a demonstrative embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> shows, as a sectional view, an integrated torque and angle sensor in an assembled state.

As shown in <FIG>, the integrated torque and angle sensor mainly comprises an upper cover <NUM>, a lower cover <NUM>, a torque detection means <NUM> and an angle detection means <NUM>.

The torque detection means <NUM> is similar to the torque sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and thus also comprises an input rotation component <NUM>', an output rotation component <NUM>', and an electromagnetic carrier <NUM>' provided with a magnetic field generating coil <NUM>' (only shown schematically in <FIG>); however, as shown in <FIG>, a first flat patterned structure <NUM>' of the input rotation component <NUM>' and a second flat patterned structure <NUM>" of the output rotation component <NUM>' are parallel to each other, not in a common plane.

The angle detection means <NUM> is configured here to be the same as the steering angle sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the detection elements of the first angle detector and second angle detector are directly disposed in corresponding positions on the electromagnetic carrier <NUM>' so as to face the first measurement gear and second measurement gear in a corresponding manner.

It can be seen from the above that the torque detection means <NUM> and angle detection means <NUM> share one electromagnetic carrier, e.g. a PCB, thus allowing further simplification of the structure and assembly process.

The following are disposed inside the lower cover <NUM>: two posts <NUM> for rotatably receiving the first measurement gear and second measurement gear respectively; and a lower through-hole <NUM>, adapted such that a sleeve <NUM> of the sleeve gear fixed to the output shaft can pass through the lower through-hole <NUM>.

The electromagnetic carrier is provided with an electrical connector <NUM>. The upper cover <NUM> is provided with an upper through-hole <NUM>, and is connectable to the lower cover <NUM> by means of a snap-fit for example.

In an assembled state, the entire input rotation component and the second flat patterned structure of the output rotation component are located outside the upper cover <NUM>, and the second flat patterned structure of the output rotation component abuts an outer surface of the upper cover <NUM>, preferably being located in a recess <NUM> formed in the outer surface.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the integrated torque and angle sensor is not limited to the embodiment above, but may also be realized in any suitable form. For example, the torque sensor <NUM> may be configured as shown in <FIG> or <FIG>.

The integrated torque and angle sensor shown in <FIG> and <FIG> can detect steering angles of the steering column <NUM> in a wider range, e.g. up to +/- <NUM> degrees. Thus, the integrated torque and angle sensor is suitable for use in systems such as electromechanical steering systems having shaft balance.

In the case of angle measurement application scenarios involving electric power steer-by-wire systems and possible future electric power steering systems where +/- <NUM> degrees is sufficient, just one measurement gear is needed, because steering angles in this range can be detected jointly on the basis of rotation angle information obtained by this single measurement gear and output shaft rotation angle information obtained by the second flat patterned structure of the output rotation component. In this case, such an integrated torque and angle sensor can be obtained by removing one measurement gear from the previously described integrated torque and angle sensor and altering the hardware packaging of the electromagnetic carrier.

Similarly, in the case of a steering angle sensor covering +/- <NUM> degrees, it is sufficient to use only one measurement gear and the second flat patterned structure of the output rotation component, thus the input rotation component can also be removed. Of course, both measurement gears could also be retained, such that the second flat patterned structure of the output rotation component is only used to increase the steering angle measurement precision.

Thus, an independent torque sensor, an independent steering angle sensor and an integrated torque and angle sensor for different application scenarios can be obtained from the integrated torque and angle sensor shown in <FIG> and <FIG> by merely removing one or more components and possibly altering the hardware packaging; this is very advantageous.

Claim 1:
A torque sensor (<NUM>) for detecting a steering torque of a steering column (<NUM>), wherein the steering column (<NUM>) comprises an input shaft (<NUM>), an output shaft (<NUM>) and a torsion bar (<NUM>) connected between the input shaft (<NUM>) and the output shaft (<NUM>), the torque sensor (<NUM>) comprising:
an input rotation component (<NUM>), capable of rotating together with the input shaft (<NUM>) and provided with a first conducting part (<NUM>);
an output rotation component (<NUM>), capable of rotating together with the output shaft (<NUM>) and provided with a second conducting part (<NUM>); and
an electromagnetic carrier (<NUM>), positioned in a positionally fixed manner and provided with a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic field detection means,
wherein the magnetic field generating means is configured to generate a magnetic field penetrating the first conducting part (<NUM>) and the second conducting part (<NUM>), the magnetic field detection means is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field caused by a change in the positions of the first conducting part (<NUM>) and second conducting part (<NUM>) in the magnetic field when the steering column (<NUM>) is under torsional stress, and the steering torque is determined at least on the basis of the detected change in the magnetic field, wherein
the first conducting part (<NUM>) is configured to extend radially along a first plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the steering column (<NUM>), and the second conducting part (<NUM>) is configured to extend radially along a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column (<NUM>), characterised in that,
the first conducting part (<NUM>) and the second conducting part (<NUM>) are disposed at the same side of the electromagnetic carrier (<NUM>) so as to be adjacent to the electromagnetic carrier (<NUM>), preferably at that side of the electromagnetic carrier (<NUM>) which is adjacent to the input shaft (<NUM>).