Hitch angle sensor assembly

摘要

In one embodiment, a hitch angle sensor assembly includes a spacer fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle. An element is rotatably coupled with the spacer about a vertical axis defined by the hitch ball, and connecting member secures the element to a trailer. A hall sensor is coupled with the spacer and senses a magnetic portion of the element to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer. This and other embodiments of the hitch angle sensor assembly may be used independently or in combination with other hitch angle sensors or systems to estimate the hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer, which may be advantageously used for operation of the vehicle with a trailer backup assist system.

主权项

1. A hitch angle sensor assembly comprising:
a spacer adapted to be fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle; an element having a magnetic portion rotatably coupled with the spacer about an axis defined by the hitch ball, wherein the magnetic portion includes an arcuate shape having a substantially constant width and a center point offset from the axis defined by the hitch ball; a connecting member for securing the element to a trailer; and a magnetic field sensor coupled with the spacer and sensing a rotated position of the element for determining a hitch angle.