Electric power steering controller having integrated column controls

摘要

The invention provides a steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle. The steering column assembly (10) includes a steering column structure (12) to support a steering wheel (14) at a first end and be coupled at a second end to steerable wheels of a vehicle. A steering shaft (44) extends through the steering column structure (12). A steering wheel position sensor (26) is supported by the steering column structure (12) to sense an angular position of the steering shaft (44) and communicate a position signal. A steering wheel torque sensor (28) is supported by the steering column structure (12) to sense a torque associated with rotation of the steering shaft (44) and communicate a torque signal. A motor (42) is spaced from the steering column structure (12) and an electric power steering controller (38) receives the position and torque signals and controls the motor (42) in response to provide a power steering assist to the vehicle. The steering column assembly (10) also includes at least one of a turn direction control (16) and a windshield wash/wiper and wiper delay control (18) and a light control (20) and a media control (22) and a throttle control (24) and an ignition control (30) and a security control (32) and a steering column adjustment control (36) communicating with the electric power steering controller (38).