Rack and pinion reaction force sensor

摘要

A rack and pinion reaction force sensor 10 as may be used in electric power assist steering systems, uses sensing element means 34 mounted adjacent to a bearing 18 in a sensor housing 22 to sense the linear reaction on the pinion shaft 16 to the force applied to the rack 12. The sensing element means 34 determines the magnitude and direction of turning of the steering system of a motor vehicle. The output of the sensing element means 34 is amplified and supplied as an input to the control electronics in the overall power assist steering system. A zirconia substrate forms a bearing support means 26 for the bearing 18 and is trimmed to provide a predetermined spring rate which responds to reaction force from the pinion shaft 16.