초록 ▼

A tilt angle sensor is disclosed that is capable of detecting whether a tilt angle of a reference plane exceeds a predetermined value by means of only one threshold value. Although only one threshold value is used, the tilt angle can be measured with respect to either a clockwise or a counterclockwi

A tilt angle sensor is disclosed that is capable of detecting whether a tilt angle of a reference plane exceeds a predetermined value by means of only one threshold value. Although only one threshold value is used, the tilt angle can be measured with respect to either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction from the untilted state. A pair of differential electrodes electrically independent of each other are formed in a shape symmetric with respect to upper and lower sections of a printed circuit board. A common electrode plate is mounted opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode is stored in a closed space formed by the printed circuit board and an oil case. A dielectric liquid is filled into the closed space in such a way that the level of the liquid varies according to the tilt of the reference plane. An output signal corresponding to the difference in capacity between two capacitors formed by associated components is produced as a tilt detection output.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tilt sensor comprising:a printed circuit board disposed in a direction normal to a reference plane for measuring a tilt angle; a pair of differential electrodes mounted on the printed circuit board; a common electrode plate opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap

1. A tilt sensor comprising:a printed circuit board disposed in a direction normal to a reference plane for measuring a tilt angle; a pair of differential electrodes mounted on the printed circuit board; a common electrode plate opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap formed between said differential electrodes; a common electrode fixed to the printed circuit board by a terminal formed from the common electrode plate; a dielectric liquid filled into a closed space in a state where its surface level varies according to the tilt angle of the reference plane; a signal processing circuit section formed on the printed circuit board, said signal processing circuit section producing an output signal corresponding to a difference in capacity between two capacitors, each capacitor includes the common electrode and a respective differential electrode of said pair of differential electrodes, as a tilt angle detection output, wherein the pair of differential electrodes are mounted electrically independently of each other in upper and lower regions respectively, wherein said upper and lower regions are divided by a horizontal centerline, said horizontal centerline passing through a center of gravity of said printed circuit board in a direction normal to a direction of gravity when said printed circuit board is in a no tilt condition, and said pair of differential electrodes are formed in shapes symmetrical to said horizontal centerline and a vertical centerline of said printed circuit board, said vertical centerline passing through said center of gravity and normal to said horizontal centerline; and an oil case for storing the pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode plate and forming said closed space between itself and the printed circuit board.