JP2007292522A - Torque sensor - Google Patents

Torque sensor Download PDF

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JP2007292522A
JP2007292522A JP2006118646A JP2006118646A JP2007292522A JP 2007292522 A JP2007292522 A JP 2007292522A JP 2006118646 A JP2006118646 A JP 2006118646A JP 2006118646 A JP2006118646 A JP 2006118646A JP 2007292522 A JP2007292522 A JP 2007292522A
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coil
yoke member
magnetic field
torque sensor
yoke
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Shinichi Isobe
晋一 磯部
Kotaro Shiino
高太郎 椎野
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Hitachi Ltd
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Hitachi Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a torque sensor which can reduce the size in the axial direction without causing the saturation limit of magnetic flux density inside an intermediate yoke member to decrease. <P>SOLUTION: The torque sensor comprises a first bobbin 13 and a second bobbin 14, integrally formed via a coupling section 22, extending in the periphery of internal flange sections 13b, 14b, respectively, a first coil 15 and a second coil 16 which are wound on the bobbins, respectively, and are arranged vertically in series in the axial direction, a first yoke member 17 and a second yoke member 18 which are externally fitted on the coils, respectively, and a nearly circular-shaped intermediate yoke member 21 arranged between the coils. Magnetic paths, formed by the coils are held by the intermediate yoke member in common and the directions of the magnetic field of the coils, are set to be opposite to each other, thereby increasing the saturation limit of a magnetic field inside the intermediate yoke member, and reducing the thickness in the vertical width direction of the intermediate yoke member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

本発明は、例えば車両のパワーステアリング装置に適用されたトルクセンサの改良に関するものであって、とりわけ、軸方向に小型化し得るトルクセンサに関する。   The present invention relates to an improvement in a torque sensor applied to, for example, a power steering device for a vehicle, and more particularly to a torque sensor that can be downsized in the axial direction.

例えば車両のパワーステアリング装置に適用された従来のトルクセンサとしては、以下の特許文献１に記載されたものが知られている。   For example, as a conventional torque sensor applied to a power steering device of a vehicle, one described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

このトルクセンサは、コイルがそれぞれ捲回された一対のコイルボビンと、該各コイルボビンを収容する一対のコイルヨークと、を備えている。前記各コイルヨークは、有蓋、有底円筒状にそれぞれ形成されて対向する開口部から各コイルボビンの一端側にそれぞれ被嵌される一対のヨーク部材と、ほぼ円環状に形成されて各コイルボビンの他端側をそれぞれ閉塞する一対の中間部材と、を有している。そして、前記トルクセンサは、前記各中間部材を突き合わせるようにして、前記各コイル及び各コイルボビンを収容する各コイルヨークがそれぞれ上下に直列に組み立てられている。
特開平１１−２４８５６１号公報 The torque sensor includes a pair of coil bobbins each having a coil wound thereon, and a pair of coil yokes that accommodate the coil bobbins. Each of the coil yokes is formed in a covered and bottomed cylindrical shape and is fitted with a pair of yoke members that are respectively fitted to one end side of each coil bobbin from the opposed opening, and is formed in a substantially annular shape, in addition to each coil bobbin. And a pair of intermediate members that respectively close the end sides. And as for the said torque sensor, each coil yoke which accommodates each said coil and each coil bobbin is each assembled | stacked up and down in series so that each said intermediate member may be faced | matched.
JP-A-11-248561

従来のトルクセンサ用コイル部材にあっては、前記各コイルヨークは、それぞれに対応する各コイルによって形成される磁界が流れるために、それぞれ所定の厚さが確保されているが、上下に対向する前記各中間部材には、上下の両コイルによって形成される二つの磁界が流れることから、各ヨーク部材と比較して磁界の飽和が発生しやすくなっている。このため、磁界の飽和によってそれ以上の磁界が流れなくなり、所望とするトルクセンサの出力が得られないおそれがある。   In the conventional coil member for torque sensor, each coil yoke has a predetermined thickness because the magnetic field formed by the corresponding coil flows. Since the two magnetic fields formed by the upper and lower coils flow through each intermediate member, the magnetic field is more likely to be saturated as compared with the yoke members. For this reason, no further magnetic field flows due to saturation of the magnetic field, and there is a possibility that the desired output of the torque sensor cannot be obtained.

そこで、前記各中間部材における磁界の飽和の発生を防止するためには、該各中間部材を離間させて配置するか、各中間部材の厚さ寸法を大きく設定する必要がある。したがって、前記トルクセンサの上下方向（軸方向）の寸法の長大化が余儀なくされ、装置全体が大型化してしまうという問題があった。   Therefore, in order to prevent the saturation of the magnetic field in each of the intermediate members, it is necessary to arrange the intermediate members apart from each other or to set the thickness dimension of each intermediate member large. Therefore, there is a problem that the vertical dimension (axial direction) of the torque sensor is inevitably increased, and the entire apparatus is increased in size.

本発明は、このような技術的課題に着目して案出されたものであって、中間部材内の磁束密度の飽和限界を低下させることなく、軸方向の寸法を短小化し得るトルクセンサを提供するものである。   The present invention has been devised by paying attention to such a technical problem, and provides a torque sensor capable of shortening the axial dimension without reducing the saturation limit of the magnetic flux density in the intermediate member. To do.

請求項１に記載の発明は、上下に軸方向直列に配設された第１コイル及び第２コイルと、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルを囲繞して設けられて、該第１コイル及び第２コイルの磁路を形成するヨーク部材と、を備え、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルのインピーダンスの変化に基づいてトルクを検出するトルクセンサであって、前記第１コイルと前記第２コイルの間に配設された前記ヨーク部材の中間部内に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界の向きと前記第２コイルの磁界の向きとを、それぞれ互いに逆向きに設定したことを特徴とするトルクセンサ。   According to the first aspect of the present invention, a first coil and a second coil disposed vertically in series in the vertical direction are provided so as to surround the first coil and the second coil. A yoke member that forms a magnetic path of two coils, and a torque sensor that detects torque based on a change in impedance of the first coil and the second coil, wherein the first coil and the second coil A torque sensor characterized in that the direction of the magnetic field of the first coil and the direction of the magnetic field of the second coil formed in an intermediate portion of the yoke member disposed therebetween are set to be opposite to each other. .

この発明によれば、前記ヨーク部材の中間部内に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界の向きと前記第２コイルの磁界の向きとを互いに逆向きに設定したことによって、該ヨーク部材の中間部内に形成される磁界の飽和限界を高めることができる。これにより、前記ヨーク部材の中間部の上下幅方向寸法を極力小さく設定することが可能となり、前記トルクセンサの軸方向の短小化が図れる。   According to this invention, the direction of the magnetic field of the first coil formed in the intermediate part of the yoke member and the direction of the magnetic field of the second coil are set to be opposite to each other. It is possible to increase the saturation limit of the magnetic field formed. Thereby, it is possible to set the dimension in the vertical width direction of the intermediate portion of the yoke member as small as possible, and the torque sensor can be shortened in the axial direction.

請求項２に記載の発明は、上下に軸方向直列に配設された第１コイル及び第２コイルと、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルにそれぞれ被嵌される第１ヨーク部材及び第２ヨーク部材と、前記第１コイルと前記第２コイルとの間に配設された一枚の中間部材と、から構成されて、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルのそれぞれの磁路を形成するヨーク部材と、を備え、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルのインピーダンスの変化に基づいてトルクを検出するトルクセンサであって、前記第１コイルにより形成される磁界と前記第２コイルにより形成される磁界とを前記中間部材内に共有させると共に、該中間部材内に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界の向きと前記第２コイルの磁界の向きとを、それぞれ互いに逆向きに設定したことを特徴とするトルクセンサ。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, there are provided a first coil and a second coil arranged vertically in series in the vertical direction, and a first yoke member and a second yoke respectively fitted on the first coil and the second coil. A yoke member that is formed of a member and a single intermediate member disposed between the first coil and the second coil, and forms respective magnetic paths of the first coil and the second coil. A torque sensor that detects torque based on a change in impedance of the first coil and the second coil, and a magnetic field formed by the first coil and a magnetic field formed by the second coil Is shared in the intermediate member, and the magnetic field direction of the first coil and the magnetic field direction of the second coil formed in the intermediate member are set to be opposite to each other. Torxe Support.

この発明によれば、前記各コイルの磁路を一つの中間部材に共有させると共に該中間部材内に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界の向きと前記第２コイルの磁界の向きとを互いに逆向きに設定したことによって、前記中間部材内に形成される磁界の飽和限界を高めることができる。   According to this invention, the magnetic path of each coil is shared by one intermediate member, and the direction of the magnetic field of the first coil and the direction of the magnetic field of the second coil formed in the intermediate member are opposite to each other. By setting the orientation, the saturation limit of the magnetic field formed in the intermediate member can be increased.

これにより、前記中間部材の上下幅方向厚さを低減することが可能となると共に、前記各コイルに対して前記中間部材を別個に形成する必要がないことから、前記トルクセンサの軸方向の短小化が図れる。また、前記トルクセンサにおける前記中間部材の共用化が図られて、該トルクセンサの部品点数を削減することができる。   Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the thickness in the vertical width direction of the intermediate member, and it is not necessary to form the intermediate member separately for each coil. Can be achieved. Further, the intermediate member can be shared in the torque sensor, and the number of parts of the torque sensor can be reduced.

請求項３に記載の発明は、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルがそれぞれ捲回された第１コイルボビン及び第２コイルボビンを備え、前記第１コイルボビンと前記第２コイルボビンを、前記中間部材を挟持するように連結したことを特徴とする請求項２に記載のトルクセンサ。   The invention according to claim 3 includes a first coil bobbin and a second coil bobbin in which the first coil and the second coil are wound, respectively, and sandwiches the intermediate member with the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin. The torque sensor according to claim 2, wherein the torque sensors are connected as described above.

この発明によれば、請求項２の作用効果に加えて、前記第１コイルボビンと前記第２コイルボビンを、前記中間部材を挟持するように連結したことによって、前記各コイルボビンと前記中間部材とを一体化することができる。このため、前記トルクセンサの組み付けの際の前記各コイルボビン及び中間部材の取り扱いが容易となり、該トルクセンサの組み付け作業性の向上が図れる。   According to this invention, in addition to the operation and effect of claim 2, the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin are connected so as to sandwich the intermediate member, whereby the coil bobbins and the intermediate member are integrated. Can be For this reason, the handling of each coil bobbin and the intermediate member at the time of assembling the torque sensor becomes easy, and the assembling workability of the torque sensor can be improved.

以下、本発明に係るトルクセンサの各実施の形態を図面に基づいて詳述する。なお、本実施の形態は、このトルクセンサを、例えば車両のパワーステアリング装置に適用したものを示している。   Hereinafter, each embodiment of the torque sensor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the torque sensor is applied to, for example, a vehicle power steering device.

図１〜図６は本発明の第１の実施形態を示しており、このトルクセンサは、図６に示すように、車体に固定されて、アッパハウジング１ａとロワハウジング１ｂとからなるハウジング１内には、一端側が図外のステアリングホイールに連結された入力軸２と、上端側がラック＆ピニオン機構５に連係される出力軸３とが、同軸上に突き合わせ状態に配置されていると共に、それぞれが軸受を介して回動自在に支持されている。   1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, this torque sensor is fixed to a vehicle body and is installed in a housing 1 comprising an upper housing 1a and a lower housing 1b. The input shaft 2 whose one end is connected to a steering wheel (not shown) and the output shaft 3 whose upper end is linked to the rack and pinion mechanism 5 are arranged coaxially in abutment with each other. It is rotatably supported via a bearing.

前記入力軸２と出力軸３とは、軸方向に対向する端部が、導電性金属材のトーションバー４を介して連結され、両軸間に作用するトルクが該トーションバー４の捩れ量に変換されるようになっている。   The input shaft 2 and the output shaft 3 are connected at their axially opposite ends via a torsion bar 4 made of a conductive metal material, and the torque acting between the two shafts is the amount of twist of the torsion bar 4. It is supposed to be converted.

また、前記出力軸３には、図外の電動モータの動力を伝達するウォームホイールが一体に取り付けられており、この電動モータは、前記両軸２，３のトルクに応じた操舵補助トルクを付与するようになっている。   A worm wheel for transmitting the power of an electric motor (not shown) is integrally attached to the output shaft 3, and this electric motor applies a steering assist torque according to the torque of the shafts 2 and 3. It is supposed to be.

そして、前記ステアリングホイールから入力された操舵力が、前記入力軸２と、トーションバー４、出力軸３及びラック＆ピニオン機構５を介して、図外の転蛇輪に伝達されるようになっている。   The steering force input from the steering wheel is transmitted to the non-illustrated serpentine wheel via the input shaft 2, the torsion bar 4, the output shaft 3, and the rack and pinion mechanism 5. Yes.

前記入力軸２は、下端部がトーションバー４を囲繞した状態で出力軸３との突き合わせ部まで延び、その下端側の縮径部が出力軸３の上端側の凹部に相対回転自在に挿入されている。また、入力軸２の縮径部と出力軸３の凹部には、両軸２，３の相対回動角度位置を制限する図外のストッパが設けられている。   The input shaft 2 extends to the abutting portion with the output shaft 3 in a state where the lower end portion surrounds the torsion bar 4, and a reduced diameter portion on the lower end side is inserted into a recess on the upper end side of the output shaft 3 so as to be relatively rotatable. ing. Further, a stopper (not shown) that restricts the relative rotational angular position of both shafts 2 and 3 is provided in the reduced diameter portion of the input shaft 2 and the concave portion of the output shaft 3.

さらに、前記トーションバー４を囲繞する入力軸２の下端側外周には、第１円筒部材６が取り付けられている。この第１円筒部材６は、非磁性で且つ導電性を有するアルミニウム合金材によって形成され、入力軸２の下端部と共に内側磁路を形成するようになっている。   Further, a first cylindrical member 6 is attached to the outer periphery on the lower end side of the input shaft 2 surrounding the torsion bar 4. The first cylindrical member 6 is formed of a nonmagnetic and conductive aluminum alloy material, and forms an inner magnetic path together with the lower end portion of the input shaft 2.

また、第１円筒部材６の周壁には、軸方向に沿う複数のスリット状の透過窓７ａ・・・，７ｂ・・・が円周方向沿って等間隔に上下二段に形成され、隣接する各段の透過窓７ａ，７ａ（７ｂ，７ｂ）間の図外の梁部が磁束の通過を遮断する遮蔽領域を成すようになっている。すなわち、第１円筒部材６は、磁気抵抗の大きい領域と小さい領域とが各段の透過窓７ａ，７ｂと前記梁部によって交互に形成されている。   In addition, a plurality of slit-shaped transmission windows 7a,..., 7b,... Are formed adjacently on the peripheral wall of the first cylindrical member 6 in two upper and lower stages at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. A beam portion (not shown) between the transmission windows 7a and 7a (7b and 7b) at each stage forms a shielding region that blocks the passage of magnetic flux. That is, in the first cylindrical member 6, regions having a large magnetic resistance and regions having a small magnetic resistance are alternately formed by the transmission windows 7a and 7b in each step and the beam portion.

一方、出力軸３は、上端部に前記入力軸２の下端部と第１円筒部材６の外周側を所定の隙間をもって非接触状態で囲繞する第２円筒部材８がかしめによって固定されている。この第２円筒部材８は、前記第１円筒部材６と同様に、非磁性で且つ導電性を有するアルミニウム合金材によって形成され、その周壁には第１円筒部材６の透過窓７ａ・・・，７ｂ・・・と同数の透過窓９ａ・・・，９ｂ・・・が上下二段に円周方向に等間隔に配置され、該各段の透過窓９ａ，９ｂ同士は周方向に相互オフセットされている。   On the other hand, the output shaft 3 is fixed to the upper end portion thereof by caulking a second cylindrical member 8 that surrounds the lower end portion of the input shaft 2 and the outer peripheral side of the first cylindrical member 6 in a non-contact state with a predetermined gap. The second cylindrical member 8 is formed of an aluminum alloy material that is nonmagnetic and conductive, like the first cylindrical member 6, and the transmission wall 7 a of the first cylindrical member 6 is formed on the peripheral wall thereof. .., 9b... Are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the upper and lower stages, and the transmission windows 9a and 9b at each stage are mutually offset in the circumferential direction. ing.

すなわち、左右の操舵トルク発生時、つまりトーションバー４が捩られると、その捩れ量と方向に応じて前記第１円筒部材６の各段の透過窓７ａ・・・，７ｂ・・・と前記各段の透過窓９ａ・・・，９ｂ・・・との重合面積がそれぞれ増減変化することによって、前記入力軸３の露出面積の変化に伴う磁束の変化に応じて、後述する第１コイル１５及び第２コイル１６の各インピーダンスが増減変化する。   That is, when the left and right steering torque is generated, that is, when the torsion bar 4 is twisted, the transmission windows 7a..., 7b. The overlapping areas of the step transmission windows 9a..., 9b... Increase and decrease, respectively, so that the first coil 15 and the coil 15 described later according to the change in magnetic flux accompanying the change in the exposed area of the input shaft 3 and Each impedance of the second coil 16 increases or decreases.

また、前記アッパハウジング１ａの軸方向ほぼ中央位置に設けられたコイル収容部１０内に、前記第２円筒部材８の各段の透過窓９ａ・・・，９ｂ・・・の外周側に非接触状態に挿入配置されたコイルユニット１１を備えている。   Further, in the coil housing portion 10 provided at substantially the center position in the axial direction of the upper housing 1a, the outer peripheral sides of the transmission windows 9a,..., 9b,. The coil unit 11 is arranged and placed in a state.

このコイルユニット１１は、図１及び図６に示すように、第１ボビン１３と第２ボビン１４とが軸方向へ上下に直列に連結されたコイルボビン１２と、該コイルボビン１２における各ボビン１３，１４の凹部外周にそれぞれ導線が捲回されてなる第１コイル１５及び第２コイル１６と、前記コイルボビン１２に対して軸方向外側から各ボビン１３，１４にそれぞれ被嵌して各コイル１５，１６のそれぞれの磁路を形成する第１ヨーク部材１７及び第２ヨーク部材１８と、前記各ボビン１３，１４の間に挟持状態に介装されて各コイル１５，１６間の磁路を形成するための中間部材である中間ヨーク部材２１と、からそれぞれ構成されている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the coil unit 11 includes a coil bobbin 12 in which a first bobbin 13 and a second bobbin 14 are connected in series vertically in the axial direction, and bobbins 13 and 14 in the coil bobbin 12. The first coil 15 and the second coil 16 each having a conducting wire wound around the outer periphery of the recess, and the bobbins 13 and 14 are fitted to the coil bobbin 12 from the outside in the axial direction, respectively. The first yoke member 17 and the second yoke member 18 that form the respective magnetic paths and the bobbins 13 and 14 are interposed so as to form a magnetic path between the coils 15 and 16. The intermediate yoke member 21 is an intermediate member.

そして、前記コイルユニット１１は、図６に示すように、前記コイル収容部１０内に形成された段差部に突き当て状態に収容されると共に、一端側に設けられた皿ばね３１によって下方へ付勢されている一方、他端側に設けられ、両端が開口した有蓋円筒状の規制部材３２によってコイル収容部１０内における軸方向の位置が規制されている。   As shown in FIG. 6, the coil unit 11 is housed in abutment with a step formed in the coil housing part 10 and is attached downward by a disc spring 31 provided on one end side. On the other hand, the position in the axial direction in the coil housing portion 10 is regulated by a covered cylindrical regulating member 32 provided on the other end side and opened at both ends.

前記コイルボビン１２は、非磁性材料からなり、図１に示すように、軸方向両端側の外径がそれぞれ拡径した段付き中空円筒状に形成されている。すなわち、前記コイルボビン１２は、前記第１コイル１５及び第２コイル１６がそれぞれ捲回される第１コイル捲回部１３ａ及び第２コイル捲回部１４ａと、該各コイル捲回部１３ａ，１４ａの一端側に設けられて互いに対向する第１内側フランジ部１３ｂ及び第２内側フランジ部１４ｂと、他端側に設けられた第１外側フランジ部１３ｃ及び第２外側フランジ部１４ｃと、図２（ａ）及び図２（ｂ）に示すような前記各内側フランジ部１３ｂ，１４ｂの外周側に突出して設けられた端子部１９ａ，１９ｂと、から構成されている。   The coil bobbin 12 is made of a non-magnetic material and is formed in a stepped hollow cylindrical shape with the outer diameters at both axial ends enlarged as shown in FIG. That is, the coil bobbin 12 includes a first coil winding portion 13a and a second coil winding portion 14a around which the first coil 15 and the second coil 16 are wound, respectively, and coil winding portions 13a and 14a. A first inner flange portion 13b and a second inner flange portion 14b provided on one end side and facing each other, a first outer flange portion 13c and a second outer flange portion 14c provided on the other end side, and FIG. ) And terminal portions 19a and 19b provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral sides of the inner flange portions 13b and 14b as shown in FIG. 2B.

前記各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂは、図３に示すように、断面ほぼ矩形状を呈し、径方向外側に延設されており、前記各内側フランジ部１３ｂ，１４ｂの外周側の端面となる前面に、図２（ａ）に示すように、前記各コイル１５，１６の始端部及び終端部がそれぞれ接続される各一対の接続端子２０ａ，２０ｂが所定の間隔を隔てて左右幅方向に並列に配設されている。そして、前記コイルユニット１１は、図６に示すように、前記各接続端子２０ａ，２０ｂを介して後述するインピーダンス検出回路３３に接続されている。   As shown in FIG. 3, each of the terminal portions 19a and 19b has a substantially rectangular cross section and extends radially outward, and is formed on the front surface serving as the outer peripheral end surface of each of the inner flange portions 13b and 14b. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), a pair of connection terminals 20a and 20b to which the start and end portions of the coils 15 and 16 are respectively connected are arranged in parallel in the left-right width direction at a predetermined interval. It is installed. And the said coil unit 11 is connected to the impedance detection circuit 33 mentioned later via each said connection terminal 20a, 20b, as shown in FIG.

そして、前記コイルボビン１２は、図１に示すように、上下幅方向に渡ってブリッジ状に設けられて前記第１ボビンと第２ボビン１４の各内側フランジ部１３ｂ，１４ｂ同士を連結する縦断面ほぼコ字形状の連結部２２を有している。   As shown in FIG. 1, the coil bobbin 12 is provided in a bridge shape in the vertical width direction so as to connect the inner flange portions 13 b, 14 b of the first bobbin and the second bobbin 14. A U-shaped connecting portion 22 is provided.

この連結部２２は、図１に示すように、前記第１内側フランジ部１３ｂと一体に接続された上端側の第１接続部２２ａと、前記第２内側フランジ部１４ｂと一体に接続された下端側の第２接続部２２ｂと、前記第１接続部２２ａと第２接続部２２ｂの各外端縁を連結する上下幅方向に沿って設けられたサポート部２２ｃと、から構成され、図２（ｃ）に示すように、上下対称形状に形成されている。また、前記連結部２２は、図２（ｂ）及び図３に示すように、前記両端子部１９ａ，１９ｂと周方向に１８０°の位相をずらした位置に配設され、前記各ボビン１３，１４と共に型成形によって一体に形成されている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 22 includes a first connecting portion 22a on the upper end side that is integrally connected to the first inner flange portion 13b, and a lower end that is integrally connected to the second inner flange portion 14b. 2nd connection part 22b and the support part 22c provided along the up-and-down width direction which connects each outer edge of the said 1st connection part 22a and the 2nd connection part 22b, and is comprised, FIG. As shown in c), it is formed in a vertically symmetrical shape. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 3, the connecting portion 22 is disposed at a position shifted by 180 ° in the circumferential direction from the both terminal portions 19 a, 19 b, and the bobbins 13, 14 is formed integrally by molding.

前記第１接続部２２ａ及び第２接続部２２ｂは、図１及び図２（ｃ）に示すように、その左右幅が前記サポート部２２ｃとほぼ同じ左右幅に設定されており、それぞれの両側部の所定の位置に、該各接続部２２ａ，２２ｂの左右幅よりもさらに外側に若干突出した断面ほぼ矩形状の第１係合突部２３ａ及び第２係合突部２３ｂがそれぞれ一体に設けられている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (c), the left and right widths of the first connection portion 22a and the second connection portion 22b are set to be substantially the same as the left and right widths of the support portion 22c. The first engaging protrusion 23a and the second engaging protrusion 23b having a substantially rectangular cross section that protrude slightly further outward than the left and right widths of the connecting portions 22a and 22b are integrally provided at predetermined positions. ing.

また、前記各接続部２２ａ，２２ｂは、図２（ｂ）に示すように、その径方向外側となる端面が、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８がコイルボビン１２に被嵌した際に、各ヨーク部材１７，１８の外周面とほぼ重なるような径方向長さ（奥行き）に設定され、サポート部２２ｃが各ヨーク部材１７，１８の外周面よりも径方向外側に突出するようになっている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, each of the connecting portions 22a and 22b has an end surface on the radially outer side when each of the yoke members 17 and 18 is fitted onto the coil bobbin 12, and The radial direction length (depth) is set so as to substantially overlap the outer peripheral surfaces of 17 and 18, and the support portion 22 c protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surfaces of the yoke members 17 and 18.

前記第１ヨーク部材１７及び第２ヨーク部材１８は、磁性材料からなり、図１に示すように、有底円筒状に形成されている。すなわち、前記第１ヨーク部材１７及び第２ヨーク部材１８は、円環状の底壁１７ａ，１８ａと円筒状の周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂとから構成されており、図４に示すように、それぞれの外径が前記コイル収容部１０の内径とほぼ同じに設定されると共に、図１に示すように、コイルボビン１２に対して軸方向から被嵌している。   The first yoke member 17 and the second yoke member 18 are made of a magnetic material and are formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. That is, the first yoke member 17 and the second yoke member 18 are composed of annular bottom walls 17a and 18a and cylindrical peripheral walls 17b and 18b, respectively. As shown in FIG. Is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the coil housing portion 10 and is fitted to the coil bobbin 12 from the axial direction as shown in FIG.

また、前記第１ヨーク部材１７及び第２ヨーク部材１８の各周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂの端縁には、図２（ａ）及び図３に示すように、ほぼ矩形状に切欠形成され、前記第１端子部１９ａ，１９ｂ及び第２端子部１９ａ，１９ｂをそれぞれ外部に臨ませる第１端子部用窓２４ａ及び第２端子部用窓２４ｂがそれぞれ設けられている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 3, the first and second yoke members 17 and 18 are cut into a substantially rectangular shape at the edges of the peripheral walls 17b and 18b. A first terminal portion window 24a and a second terminal portion window 24b are provided, respectively, that allow the terminal portions 19a, 19b and the second terminal portions 19a, 19b to face the outside.

一方、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８は、図３に示すように、それぞれの周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂの端縁における第１端子部用窓２４ａ及び第２端子部用窓２４ｂとそれぞれ位相を１８０°ずらした位置、すなわち、図１及び図２（ｃ）に示すように、前記連結部２２に対応する周方向位置に、該連結部２２を回避すると共に該連結部２２のサポート部２２ｃを外部に臨ませる第１連結部用窓２５ａ及び第２連結部用窓２５ｂが切欠形成されている。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the yoke members 17 and 18 are respectively shifted in phase by 180 ° from the first terminal window 24a and the second terminal window 24b at the edges of the peripheral walls 17b and 18b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2C, the connecting portion 22 is avoided and the support portion 22c of the connecting portion 22 is exposed to the circumferential position corresponding to the connecting portion 22. The first connecting portion window 25a and the second connecting portion window 25b are notched.

前記第１端子部用窓２４ａ及び第２端子部用窓２４ｂは、図２（ａ）に示すように、全体がそれぞれ前記各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂの外形よりも若干大きく形成され、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８をそれぞれコイルボビン１２に被嵌した際に、各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂに対して遊嵌状態に嵌合するようになっている。そして、前記各端子部用窓２４ａ，２４ｂは、図３に示すように、その左右幅方向の寸法が、該各端子部用窓２４ａ，２４ｂの側面と各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂの側面との間に隙間αを形成するように設定されている。   As shown in FIG. 2A, the first terminal window 24a and the second terminal window 24b are formed to be slightly larger than the outer shapes of the terminal sections 19a and 19b, respectively. When the members 17 and 18 are respectively fitted on the coil bobbins 12, they are fitted into the terminal portions 19a and 19b in a loosely fitted state. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the terminal portion windows 24a, 24b has a horizontal width direction dimension between the side surfaces of the terminal portion windows 24a, 24b and the side surfaces of the terminal portions 19a, 19b. It is set so as to form a gap α therebetween.

一方、前記第１連結部用窓２５ａ及び第２連結部用窓２５ｂは、図２（ｃ）に示すように、全体がそれぞれ前記連結部２２の外形よりも僅かに大きく形成され、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８をそれぞれコイルボビン１２に被嵌した際に、連結部２２に対してそれぞれ遊嵌するようになっている。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first connecting portion window 25a and the second connecting portion window 25b are formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the connecting portion 22, respectively, When the members 17 and 18 are respectively fitted on the coil bobbins 12, they are loosely fitted to the connecting portions 22.

また、前記第１連結部用窓２５ａ及び第２連結部用窓２５ｂには、図１及び図２（ｃ）に示すように、該各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの底部側の側部に、前記第１係合突部２３ａ及び第２係合突部２３ｂにそれぞれ対応する凹状の第１係止溝２６ａ及び第２係止溝２６ｂが切欠形成されている。この第１係止溝２６ａ及び第２係止溝２６ｂは、図３に示すように、それぞれの溝深さとなる左右幅方向の寸法が、該各係止溝２６ａ，２６ｂの底面と各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの端面との間に隙間βを形成するように設定されている。   Further, the first connecting portion window 25a and the second connecting portion window 25b are provided on the side portions on the bottom side of the connecting portion windows 25a and 25b, as shown in FIGS. A concave first locking groove 26a and a second locking groove 26b corresponding to the first engaging protrusion 23a and the second engaging protrusion 23b, respectively, are notched. As shown in FIG. 3, the first locking groove 26a and the second locking groove 26b have dimensions in the left-right width direction corresponding to the respective groove depths, and the bottom surfaces of the locking grooves 26a and 26b. A gap β is set between the projecting portions 23a and 23b.

このように、前記連結部２２の各接続部２２ａ，２２ｂの左右幅に対して各ヨーク部材１７，１８の開口部の左右幅が小さく設けられていることから、該各ヨーク部材１７，１８は、コイルボビン１２に対して軸方向外側から被嵌させる際に、前記各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの開口縁が各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂを撓み変形させることによって、各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂ内にそれぞれ嵌入されるようになっている。すなわち、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８は、前記各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの開口縁が各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの両外端縁を押圧して弾性変形させつつ該各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂを各係止溝２６ａ，２６ｂ内に嵌合させることによって、コイルボビン１２にそれぞれ仮固定される。   Thus, since the left and right widths of the opening portions of the yoke members 17 and 18 are smaller than the left and right widths of the connection portions 22a and 22b of the connecting portion 22, the yoke members 17 and 18 are When the coil bobbin 12 is fitted from the outside in the axial direction, the opening edges of the connection portion windows 25a and 25b cause the engagement protrusions 23a and 23b to bend and deform, whereby the connection portion windows 25a. , 25b, respectively. In other words, the yoke members 17 and 18 have the engagement protrusions while the opening edges of the connection portion windows 25a and 25b press and elastically deform both outer edges of the engagement protrusions 23a and 23b. The parts 23a and 23b are temporarily fixed to the coil bobbin 12 by fitting them into the respective locking grooves 26a and 26b.

前記中間ヨーク部材２１は、図２（ａ）に示すように、円環状を呈し、その内径がコイルボビン１２の内径とほぼ同じに設定されていると共に、その外形が第１ヨーク部材１７及び第２ヨーク部材１８の各周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂの外径とほぼ同じに設定されている。さらに、前記中間ヨーク部材２１の上下幅方向寸法は、前記第１ヨーク部材１７と第２ヨーク部材１８の各底壁１７ａ，１８ａの上下幅方向寸法の和よりも小さく設定されている。   As shown in FIG. 2A, the intermediate yoke member 21 has an annular shape, the inner diameter thereof is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the coil bobbin 12, and the outer shapes thereof are the first yoke member 17 and the second yoke member 21. The outer diameters of the peripheral walls 17b and 18b of the yoke member 18 are set to be substantially the same. Further, the vertical width direction dimension of the intermediate yoke member 21 is set smaller than the sum of the vertical width direction dimensions of the bottom walls 17a and 18a of the first yoke member 17 and the second yoke member 18.

また、前記アッパハウジング１ａには、図４及び図６に示すように、前記コイル収容部１０と並行して形成された外部に開口する凹状の回路収容部２７が設けられている。この回路収容部２７は、前記開口部がほぼ板状のカバー部材２８により閉塞されている一方、その底部には、コイル収容部１０と連通する切欠部２９が切欠形成され、該切欠部２９を介して前記コイルユニット１１の各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂが臨設されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the upper housing 1 a is provided with a concave circuit housing portion 27 that is formed in parallel with the coil housing portion 10 and opens to the outside. The circuit housing portion 27 has the opening portion closed by a substantially plate-shaped cover member 28, and a notch portion 29 communicating with the coil housing portion 10 is formed in the bottom portion of the circuit housing portion 27. The terminal portions 19a and 19b of the coil unit 11 are provided on the side.

さらに、前記回路収容部２７の内部には、前記各コイル１５，１６のインピーダンスの差によって操舵補助トルクを演算する前記インピーダンス検出回路３３が収容されている。このインピーダンス検出回路３３は、ビスにより回路収容部２７内に固定され、背面側となる回路収容部２７の底部側から前記切欠部２９を介して臨設された各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂのそれぞれの接続端子２０ａ，２０ｂが接続されている。   Furthermore, the impedance detection circuit 33 for calculating the steering assist torque based on the difference in impedance between the coils 15 and 16 is accommodated inside the circuit accommodating portion 27. The impedance detection circuit 33 is fixed in the circuit housing portion 27 with screws, and is connected to each of the terminal portions 19a and 19b provided from the bottom side of the circuit housing portion 27 on the back side through the notch portion 29. Terminals 20a and 20b are connected.

そして、前記コイル収容部１０の内周部には、図４に示すように、前記切欠部２９と位相を１８０°ずらした位置、すなわち、前記連結部２２に対応する周方向位置に、該連結部２２を回避する横断面ほぼ矩形状に形成された凹溝３０が、前記コイル収容部１０の下端側開口から軸方向に沿って設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 4, the coil housing portion 10 has an inner peripheral portion at a position shifted in phase by 180 ° from the notch portion 29, that is, at a circumferential position corresponding to the connecting portion 22. A recessed groove 30 formed in a substantially rectangular cross section that avoids the portion 22 is provided along the axial direction from the lower end side opening of the coil housing portion 10.

この凹溝３０の溝幅の寸法は、該凹溝３０の側面と前記連結部２２のサポート部２２ｃの側面との間に隙間γを形成するように設定されていて、前記切欠部２９の側面と端子部１９ａ，１９ｂの側面との間に形成された隙間δよりも小さく設定されている。   The groove width dimension of the concave groove 30 is set so as to form a gap γ between the side surface of the concave groove 30 and the side surface of the support portion 22 c of the connecting portion 22, and the side surface of the notch portion 29. And the gap δ formed between the side surfaces of the terminal portions 19a and 19b.

次に、従来のトルクセンサと本実施の形態のトルクセンサのそれぞれの中間ヨーク部材２１内の磁束密度を測定する実験によって得られたそれぞれのトルクセンサの各コイル１５，１６の磁界の向きによる中間ヨーク部材２１の磁化特性を、図５に基づいて説明する。   Next, an intermediate according to the direction of the magnetic field of each coil 15, 16 of each torque sensor obtained by an experiment for measuring the magnetic flux density in each intermediate yoke member 21 of the conventional torque sensor and the torque sensor of the present embodiment. The magnetization characteristics of the yoke member 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

この実験では、前記トルクセンサの第１コイル１５及び第２コイル１６にそれぞれ所定の電流を通電させた際に、所定の厚さ寸法に設定された第１ヨーク部材１７、第２ヨーク部材１８及び中間ヨーク部材２１内に形成される磁束の密度を測定したものである。図５（ａ）は、従来と同様に、前記中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を同じ向きに設定した場合の計算結果を示し、図５（ｂ）は、本実施の形態のように、中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を互いに逆向きに設定した場合の計算結果を示している。   In this experiment, when a predetermined current is applied to the first coil 15 and the second coil 16 of the torque sensor, the first yoke member 17, the second yoke member 18, and the The density of magnetic flux formed in the intermediate yoke member 21 is measured. FIG. 5A shows the calculation result when the magnetic field directions of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 are set to the same direction as in the conventional case, and FIG. As shown in the present embodiment, the calculation results when the magnetic field directions of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 are set to be opposite to each other are shown.

前記トルクセンサは、前記第１コイル１５及び第２コイル１６を通電させると、前記第１ヨーク部材１７、第２ヨーク部材１８及び中間ヨーク部材２１に内に、図５（ａ）及び図５（ｂ）中のそれぞれの矢印が示すような各コイル１５，１６の磁界がそれぞれ形成される。   When the first coil 15 and the second coil 16 are energized, the torque sensor includes the first yoke member 17, the second yoke member 18, and the intermediate yoke member 21, as shown in FIGS. Magnetic fields of the coils 15 and 16 are formed as indicated by arrows in b).

そして、従来のように、前記中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を同じ向きに設定した場合、図５（ａ）に示すように、特に中間ヨーク部材２１の外端部に磁束が集中して、該中間ヨーク部材２１の外端部において磁束の飽和が発生している。   If the direction of the magnetic field of each of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 is set to the same direction as in the prior art, as shown in FIG. Magnetic flux concentrates at the end, and magnetic flux saturation occurs at the outer end of the intermediate yoke member 21.

一方、前記中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を互いに逆向きに設定した場合、図５（ｂ）に示すように、該中間ヨーク部材２１内において磁束が集中して発生する箇所がなく、中間ヨーク部材２１の磁化に伴う磁束の飽和は発生していない。   On the other hand, when the magnetic field directions of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 are set to be opposite to each other, the magnetic flux concentrates in the intermediate yoke member 21 as shown in FIG. Thus, no saturation occurs due to the magnetization of the intermediate yoke member 21.

このように、同一の条件にて実験を行った結果、前記中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を同じ向きに設定すると該中間ヨーク部材２１の磁化飽和が発生するにもかかわらず、中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を互いに逆向きに設定すると該中間ヨーク部材２１の磁化飽和の飽和限界には到達しないことが明らかである。   As described above, as a result of the experiment under the same conditions, magnetization saturation of the intermediate yoke member 21 occurs when the magnetic field directions of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 are set to the same direction. Nevertheless, it is apparent that the saturation limit of magnetization saturation of the intermediate yoke member 21 is not reached if the magnetic field directions of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 are set to be opposite to each other.

これにより、前記中間ヨーク部材２１は、該中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の方向を互いに逆向きに設定することによって、中間ヨーク部材２１の飽和限界を高めることができ、従来の中間ヨーク部材２１の厚さ寸法を縮小して、該中間ヨーク部材２１の薄肉化を図ることが可能となる。   Accordingly, the intermediate yoke member 21 can increase the saturation limit of the intermediate yoke member 21 by setting the directions of the magnetic fields of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 to be opposite to each other. The thickness of the conventional intermediate yoke member 21 can be reduced to reduce the thickness of the intermediate yoke member 21.

また、コイルユニット１１近傍に外部磁界が発生した際には、図６に示すように、コイルユニット１１の近傍で最も大きい断面積を有するトーションバー４の軸方向に最も大きな外部磁界が発生する。そこで、前記中間ヨーク部材２１に形成される第１コイル１５及び第２コイル１６のそれぞれの磁界の向きを互いに逆向きに設定したことによって、図６中の細矢印に示すように、コイルユニット１１の内周側に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界を同一の方向に流すことが可能となる。   Further, when an external magnetic field is generated in the vicinity of the coil unit 11, the largest external magnetic field is generated in the axial direction of the torsion bar 4 having the largest cross-sectional area in the vicinity of the coil unit 11, as shown in FIG. Therefore, by setting the directions of the magnetic fields of the first coil 15 and the second coil 16 formed on the intermediate yoke member 21 to be opposite to each other, as shown by the thin arrows in FIG. It is possible to flow the magnetic fields of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the inner circumference side in the same direction.

これにより、前記各コイル１５，１６の磁界は前記外部磁界の影響によって同じ量だけ増大又は減少することになるため、前記インピーダンス検出回路３３によって行われる各コイル１５，１６のそれぞれのインピーダンスの差に基づく操舵補助トルクの演算において、外部磁界の影響による各コイル１５，１６のインピーダンスの変化量を相殺することができる。   As a result, the magnetic fields of the coils 15 and 16 are increased or decreased by the same amount due to the influence of the external magnetic field, so that the impedance difference between the coils 15 and 16 performed by the impedance detection circuit 33 is reduced. In the calculation of the steering assist torque based on this, it is possible to cancel the amount of change in impedance of each of the coils 15 and 16 due to the influence of the external magnetic field.

さらに、前記コイルユニット１１の内周側に形成される各コイル１５，１６の磁界の向きを同一、例えば図６中の細矢印のように下から上に流れるようにしたことによって、トーションバー４の軸方向に図６中の太矢印のように上から下に向かって流れる外部磁界に対しては、各コイル１５，１６のそれぞれの磁界の向きが外部磁界に対して逆向きとなることから、該外部磁界を打ち消すように作用する。   Furthermore, the direction of the magnetic field of each of the coils 15 and 16 formed on the inner peripheral side of the coil unit 11 is the same, for example, by flowing from the bottom to the top as shown by the thin arrows in FIG. For the external magnetic field that flows from top to bottom as indicated by the thick arrows in FIG. 6 in the axial direction, the direction of the magnetic field of each of the coils 15 and 16 is opposite to the external magnetic field. , Acting to cancel the external magnetic field.

したがって、この実施の形態によれば、前記中間ヨーク部材２１内に形成される第１コイル１５の磁界の向きと第２コイル１６の磁界の向きとを互いに逆向きに設定したことによって、該中間ヨーク部材２１内の磁界の飽和限界を高めることができるため、中間ヨーク部材２１の薄肉化を図ることが可能となる。   Therefore, according to this embodiment, by setting the direction of the magnetic field of the first coil 15 and the direction of the magnetic field of the second coil 16 formed in the intermediate yoke member 21 to be opposite to each other, Since the saturation limit of the magnetic field in the yoke member 21 can be increased, the thickness of the intermediate yoke member 21 can be reduced.

具体的には、前記中間ヨーク部材２１の上下幅方向厚さを、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８の底壁１７ａ，１８ａの上下幅方向厚さの和よりも小さく設定することが可能となっており、前記トルクセンサの仕様によっては、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８の底壁１７ａ，１８ａとほぼ同じ上下幅方向厚さに設定することも可能となっている。これにより、前記トルクセンサの軸方向の短小化を図ることができる。   Specifically, the thickness in the vertical width direction of the intermediate yoke member 21 can be set smaller than the sum of the thickness in the vertical width direction of the bottom walls 17a and 18a of the yoke members 17 and 18. Depending on the specifications of the torque sensor, it is possible to set the thickness in the vertical direction substantially the same as the bottom walls 17a and 18a of the yoke members 17 and 18. Thereby, shortening of the axial direction of the torque sensor can be achieved.

さらに、前記中間ヨーク部材２１を薄肉化できることから、各コイル１５，１６によって形成される磁路を一枚の中間ヨーク部材２１内に共有させることができる。これにより、前記中間ヨーク部材２１を各コイル１５，１６ごとに別個に設ける必要がなく、前記トルクセンサの部品点数を削減することもできる。   Furthermore, since the intermediate yoke member 21 can be thinned, the magnetic path formed by the coils 15 and 16 can be shared within the single intermediate yoke member 21. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide the intermediate yoke member 21 separately for each of the coils 15 and 16, and the number of parts of the torque sensor can be reduced.

また、前記コイルボビン１２を、前記連結部２２を介して中間ヨーク部材２１を挟持するように第１ボビン１３と第２ボビン１４とを一体に形成したことによって、前記コイルユニット１１の組立の際のコイルボビン１２及び中間ヨーク部材２１の取り扱いが容易となり、前記トルクセンサの組み付け作業性の向上が図れる。   The coil bobbin 12 is formed integrally with the first bobbin 13 and the second bobbin 14 so as to sandwich the intermediate yoke member 21 via the connecting portion 22, so that the coil unit 11 can be assembled. The coil bobbin 12 and the intermediate yoke member 21 can be easily handled, and the assembling workability of the torque sensor can be improved.

そして、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８の周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂの端縁に各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂをそれぞれ形成して連結部２２を回避したことによって、前記中間ヨーク部材２１に各ボビン１３，１４の連結に伴う逃げ加工などを一切施すことなく該各ボビン１３，１４を連結することが可能となっている。これにより、中間ヨーク部材２１の逃げ加工などに伴う該中間ヨーク部材２１の磁化飽和限界の低下を抑制することが可能となるため、前記連結部２２の形成に伴う中間ヨーク部材２１の上下幅方向厚さの増加を抑制することができ、前記トルクセンサの軸方向の短小化が図れる。   Then, by forming the connecting portion windows 25a and 25b on the end edges of the peripheral walls 17b and 18b of the yoke members 17 and 18 to avoid the connecting portion 22, the bobbin 13 and the intermediate yoke member 21 are connected to the intermediate yoke member 21, respectively. It is possible to connect the bobbins 13 and 14 without performing any relief processing associated with the connection of 14. Thereby, since it is possible to suppress a decrease in the magnetization saturation limit of the intermediate yoke member 21 due to the relief processing of the intermediate yoke member 21, the vertical direction of the intermediate yoke member 21 due to the formation of the connecting portion 22. The increase in thickness can be suppressed, and the torque sensor can be shortened in the axial direction.

また、前記連結部２２を中間ヨーク部材２１の径方向外側に延設し、前記トルクセンサのセンシング部（中心）から最も遠い位置となる各ヨーク部材１７，１８の周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂの端縁を切欠加工して各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂを設けたことによって、各ボビン１３，１４の連結に伴う各コイル１５，１６のコイル特性の変化を最小限に抑えることができる。   Further, the connecting portion 22 extends outward in the radial direction of the intermediate yoke member 21, and the edges of the peripheral walls 17b and 18b of the yoke members 17 and 18 that are located farthest from the sensing portion (center) of the torque sensor are provided. By providing notches and connecting portions windows 25a and 25b, changes in coil characteristics of the coils 15 and 16 due to the connection of the bobbins 13 and 14 can be minimized.

また、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８の周壁１７ｂ，１８ｂの端縁に各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂを切欠形成し、該各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂからサポート部２２ｃを外部に臨ませる一方、前記コイル収容部１０内にサポート部２２ｃを回避する凹溝３０を設けたことによって、コイル収容部１０内におけるコイルユニット１１の回転方向の移動を抑制することが可能となっている。これにより、コイルユニット１１とインピーダンス検出回路３３との接続部のぐらつきや接触不良などの不具合を防止することができる。   In addition, each connection portion window 25a, 25b is notched at the edge of the peripheral wall 17b, 18b of each yoke member 17, 18, and the support portion 22c is exposed to the outside from the connection portion window 25a, 25b. By providing the concave groove 30 that avoids the support portion 22 c in the coil housing portion 10, it is possible to suppress the movement of the coil unit 11 in the rotation direction in the coil housing portion 10. Thereby, problems, such as wobbling of the connection part of the coil unit 11 and the impedance detection circuit 33, and poor contact, can be prevented.

さらに、前記各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの側面とサポート部２２ｃの側面との間隔γを、前記切欠部２９の側面と端子部１９ａ，１９ｂの側面との間隔δよりも小さく設定したことによって、前記各コイル１５，１６から各端子部１９ａ，１９ｂに向かって引き出される導線の切欠部２９の側面への接触を防止することができることから、各コイル１５，１６の短絡が防止される。   Furthermore, by setting the interval γ between the side surfaces of the connecting portion windows 25a and 25b and the side surface of the support portion 22c to be smaller than the interval δ between the side surface of the notch portion 29 and the side surfaces of the terminal portions 19a and 19b. Since it is possible to prevent the lead wires drawn from the coils 15 and 16 toward the terminal portions 19a and 19b from contacting the side surfaces of the cutout portions 29, short-circuiting of the coils 15 and 16 is prevented.

そして、前記コイルボビン１２の連結部２２に各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂを設ける一方、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８の連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂ内に各係止溝２６ａ，２６ｂを設けたことによって、コイルボビン１２に対して各ヨーク部材１７，１８をそれぞれ係止固定可能としたことから、コイルボビン１２、中間ヨーク部材２１及び各ヨーク部材１７，１８をすべて一体化することが可能となっている。   The engaging protrusions 23a and 23b are provided on the connecting portion 22 of the coil bobbin 12, and the engaging grooves 26a and 26b are provided in the connecting portion windows 25a and 25b of the yoke members 17 and 18. Thus, the yoke members 17 and 18 can be locked and fixed to the coil bobbin 12, so that the coil bobbin 12, the intermediate yoke member 21, and the yoke members 17 and 18 can all be integrated. .

これにより、前記トルクセンサの組み付けの際に、各ボビン１３，１４、中間ヨーク部材２１及び各ヨーク部材１７，１８の取り扱いが容易となることは勿論、手扱いや搬送などにおけるコイルユニット１１の***のおそれがなく、このコイルユニット１１の***に伴うトルクセンサの特性試験を再度行うなどのトルクセンサの組み付け作業性の低下を防止することができる。   This facilitates handling of the bobbins 13 and 14, the intermediate yoke member 21, and the yoke members 17 and 18 when the torque sensor is assembled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the torque sensor assembly workability from being lowered, such as performing a torque sensor characteristic test again due to the division of the coil unit 11.

さらに、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８をコイルボビン１２に係止固定するものの、この固定は仮止めであることから、コイルユニット１１の特性試験の判定結果が不良であった場合には、各ヨーク部材１７，１８をコイルボビン１２から取り外して該各ヨーク部材１７，１８を他のヨーク部材と組み替えて再試験を行うことができる。これにより、コイルユニット１１の歩留まりを向上させることができる。   Further, although each of the yoke members 17 and 18 is locked and fixed to the coil bobbin 12, since this fixing is temporarily fixed, if the judgment result of the characteristic test of the coil unit 11 is poor, each yoke member 17 and 18 can be removed from the coil bobbin 12, and the respective yoke members 17 and 18 can be combined with other yoke members to perform a retest. Thereby, the yield of the coil unit 11 can be improved.

なお、前記連結部２２を、前記端子部１９ａ，１９ｂに対して１８０°位相をずらした位置に形成したことによって、特に各ヨーク部材１７，１８の各端子部用窓２４ａ，２４ｂ及び各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの形成を一工程で行うことができるため、該各ヨーク部材１７，１８の加工作業性が良好となっている。   The connecting portion 22 is formed at a position shifted by 180 ° from the terminal portions 19a and 19b, so that the terminal portions windows 24a and 24b of the yoke members 17 and 18 and the connecting portions are formed. Since the windows 25a and 25b can be formed in one step, the workability of the yoke members 17 and 18 is good.

次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について図７に基づいて説明すると、基本構成は前記第１の実施の形態と同様であり、異なるところは、前記第１の実施の形態における連結部２２の上下方向に対向する各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの一側部が基端側に向かって漸次拡大するほぼテーパ状に形成されている。さらに、該各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂは、その先端側がほぼ円弧状の丸みを帯びた形状に形成されている。   Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the difference is the connecting portion in the first embodiment. One side portion of each of the engagement protrusions 23a and 23b facing each other in the vertical direction is formed in a substantially tapered shape that gradually expands toward the base end side. Further, each of the engaging protrusions 23a and 23b is formed in a rounded shape having a substantially arc shape on the tip side.

一方、前記各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂは、その左右幅方向長さが開口端から底部側に向かって漸次拡大するように切欠形成されている。すなわち、前記各係止溝２６ａ，２６ｂが、各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの外形に対応する形状に形成されている。   On the other hand, the connecting portion windows 25a and 25b are notched so that the length in the left-right width direction gradually increases from the opening end toward the bottom side. That is, the locking grooves 26a and 26b are formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the engaging protrusions 23a and 23b.

この実施の形態によれば、前記各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの先端側を円弧状に形成したことにより、コイルボビン１２に対する各ヨーク部材１７，１８の脱着の際の引っかかりが緩和されて、前記トルクセンサの組み付け作業性の向上が図れる。なお、特に、前記各ヨーク部材１７，１８を取り外す場合には、前記テーパ状に形成された各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂによって各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの開口縁が軸方向外側へと滑らかに案内されるため、コイルボビン１２から各ヨーク部材１７，１８の取り外しがより一層容易に行えるようになっている。   According to this embodiment, since the tip side of each of the engaging projections 23a and 23b is formed in an arc shape, the hooking of the yoke members 17 and 18 with respect to the coil bobbin 12 is alleviated, and the Assembling workability of the torque sensor can be improved. In particular, when the yoke members 17 and 18 are removed, the opening edges of the connecting portion windows 25a and 25b are moved outward in the axial direction by the engaging projections 23a and 23b formed in the tapered shape. Since it is guided smoothly, the yoke members 17 and 18 can be removed from the coil bobbin 12 more easily.

また、前記各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの一側部を基端側に向かってテーパ状に形成したことから、該各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの強度の向上に貢献することができ、コイルボビン１２に対する各ヨーク部材１７，１８の脱着の際の各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂの破損を防止することができる。   Moreover, since one side part of each said engagement protrusion 23a, 23b was formed in the taper shape toward the base end side, it can contribute to the improvement of the intensity | strength of this engagement protrusion 23a, 23b, The engagement protrusions 23a and 23b can be prevented from being damaged when the yoke members 17 and 18 are attached to and detached from the coil bobbin 12.

前記実施形態から把握される前記請求項に記載した発明以外の技術的思想について以下に説明する。   The technical ideas other than the invention described in the claims, as grasped from the embodiment, will be described below.

請求項（１） 前記第１コイルボビン及び第２コイルボビンは軸方向両端側にそれぞれフランジ部を有し、前記第１コイルボビンと前記第２コイルボビンの間に対向する前記両フランジ部を、該両フランジ部の径方向外側に延設されて前記中間部材の外周縁を抱持するように形成された連結部によって連結したことを特徴とする請求項３に記載のトルクセンサ。   (1) The first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin have flange portions at both axial ends, respectively, and the both flange portions facing each other between the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin are both flange portions. The torque sensor according to claim 3, wherein the torque sensor is connected by a connecting portion that extends outward in the radial direction of the intermediate member and is formed so as to hold an outer peripheral edge of the intermediate member.

この発明によれば、前記中間部材の外周縁を抱持するように形成した連結部を介して前記各コイルボビンを連結したことによって、前記中間部材に孔や溝などの加工を施すことがないため、前記中間部材内の前記各コイルの磁界の飽和限界の低下を抑制することが可能となる。これにより、前記連結部の形成に伴う前記中間部材の厚さ寸法の増加を抑制することができ、前記トルクセンサの軸方向の短小化が図れる。   According to this invention, since the coil bobbins are connected via the connecting portions formed so as to hold the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate member, the intermediate member is not processed such as a hole or a groove. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the saturation limit of the magnetic field of each coil in the intermediate member. Thereby, the increase in the thickness dimension of the intermediate member accompanying the formation of the connecting portion can be suppressed, and the torque sensor can be shortened in the axial direction.

請求項（２） 前記第１コイルボビン及び第２コイルボビンは軸方向両端側にそれぞれフランジ部を有し、前記第１コイルボビンと前記第２コイルボビンの間に対向する前記両フランジ部を、該両フランジ部の径方向外側に延設されて前記中間部材の外周縁を抱持するように形成された連結部によって連結すると共に、前記第１ヨーク部材の周壁の端縁に前記連結部の上半部を回避する第１切欠窓を設ける一方、前記第２ヨーク部材の周壁の端縁に前記連結部の下半部を回避する第２切欠窓を設けたことを特徴とする請求項３に記載のトルクセンサ。   (2) The first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin each have a flange portion at both axial ends, and both the flange portions facing each other between the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin, Are connected by a connecting portion that extends outward in the radial direction of the intermediate member so as to hold the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate member, and the upper half of the connecting portion is attached to the edge of the peripheral wall of the first yoke member. 4. The torque according to claim 3, wherein a first cutout window to be avoided is provided, and a second cutout window is provided at an edge of the peripheral wall of the second yoke member to avoid a lower half portion of the connecting portion. Sensor.

この発明によれば、前記中間部材の外周側に連結部を延設すると共に、前記各ヨーク部材の開口端縁に前記各切欠窓を設けて、前記中間部材に加工を施さずに前記各コイルボビンを連結したことによって、前記中間部材内の前記各コイルの磁界の飽和限界の低下を抑制することが可能となる。これにより、前記連結部の形成に伴う前記中間部材の厚さ寸法の増加を抑制することができ、前記トルクセンサの軸方向の短小化が図れる。   According to this invention, the connecting portion is extended on the outer peripheral side of the intermediate member, and the notch windows are provided at the opening end edges of the yoke members, so that the coil bobbins are not processed on the intermediate member. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the saturation limit of the magnetic field of each coil in the intermediate member. Thereby, the increase in the thickness dimension of the intermediate member accompanying the formation of the connecting portion can be suppressed, and the torque sensor can be shortened in the axial direction.

また、前記連結部を前記中間部材の径方向外側に延設して前記各コイルボビンを連結し、前記中間部材ではなく前記トルクセンサのセンシング部（中心）から最も遠い前記各ヨーク部材の周壁の端縁を切欠加工して前記切欠窓を設けたことによって、前記各コイルボビンの連結に伴う前記各コイルのコイル特性の変化を最小限に抑えることができる。   Further, the connecting portion extends radially outward of the intermediate member to connect the coil bobbins, and is not the intermediate member but the end of the peripheral wall of each yoke member farthest from the sensing portion (center) of the torque sensor By providing the notch window by cutting the edge, it is possible to minimize changes in coil characteristics of the coils accompanying the connection of the coil bobbins.

請求項（３） 前記連結部の周方向両側部の上半側に、周方向外側に突出する第１係合突部を延設し、前記連結部の周方向両側部の下半側に、周方向外側に突出する第２係合突部を延設する一方、前記第１切欠窓内に前記第１係合突部に係止する第１係止溝を設け、前記第２切欠窓内に前記第２係合突部に係止する第２係止溝を設けたことを特徴とする請求項（２）に記載のトルクセンサ。   Claim (3) A first engagement protrusion projecting outward in the circumferential direction is extended on the upper half side of both sides in the circumferential direction of the connecting portion, and on the lower half side of both sides in the circumferential direction of the connecting portion, A second engagement protrusion projecting outward in the circumferential direction is extended, while a first locking groove is provided in the first cutout window to be locked to the first engagement protrusion, and the second cutout window is formed in the second cutout window. The torque sensor according to claim 2, wherein a second locking groove for locking to the second engagement protrusion is provided.

この発明によれば、前記第１コイルボビンに対して前記第１ヨーク部材を係止固定すると共に、前記第２コイルボビンに対して前記第２ヨーク部材を係止固定したことによって、前記各コイルボビン、前記中間部材及び前記各ヨーク部材をすべて一体化することができる。このため、前記トルクセンサの組み付け時における前記各コイルボビン、前記中間部材及び前記各ヨーク部材の取り扱いが容易となり、該トルクセンサの組み付け作業性の向上が図れる。   According to the present invention, the first yoke member is locked and fixed to the first coil bobbin, and the second yoke member is locked and fixed to the second coil bobbin. The intermediate member and each of the yoke members can all be integrated. For this reason, the coil bobbins, the intermediate members, and the yoke members can be easily handled when the torque sensor is assembled, and the assembling workability of the torque sensor can be improved.

請求項（４） 前記第１コイル及び第２コイルがそれぞれ捲回されると共に前記連結部を介して互いに連結された前記第１コイルボビン及び第２コイルボビンと、該第１コイルボビン及び第２コイルボビンにそれぞれ被嵌された前記第１ヨーク部材及び第２ヨーク部材と、前記第１コイルボビンと前記第２コイルボビンとの間に挟持状態に保持された前記中間部材とからなるコイルユニットを収容するほぼ円柱状のコイル収容部を有するハウジングをさらに備え、前記コイル収容部の内壁部に軸方向に沿って形成すると共に、前記コイルユニットの連結部と嵌合して前記コイルユニットの回転方向の移動を規制する凹溝を設けたことを特徴とする請求項（１）に記載のトルクセンサ。   (4) The first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin that are wound around the first coil and the second coil and are connected to each other via the connecting portion, and the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin, respectively. A substantially cylindrical shape accommodating a coil unit comprising the first and second yoke members fitted and the intermediate member held in a sandwiched state between the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin. A recess that further includes a housing having a coil housing portion, is formed along an axial direction on an inner wall portion of the coil housing portion, and is fitted with a coupling portion of the coil unit to restrict movement of the coil unit in a rotation direction; The torque sensor according to claim 1, wherein a groove is provided.

この発明によれば、前記ハウジングのコイル収容部内に前記凹溝を設けて前記コイルユニットの回転方向の移動を規制したことによって、前記トルクセンサと回路基板との接続部に対する負荷の発生が防止される。この結果、前記接続部のぐらつきによる接触不良などの不具合を防止することができる。   According to the present invention, the concave groove is provided in the coil housing portion of the housing to restrict the movement of the coil unit in the rotational direction, thereby preventing a load on the connection portion between the torque sensor and the circuit board. The As a result, problems such as poor contact due to wobbling of the connecting portion can be prevented.

請求項（５） 前記ヨーク部材の中間部の上下幅方向寸法を、前記第１コイル側の前記ヨーク部材の上端部の上下幅方向寸法と前記第２コイル側の下端部の上下幅方向寸法との和よりも小さく設定したことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のトルクセンサ。   (5) The vertical width direction dimension of the intermediate part of the yoke member may be the vertical width direction dimension of the upper end part of the yoke member on the first coil side and the vertical width direction dimension of the lower end part on the second coil side. The torque sensor according to claim 1, wherein the torque sensor is set smaller than the sum of the torque sensors.

この発明によれば、前記ヨーク部材の中間部に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界と前記第２コイルの磁界とが互いに前記中間部内における磁界の飽和限界を高めるように作用することから、前記第１コイルを囲繞する前記ヨーク部材と前記第２コイルを囲繞する前記ヨーク部材とを離間して配置する必要がなくなる。この結果、前記中間部の上下幅方向寸法を小さく設定することができる。   According to this invention, the magnetic field of the first coil and the magnetic field of the second coil formed in the intermediate part of the yoke member act so as to increase the saturation limit of the magnetic field in the intermediate part. There is no need to dispose the yoke member surrounding the first coil and the yoke member surrounding the second coil apart from each other. As a result, the dimension in the vertical width direction of the intermediate portion can be set small.

請求項（６） 前記ヨーク部材の中間部の上下幅方向寸法を、前記第１コイル側の前記ヨーク部材の上端部の上下幅方向寸法又は前記第２コイル側の下端部の上下幅方向寸法よりも小さく設定したことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のトルクセンサ。   (6) The vertical width direction dimension of the intermediate portion of the yoke member may be the vertical width direction dimension of the upper end portion of the yoke member on the first coil side or the vertical width direction dimension of the lower end portion on the second coil side. The torque sensor according to claim 1, wherein the torque sensor is set to be smaller.

この発明によれば、前記ヨーク部材の中間部に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界と前記第２コイルの磁界とが互いに前記中間部内における磁界の飽和限界を高めるように作用することから、前記第１コイル又は第２コイルによって形成される磁界のみが流れる前記ヨーク部材の他の部位よりも磁界の飽和限界が高くなる。この結果、前記中間部の上下幅方向寸法を小さく設定することができる。   According to this invention, the magnetic field of the first coil and the magnetic field of the second coil formed in the intermediate part of the yoke member act so as to increase the saturation limit of the magnetic field in the intermediate part. The saturation limit of the magnetic field becomes higher than other portions of the yoke member through which only the magnetic field formed by the first coil or the second coil flows. As a result, the dimension in the vertical width direction of the intermediate portion can be set small.

本発明は、前記各実施の形態の構成に限定されるものではなく、例えば前記コイルボビン１２及び各ヨーク部材１７，１８の形状、大きさ及び数量を、自動車の仕様や大きさなどによって自由に変更することができる
また、前記コイルボビン１２と各ヨーク部材１７，１８との仮固定手段は、前記凹凸嵌合に限定されるものではなく、例えばコイルボビン１２の連結部２２の各接続部２２ａ，２２ｂを、前記各係合突部２３ａ，２３ｂを設けることなくサポート部２２ｃと同じ左右幅に形成する一方、各ヨーク部材１７，１８の各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの両側部を、前記各係止溝２６ａ，２６ｂを設けることなくほぼ直線状に形成すると共に、該各連結部用窓２５ａ，２５ｂの左右幅を各接続部２２ａ，２２ｂの左右幅よりも若干小さく設定することによってコイルボビン１２と各ヨーク部材１７，１８とを圧入状態に仮固定しても、前記各実施の形態と同様の作用効果を奏することができる。 The present invention is not limited to the configuration of each of the above embodiments. For example, the shape, size, and quantity of the coil bobbin 12 and each of the yoke members 17 and 18 can be freely changed depending on the specification and size of the automobile. The temporary fixing means between the coil bobbin 12 and the yoke members 17 and 18 is not limited to the concave / convex fitting. For example, the connecting portions 22a and 22b of the connecting portion 22 of the coil bobbin 12 are provided. The support projections 23a and 23b are not provided with the same width as the support portion 22c, while the connecting portions windows 25a and 25b of the yoke members 17 and 18 are respectively connected to the locking portions. The grooves 26a and 26b are formed in a substantially straight line without providing the grooves 26a and 26b, and the left and right widths of the connection portions windows 25a and 25b are slightly smaller than the left and right widths of the connection portions 22a and 22b. Even if the coil bobbin 12 and the yoke members 17 and 18 are temporarily fixed in a press-fitted state by setting, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

さらに、前記連結部２２は、前記端子部１９ａ，１９ｂに対して１８０°位相をずらした位置に限定されるものではなく、前記各内側フランジ部１３ｂ，１４ｂの外周部であればどの位置に形成してもよい。   Further, the connecting portion 22 is not limited to a position shifted by 180 ° with respect to the terminal portions 19a and 19b, and is formed at any position as long as it is an outer peripheral portion of each of the inner flange portions 13b and 14b. May be.

本発明に係る第１の実施の形態を示し、本発明のコイルユニットを説明する分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and demonstrates the coil unit of this invention. 本発明に係るコイルユニットを示し、（ａ）は外観を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の側面図、（ｃ）は（ａ）の背面図である。The coil unit which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is a perspective view which shows an external appearance, (b) is a side view of (a), (c) is a rear view of (a). 図２（ｂ）のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG.2 (b). 図６のＢ−Ｂ線断面図である。It is the BB sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 本発明に係るコイルユニットに形成される磁界を示す模式図であって、（ａ）は従来のように各コイルの磁界の方向を同じ向きに設定した場合のコイルユニットに形成される磁界の向きを示す実験結果、（ｂ）は各コイルの磁界の方向を互いに逆向きに設定した場合のコイルユニットに形成される磁界の向きを示す実験結果である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the magnetic field formed in the coil unit which concerns on this invention, Comprising: (a) is the direction of the magnetic field formed in a coil unit at the time of setting the direction of the magnetic field of each coil to the same direction like the past (B) is an experimental result which shows the direction of the magnetic field formed in a coil unit when the direction of the magnetic field of each coil is set to be opposite to each other. 本発明に係るパワーステアリング装置の概略図である。1 is a schematic view of a power steering apparatus according to the present invention. 本発明に係る第２の実施の形態を示し、コイルユニットの背面図である。It is a rear view of a coil unit, showing a second embodiment according to the present invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０…コイル収容部
１１…コイルユニット
１２…コイルボビン
１３…第１ボビン（第１コイルボビン）
１４…第２ボビン（第２コイルボビン）
１５…第１コイル
１６…第２コイル
１７…第１ヨーク部材（ヨーク部材）
１８…第２ヨーク部材（ヨーク部材）
２１…中間ヨーク部材（中間部材）
２２…連結部
２３ａ…第１係合突部（係合突部）
２３ｂ…第２係合突部（係合突部）
２５ａ…第１連結部用窓（第１切欠窓）
２５ｂ…第２連結部用窓（第２切欠窓）
２６ａ…第１係止溝
２６ｂ…第２係止溝
３０…凹溝 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Coil accommodating part 11 ... Coil unit 12 ... Coil bobbin 13 ... 1st bobbin (1st coil bobbin)
14 ... Second bobbin (second coil bobbin)
15 ... 1st coil 16 ... 2nd coil 17 ... 1st yoke member (yoke member)
18 ... Second yoke member (yoke member)
21 ... Intermediate yoke member (intermediate member)
22 ... Connection part 23a ... 1st engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion)
23b ... 2nd engagement protrusion (engagement protrusion)
25a ... 1st connection part window (1st notch window)
25b ... Window for second connecting part (second notch window)
26a ... first locking groove 26b ... second locking groove 30 ... concave groove

Claims (3)

上下に軸方向直列に配設された第１コイル及び第２コイルと、
前記第１コイル及び第２コイルを囲繞して設けられて、該第１コイル及び第２コイルの磁路を形成するヨーク部材と、
を備え、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルのインピーダンスの変化に基づいてトルクを検出するトルクセンサであって、
前記第１コイルと前記第２コイルの間に配設された前記ヨーク部材の中間部内に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界の向きと前記第２コイルの磁界の向きとを、それぞれ互いに逆向きに設定したことを特徴とするトルクセンサ。 A first coil and a second coil disposed vertically in series in the vertical direction;
A yoke member provided surrounding the first coil and the second coil and forming a magnetic path of the first coil and the second coil;
A torque sensor for detecting torque based on a change in impedance of the first coil and the second coil,
The direction of the magnetic field of the first coil and the direction of the magnetic field of the second coil formed in an intermediate portion of the yoke member disposed between the first coil and the second coil are opposite to each other. Torque sensor characterized by being set to. 上下に軸方向直列に配設された第１コイル及び第２コイルと、
前記第１コイル及び第２コイルにそれぞれ被嵌される第１ヨーク部材及び第２ヨーク部材と、前記第１ヨーク部材と前記第２ヨーク部材との間に配設された一枚の中間部材と、から構成されて、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルのそれぞれの磁路を形成するヨーク部材と、
を備え、前記第１コイル及び第２コイルのインピーダンスの変化に基づいてトルクを検出するトルクセンサであって、
前記第１コイルにより形成される磁界と前記第２コイルにより形成される磁界とを前記中間部材内に共有させると共に、該中間部材内に形成される前記第１コイルの磁界の向きと前記第２コイルの磁界の向きとを、それぞれ互いに逆向きに設定したことを特徴とするトルクセンサ。 A first coil and a second coil disposed vertically in series in the vertical direction;
A first yoke member and a second yoke member fitted on the first coil and the second coil, respectively, and a single intermediate member disposed between the first yoke member and the second yoke member; And a yoke member that forms a magnetic path of each of the first coil and the second coil, and
A torque sensor for detecting torque based on a change in impedance of the first coil and the second coil,
The magnetic field formed by the first coil and the magnetic field formed by the second coil are shared in the intermediate member, and the direction of the magnetic field of the first coil formed in the intermediate member and the second A torque sensor characterized in that the direction of the magnetic field of the coil is set to be opposite to each other. 前記第１コイル及び第２コイルがそれぞれ捲回された第１コイルボビン及び第２コイルボビンを備え、前記第１コイルボビンと前記第２コイルボビンを、前記中間部材を挟持するように連結したことを特徴とする請求項２に記載のトルクセンサ。
The first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin are wound around the first coil and the second coil, respectively, and the first coil bobbin and the second coil bobbin are connected so as to sandwich the intermediate member. The torque sensor according to claim 2.
JP2006118646A 2006-04-24 2006-04-24 Torque sensor Pending JP2007292522A (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100915264B1 (en) * 2008-03-25 2009-09-03 엘에스전선 주식회사 Torque sensor and electric power steering device with the same
WO2016181923A1 (en) * 2015-05-14 2016-11-17 日本精工株式会社 Torque detecting device, electric power steering device, and vehicle

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JPH1078358A (en) * 1996-09-03 1998-03-24 Nippon Seiko Kk Torque sensor
JPH11248561A (en) * 1998-02-26 1999-09-17 Nippon Seiko Kk Torque sensor

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JPH1078358A (en) * 1996-09-03 1998-03-24 Nippon Seiko Kk Torque sensor
JPH11248561A (en) * 1998-02-26 1999-09-17 Nippon Seiko Kk Torque sensor

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100915264B1 (en) * 2008-03-25 2009-09-03 엘에스전선 주식회사 Torque sensor and electric power steering device with the same
WO2016181923A1 (en) * 2015-05-14 2016-11-17 日本精工株式会社 Torque detecting device, electric power steering device, and vehicle
JP6048631B1 (en) * 2015-05-14 2016-12-21 日本精工株式会社 Torque detection device, electric power steering device, and vehicle
US9771104B2 (en) 2015-05-14 2017-09-26 Nsk Ltd. Torque detection device, electric power steering device, and vehicle

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